Chrysler PT Cruiser Complaints

2,623 consumer complaints on file.

#11768446October 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 31,056, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 28,400. The vehicle report indicated that in 2017 the mileage was 48,000. The contact reported the issue to the New Jersey DMV.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747003June 28, 2026
SEATS
The front passenger seat heating system experienced a catastrophic electrical malfunction. While the vehicle was started and parked in our driveway, the front passenger seat suddenly developed an extreme hot spot and became engulfed in flames even though the heated seat switch was in the OFF position and had not been activated. The failed heated seat component has been retained and is available for inspection. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer or service center because the incident occurred at our residence and the vehicle is currently undriveable due to burned electrical wiring. Attempting to start or operate the vehicle could result in an electrical short because of the exposed and damaged wiring caused by the fire. Both the local police department and fire department responded to the scene and inspected the vehicle. There were no warning lights, warning messages, unusual odors, or prior symptoms indicating a problem before the fire occurred. This incident represents a significant fire hazard because the heated seat ignited without being turned on. Had this occurred while the vehicle was being driven or while occupants were seated in the vehicle, it could have resulted in serious injury or death due to burns, smoke inhalation, or loss of vehicle control. Likewise, had the vehicle been parked inside an attached garage, the fire could have spread to the residence and placed lives at risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738367May 17, 2026
ENGINE
So I had been having issues with the car overheating well I'm almost home and my daughter says she smells smoke so pull over and rush to get my babies out of the car because under the hood it had caught on fire
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726467March 23, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TIPM. Faulty Module, causing ignition/run power loss while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719373February 20, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the contact was informed that the power steering fluid hose was leaking. The contact stated that at that time, it was a small leak; however, the power steering fluid hose then developed a severe leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected. The contact was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be performed. The contact declined to pay for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674679July 19, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown went to get an inspection and I got a paper with information for how to search up if there was any recalls with my car and it has 5 recalls it said
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655145April 17, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649916March 22, 2025
ENGINE
The engine blew up! Under 70,000 mileage but after 10 years. Mechanics can’t figure out what’s wrong with it. The try this and that. The catalytic converter, spark plugs… everything you can imagine. Just started to cost more than it was worth.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642120February 12, 2025
AIR BAGS
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639675January 30, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
tampered odometer
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11623583November 5, 2024
SEATS
The contact owns a 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the front driver's side seat erroneously rolled backwards, and the driver was unable to reach the brake pedal. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted regarding the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 87,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11623671November 5, 2024
POWER TRAIN, POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11620679October 18, 2024
STEERING
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking with and an abnormal odor emanating through the vents. Additionally, the steering wheel became firm. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering system needed to be repaired because the hose was disconnected. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11620681October 18, 2024
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while the A/C defroster was activated, there was no air blowing through the vents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the blower motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 194,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11614718September 15, 2024
SEAT BELTS
Front seat belt doesn't engage after many attempts.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11614720September 15, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHen the fog lights are engaged, smoke and burning smell appears to be coming inside the steering wheel on the left side.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11611825August 30, 2024
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The clutch will not disengage every time and never fully disengages. I noticed my car had a recall for this problem in the past, so before doing the work, I called a dealer for Chrysler and was informed that the recall had already been performed. So I took it upon myself at my own expense to have the clutch replaced. It worked fine for a few months, but it started doing the same thing again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11595572June 20, 2024
VISIBILITY, STRUCTURE:BODY
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the rear quarter glass fasteners on both sides of the vehicle had started to separate from the vehicle. The contact stated that the windows were violently shaking while driving at various speeds. The contact was concerned that the windows might fall out while driving and cause injury to a pedestrian. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11576953March 12, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser on 1/10/2024. I learned that the Chrysler Dealership does not make keys for the vehicle when locked out, nor does it Service the vehicle. They will "address" a Recall Notice and will do an oil change and will do an inspection only. Chrysler Dealership told me to "Come back tomorrow" when a Recall Notice was issued and they said it was not Safety Related, however a Power Steering Pressure Hose was found to be leaking/exploding oil and this IS a safety related issue. I was rear ended 1/23/24 with 2 dogs in the car. I did not purchase Uninsured Motorists Insurance because I thought under CA State Law that I was legally compliant with insurance I had purchased. I thought between two cars in a potential accident, one had to be able to cover fault for any reason if not both equally. I was told by my Insurance to go after the other Man's Insurance, even if he was not the driver and this did not seem right. The other Man's Insurance Policy had lapsed and I was told there is no coverage for being rear ended. The man said I hit him and said something about "not seeing" the light or turn signal which I demonstrated for functionality. Vehicle has been given different assessments and inspections from 1/10 when purchased to present. I paid $500 at one AAA ASE Facility and $15,000 out of Retirment plus hotel for 3 weeks for the vehicle "dying" and the problem cannot be identified. Car is doing weird things mechanically and no one can locate the problem. There is unaddressed Body Damage where the Rear Left Light (plastic and housing) broke. The vehicle has to have body repair and a new light ordered at a cost greater than what is available through an Auto Dismantler. Chrysler does not make parts for this vehicle. There was rust and corrosion in coolant and metal found in Transmission. I paid full price for a used Transmission. I need someone to review traffic footage to determine when the window went down and dog went out and why
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11562365December 28, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS, ENGINE
Problems reside in the total integrated power management module. TPIM whereas vehicle will shut off while driving. No indicator lights to give warning before the vehicle shuts off. Has on occasion shut off and recovered power multiple times within a minute This is a very dangerous scenario to conduct a road test or have someone confirm the issue on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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