10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
63,501 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #15

May 192020

PT Cruiser

  • 197,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler PT CRUISER. The contact stated while making a sharp left turn into her garage, there was an abnormal noise and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware of power steering fluid leak from a hole on the power steering hose. The vehicle was towed to olympia Chrysler Jeep located at 2110 carriage dr sw, olympia, wa 98502, (360) 754-5500, where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact informed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 197,000.

- Tumwater, WA, USA

problem #14

Mar 022020

PT Cruiser

  • miles
I have a problem whit my steering wheel pump on my 06 pt. Cruiser and for what I have. Read on the internet there's is other years like 03 04 05 that have the same problem and is been fix by dealer but not on the 06 which I know alot other people have had the same issue as me and honestly this is pretty unsafe for drivers

- Oakland, CA, USA

problem #13

Jun 092018

PT Cruiser

  • 131,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler PT CRUISER. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver and an abnormal whining and grinding noise was heard. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The contact researched the failure online and found that the failure could be due to the high pressure hose rubbing against the transaxle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

- Matthews, NC, USA

problem #12

Feb 092017

PT Cruiser

  • 60,091 miles
When driving vehicle the steering capability occasionally seizes and vehicle cannot be turned for a few moments. This is very dangerous since it can happen at a turn in the road. Also, at stop lights the car tries to jolt forward. Again this is occurs at inconsistent times. Additionally the car dies in idle when the temperature outside rises above 60 degrees. The check engine light came on and when code was read it stated the cooling system was in need of repair. Upon further investigation into the issue we found the fan worked but was not being switched on. So we replaced the fan switch. Immediately it blew the switch. The mechanics cannot identify the issue. While additional codes just get thrown into the pile. After some research I found that I am not the only one experiencing this issue. I check often to see if something has been recalled or if anyone has found a solution that provides lasting change but I have not found any advice or solution that actually fixes the issue. These issues are reoccurring so I am stating the last occurrence which was just this morning.

- Longview, WA, USA

problem #11

Dec 122016

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • miles
For all you Chrysler PT CRUISER lovers! problem solved today! dashboard lights repeatedly go on and off, engine stalling while driving or idling, I have a 2006 and have been plagued with this issue for a few years now. Dealer mechanics are idiots who go for the big ticket items and hope that solves the problem. This problem for me, was caused by a faulty key ignition module, in the steering wheel. Internal parts are loose and fail to keep an electrical connection. A $60-90 retail part. Easily replaced by anyone who can use a torx screwdriver. You will get a new key to start the car with but it does not include a skip anti-theft rf module, so just keep the old key on the chain to open your car doors with. Now, how about Chrysler man up and fix all these including providing new rf keys so I don't need to keep 2 on my chain. My original complaint: NHTSA id number: 10823650 tipm already replaced 1X for same issues occurring again now, a few years later and for at least the last 8 months from this posting, occurring more and more frequently now and last time occurring was Feb 01, 2016. All dash / engine status lights come on for no reason, then off seconds later, occurring anytime while engine is running. Engine stalls - sputtering, power steering and breaks fail to work properly during this time, fuel level gauge wildly fluctuates and smell of gas is noticeable, all causing a dangerous situation when at highway speeds. Head lights and interior lights randomly go bright or dim for a fraction of a second. Dealership unable to diagnose as it does not stay broke long enough for their techs to diagnose with their equipment even after having the car for 2 full days, despite this problem seen visually by dealer and on video recording. Suspect tipm / ECM, integrated voltage regulator is at fault...

- Wpb, FL, USA

problem #10

Apr 052016

PT Cruiser

  • 40,000 miles
The motor mounts failed and now the rocker arms are shot. I am afraid to drive the car. I had two mounts repaired-still shakes. Took in for an oil change-they said the rocker arms are shot. Getting an estimate today. I am moving April 18 from California to Texas and am concerned about the safety of this car. It has 40,000 miles on it.

- Fresno, CA, USA

problem #9

Apr 012011

PT Cruiser

  • 55,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler PT CRUISER. While driving at various speeds, the engine stalled, the steering wheel seized, and the entire instrument panel illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

- Bay City , MI, USA

problem #8

Oct 282014

PT Cruiser

  • 96,000 miles
If my ignition switch is too far forward my car will lose power and what to stop I figured out if when I turn the car on and move the switch back the car will not do that but if I forget and leave it forward it will do this again all my lights come on and I lose power. I believe it should be part of this recall.

- Newark, OH, USA

problem #7

Jun 192014

PT Cruiser

  • 39,000 miles
When I first bought the car the steering wheel was loose that was in 2007 they fix it... now in 2014 its loose again it feels like the bolt is coming loose again I hope I don't get in a accident I feel this is something Chrysler should fix this is dangerous this is the 2nd time now the first time was at 39,000 it has now 154,00.

- Arlington, WA, USA

problem #6

Mar 012013

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • 56,000 miles
The key is stuck in the ignition...I have to unattach the battery cable so the battery will not go dead. I am women who has a disease called cancer..I am truly in some need to have someone to investigate this matter as soon as possible.the dealer wants to charge at least $330 to figure out which I am on a fixed income, still making payments on the car.I feel like this should not be a fault of mine when a key is stuck in the ignition. I need your assistance because the car can not get inspected and I am unable to get to my treatments. Please help me!...your assistance in this matter is highly appreciated.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #5

Feb 182013

PT Cruiser

  • 78,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 PT CRUISER. The contact stated that the steering wheel exhibited a squeaking noise when turned. The steering wheel also became hard to turn. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 04V268000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 78,000.

- Distric Heights, MD, USA

problem #4

Jan 112012

PT Cruiser

  • 104,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler PT CRUISER. The contact stated that whenever the steering wheel was turned. A squealing noise emitted from the steering column. The contact examined the vehicle and noticed that power steering fluid was leaking out of the power steering pump. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the power steering pump was replaced. The failure continued. The current and failure mileages were 104,000.

- Gainesville, FL, USA

problem #3

Feb 262011

PT Cruiser

  • 71,000 miles
I own a 2006 Chrysler PT CRUISER w/automatic trans. The electrical system, Inc. The 4 cyl engine in my vehicle completely failed 3 sepsraste times, twice last year, and 1 time so far this year while driving in a residential area. This condition causes the air bag to not deploy; exterior and interior lights as well as all power assist systems such as steering and breaks, as well as all other electrical accessories to fail. I contacted the vehicle manufacturer and was instructed to take my vehicle into the local dealer as I was able to restart, as was I able each time previous, given I experienced no further problems until last week. However, the dealer diagnostic test yielded nothing which could account for the vehicle complete operational shut-down. I was advised there are no recalls, or warranty, and the dealer informed me to contact the manufacturers customer assistance center to advise them. The customer case manager indicated there would be no assistance forthcoming as the diagnostic testing showed nothing conclusive. The latest falure milease was 72,000.

- St. George, UT, USA

problem #2

Oct 172010

PT Cruiser

  • 25,422 miles
My car had been sluggish when attempting to turn. It was so gradual I did not think much about it. Then I attempted a sharp right turn and the car did not respond well. Damage to both left tires and rims when unable to turn car to the right. Taken to tire choice for repairs. They then found that the left & right control arms were defective. They had to replace both, said it was a common problem with PT CRUISER. They checked and there was no recall of these parts, they explained to me that at one point I would have lost complete control of the car due to the defective control arms. I feel this repair bill should be covered through Chrysler and the resulting damage to right rims and tires should be reimbursed to me. Accident would not have occurred if control arms had not been defective

- Port Saint Lucie, FL, USA

problem #1

Jun 052010

PT Cruiser

  • miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler PT CRUISER. While driving approximately 2 mph in reverse, the contact heard a noise. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who stated that there was no power steering fluid in the vehicle. The power steering fluid was replaced; however, the contact stated that she had to constantly replace the fluid and was unable to find out where the leak was located. The vehicle was not taken to an authorized dealer to be examined. The current and failure mileages were unknown.

- Sharpsburg, GA, USA