8.0
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $600
- Average Mileage:
- 71,400 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 10 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (6 reports)
- will have to replace dashboard (3 reports)
- purchase a dash cover (1 reports)
needs to be recalled for defective merchandise or poor installation at assembly plant.
- Doris H., Cape Coral, FL, US
I really like my PT cruiser but the dash is cracked and an unsightly mess!! You can go down the road and hear really loud popping noises as the dash continues to crack! The first time this happened, I almost ran off the road thinking I had just been the victim of a drive by shooting! It cracks more in the cold as well as the heat! Chrysler needs to fix these dashboards. Hopefully they are not using the same material for the newer cars!
- sammyscircus, Grandview, MO, US
I just want everyone to know that the PT Cruiser may have a problem with the dashboard cracking.
- cmichalak, Brownstown, MI, US
Dealer said it was not covered undered warranty when clearly it was an issue of cheap plastic with the vent, which cracked first and once the vent was just a hole, then the dash cracked in 3 cracks.
- rosefromtexas, Grand Junction, CO, US
Went through worst winter in recorded history for MD. Turned on defroster for front window and started clearing a couple feet of snow and ice from my car and cleared driveway. Loaded child up in car and headed to daycare/work. Heard a cracking noise and a piece of the vent from the dashboard came flying off and whizzing by my head. I caught it before it hit my child (would have been a direct hit in the face). I now have a hole in my dashboard where the vent used to be and a crack leading from the "vent". Cheap, cheap, CHEAP product! I'm sure if I dismantled the engine, I'd find a hamster, a wheel and some rubber bands making this thing run.
- mdunn, Millersville, MD, US
Chrysler. Fix the damn dashboards! I think it was a problem from the beginning, but the consumers didn't know about it. I bought my PT brand new, had it special ordered. Silver with red-pin-stripes. I added fender skirts,sun visors on every window, sunroof and the car is sharp. No complaints except the dang dashboard. The blasted dashboard will cost me nearly $600.00 to have it fixed! So please Mr. Chrysler, I'm talking to the chief. Do something about this problem. I thought about trading it for a new version, but am afraid too. I wish I could send you a photo of the raggedy dashboard. Help! Help! Help!
- Barbara U., Orangeburt, SC, US
Cracked dashboard - passenger side. (typical Chrysler) NOT covered by extended warranty, Dealer states that I MUST pay entire repair amount.
- sausage, Wappingers Falls, NY, US
Noticed a small crack in the dash, then 3 days ago I watched the crack go all the way across the dash. I see a lot of complaints on the net about this, but I don't see where Chrysler is doing anything. Chrysler told me to take it to the dealer. DUH..........If a lot of cruisers are getting dash cracks...........why hasn't there been a recall?
To me the dashboard that Chrysler has designed and engineered into the PT Cruiser and that is failing, across the country, is not subject to normal wear like breaks, tires, or even a seat cushion. It is not subject to exterior trauma like stone strikes, shopping carts hits, etc. Essentially the top of the dashboard is not subject to driving stresses? That indicates a design or material flaw that is Chrysler's responsibility.
I will get my dash replaced, because I can't stand to see this crack, that is getting worse, but I would sure like Chrysler to step up to the plate!
- Robbie Z., Lakeland, FL, US
This seems to have appeared overnight! I now live in Florida but I bought the car in Michigan and lived there for the first year of ownership. I keep ArmorAll on it and use my windshield sun deflector every day. Has anyone else had this problem?
- Kathy J., Holiday, FL, US
Dash began breaking apart after a number of years. Vehicle was kept outside, not garaged. Replacement dash lasted longer than the original—in fact, that replacement dashboard may be the most pristine part of the car.
- Brian A., Muncie, US