2009 Chrysler Pt Cruiser Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Chrysler Pt Cruiser, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical6039.5%
- Engine3019.7%
- Driver assistance1811.8%
- Airbags74.6%
- Steering63.9%
- Powertrain (other)63.9%
- Interior & seats53.3%
- Other / unspecified42.6%
- Exterior lighting42.6%
- Suspension32.0%
- Seat belts32.0%
- Tires & wheels21.3%
- Brakes10.7%
- Fuel system10.7%
- Transmission10.7%
- Visibility10.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
SPORADIC INSTRUMENT CLUSTER POWERS ON AND OFF ILLUMINATING ALL LIGHTS. WHEN CONDITION OCCURS IT IS VASTLY DISTRACTING UNABLE TO DETERMINE VEHICLE SPEED ACCURATELY. WHEN THE ISSUE IS PRESENT THE ENGINE WILL TYPICALLY SHUT OFF. THIS SEEMS LIKE AN INCREDIBLY BAD CONDITION TO ALLOW IN A VEHICLE AND CONTACTING CHRYSLER LED TO NO SOLUTION FOR RESOLVING. INTERNET SEARCH SUGGESTS THIS IS NOT A ONE OFF SITUATION AND EXISTS ACROSS SEVERAL MODEL YEARS. CHRYSLER DOES HAVE A RECALL NOTICE "01V288000" FOR MODEL YEAR 2001 WHICH APPEARS TO BE VERY SIMILAR IN NATURE. DUE TO THE HIGHLY DISTRACTING NATURE OF THIS CONDITION AND FREQUENCY OF SIMILAR OWNER REPORTS IT SEEMS PARTICULARLY EGREGIOUS THAT A RECALL NOTICE DOES NOT EXIST.
WHILE RUNNING AT 45 MPH ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, THE GAUGES WENT TO ZERO, AND THE MOTOR STARTED STUMBLING. TRYING TO NURSE IT HOME, I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHERE THE PREVIOUS THINGS HAPPENED AGAIN BUT ALSO THE MOTOR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THIS LEFT ME STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY 4 LANE HIGHWAY. ENGINE FINALLY RESTARTED WHERE I DROVE IT HOME. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND I SEE WHERE ONLINE THIS HAS BEEN COMPLAINED ABOUT OVER AND OVER. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO THROW THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AT IT AND CHRYSLER DOESN'T CARE.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
SPORADIC INSTRUMENT CLUSTER POWERS ON AND OFF ILLUMINATING ALL LIGHTS. WHEN CONDITION OCCURS IT IS VASTLY DISTRACTING UNABLE TO DETERMINE VEHICLE SPEED ACCURATELY. WHEN THE ISSUE IS PRESENT THE ENGINE WILL TYPICALLY SHUT OFF. THIS SEEMS LIKE AN INCREDIBLY BAD CONDITION TO ALLOW IN A VEHICLE AND CONTACTING CHRYSLER LED TO NO SOLUTION FOR RESOLVING. INTERNET SEARCH SUGGESTS THIS IS NOT A ONE OFF SITUATION AND EXISTS ACROSS SEVERAL MODEL YEARS. CHRYSLER DOES HAVE A RECALL NOTICE "01V288000" FOR MODEL YEAR 2001 WHICH APPEARS TO BE VERY SIMILAR IN NATURE. DUE TO THE HIGHLY DISTRACTING NATURE OF THIS CONDITION AND FREQUENCY OF SIMILAR OWNER REPORTS IT SEEMS PARTICULARLY EGREGIOUS THAT A RECALL NOTICE DOES NOT EXIST.
WHILE RUNNING AT 45 MPH ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, THE GAUGES WENT TO ZERO, AND THE MOTOR STARTED STUMBLING. TRYING TO NURSE IT HOME, I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHERE THE PREVIOUS THINGS HAPPENED AGAIN BUT ALSO THE MOTOR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THIS LEFT ME STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY 4 LANE HIGHWAY. ENGINE FINALLY RESTARTED WHERE I DROVE IT HOME. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND I SEE WHERE ONLINE THIS HAS BEEN COMPLAINED ABOUT OVER AND OVER. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO THROW THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AT IT AND CHRYSLER DOESN'T CARE.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
INTERMITTENTLY ALL DASH LIGHTS COME ON AND ALL GAUGES BEGIN FLUCTUATING AND THE CAR WILL BEGIN TO SPUTTER AND SOMETIMES DIES AND THEN IT DOESN'T DO IT AGAIN FOR MILES
MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, ALL THE LIGHTS ON DASH ILLUMINATE WHEN THE CAR IS FIRST STARTED, SOMETIMES FLASHING ON AND THEN OFF WHEN DRIVING. IF DRIVING, SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL EITHER ACCELERATE OR SLOW DOWN. BECAUSE THE SPEEDOMETER GOES BACK AND FORTH, I HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST I'M GOING. IF I SLOW DOWN WHEN APPROACHING A RED LIGHT OR TO MAKE A TURN, THE CAR HAS CUT OFF. LOOKING ONLINE, THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM OF PT CRUISER OWNERS, YET I'VE NEVER SEEN A RECALL. DIAGNOSTICS RAN A FEW TIMES AND NO READING SHOWS UP. ONLY TOLD, IT APPEARS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR TURNED ON AND OFF BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. ALSO, THE HORN DID NOT WORK DUE TO THE AIR BAG INDICATOR THAT WAS WIRED INTO THE HORN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT CALLED HILLTOP CHRYSLER DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT IF THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE HORN OR AIR BAG, THE REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. *TT *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION AT 35 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE TOWING COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES, ONE OF WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT SUFFERED NECK, SHOULDER, AND HEAD PAIN. THE CHILD OCCUPANT SUFFERED FROM A BRUISED FOOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 59,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS OCCURS ALL THE TIME WETHER I AM DRIVING ON RESIDENTAL ROAD OR ON A HIGHWAY GOING 70 MPH. MY CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS LOSING POWER WHICH IT IS. ALL THE LIGHTS ON MY DASH ARE LIT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE AND I HAVE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD VERY CAREFULLY AS I LOSE STEERING AS WELL. SOMETIMES I CAN JUST RESTART THE CAR AND EVERYTHING IS FINE, SOMETIMES IT IS A FEW MINUTES AND A FEW TIMES IT HAS TAKEN A FEW HOURS. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN TO GET THE CODES READ BUT THEY TELL ME IT IS EITHER THE GAS CAP IS LOOSE OR ANOTHER ISSUE WITH THE FUEL. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND THEY PUT IT ON THEIR COMPUTER AND GOT DIFFERENT READINGS. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A FUEL VACUUM PROBLEM WHICH WAS CORRECTED. I STILL HAVE THE ISSUES. NOW SOMETIMES THE ENGINE JERKS AND PULLS BUT I DON'T LOOSE POWER. MECHANIC IS UNABLE TO FIND PROBLEM. DID NOT TAKE TO DEALERSHIP AFTER READING ALL THE HORROR STORIES ABOUT PAYING DEALERS TONS OF MONEY AND STILL NOT HAVING A WORKING CAR. ALSO IF I HAVE MORE THEN ONE KEY ON MY KEYRING THEN THE IGNITION SWITCH DOESN'T WORK. IF I LIMIT MY KEYRING TO JUST MY CAR KEY AND HOUSE KEY THEN MY CAR STARTS EVERYTIME AND NO CUTTING OUT WHILE AT COMPLETE STOP LIKE IT HAS IN THE PAST. WE BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN JULY 2011 AND IT NOW HAS APROX. 66,000 MILES.
PURCHASED VEHICLE NEW IN MARCH 2009. IN AUGUST 2012 HAD TO HAVE BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS REPLACED - WITH ONLY 3 YEARS AND 9,000 MILES. LATER LEARNED SON HAD TO HAVE SAME REPAIR ON USED 2008 P/T HE HAD BOUGHT. IN OCTOBER 2015, ONLY 3 YEARS AND 9,000 MILES MORE, HAD TO HAVE THE SAME REPAIR DONE AGAIN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY VEHICLE SHUTS OFF RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH AND WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65 MPH. VERY SCARY, DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN MY OWN CAR. FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY.
AFTER STARTING AND RUNNING NORMALLY FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE WILL BEGIN TO EXHIBIT ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE GAUGES WILL DROP TO ZERO AND THEN SLOWLY RETURN, THE WARNING LIGHTS WILL FLASH, AND THE WARNING CHIME WILL SOUND REPEATEDLY. IT SEEMS LIKE WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE ENGINE GOES THROUGH A START CYCLE. MOST OF THE TIME, THIS PROBLEM IS OTHERWISE ASYMPTOMATIC, BUT OCCASIONALLY IT RESULTS IN SUDDEN POWER LOSS TO THE ENGINE. IT DOES NOT SEEM TO MATTER IF THE VEHICLE IS MOVING OR NOT; IT HAPPENS IF THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, MOVING SLOWLY, MOVING QUICKLY, ETC. THE ENGINE HAS LOST POWER MORE THAN ONCE AT A CRITICAL MOMENT (TURNING LEFT, CLEARING AN INTERSECTION) AND MULTIPLE TIMES IN MOVING TRAFFIC.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHEN THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SEAT SWITCH BEZEL FRACTURED AND RESULTED IN EXPOSED WIRING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE COMPONENT FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
A FOLLOW-UP TO COMPLAINT 11001939 ; WHERE THE WHEEL SENSOR/VALVE BLEW OUT OF THE RIM ; TOOK THE TIRE AND RIM TO "COSTCO TIRE" WHERE I HAD BOUGHT THE TIRES ; THE CHRYSLER ALUMINUM SENSOR WAS STILL INSIDE THE TIRE ; THEY SAID THE ALUMINUM WAS SO CORRODED ; THEY COULD NOT REPAIR IT ; NOW AS AN ENGINEER IN THE METALS INDUSTRY ; YOU N E V E R ; PUT ALUMINUM AND STEEL PARTS TOGETHER BECAUSE JUST THEM TOUCHING EACH OTHER ; CAUSES A GALVANIC REACTION WHICH DOES EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED HERE...............CORROSION AND SEPARATION. ANY TIME THE TWO METAL TOUCH YOU GET THIS REACTION; TO PUT THESE TOGETHER YOU SURROUND THE METAL WITH A SLEEVE CALLED A "JOCK" KIT TO KEEP THE SEPARATE; OBVIOUSLY TO PREVENT THIS. EVEN THOUGH I STOPPED THE VEHIHCLE AS SOON AS MY SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON I ALSO DESTROYED THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE (BFGOODRICH ADVANTAGE)........THE TIRE MANAGER ASKED HOW I KEPT THE VEHICLE FROM CRASHING; I TOLD HIM I WAS AN EXPERIENCED RACE CAR DRIVER AND DIDN'T PANIC. NOW ; ALL CHRYSLER PT CRUISER TO MY AND COSTCO'S TIRE MANAGER HAVE SEEN HAVE THE SAME SET-UP FOR WHEEL SENSORS IN ALL THEIR MODELS ; I OWN 2 OF THEM ; LOVE THEM ; BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE AND WITH WATER ETC. ADDED TO THE FACTS, I'M SURE THEIR ARE OTHERS' WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND MAYBE NOT THE EXPERIENCE TO NOT MAKE THIS A "ROLLOVER" OR "OTHER LANE SWERVE " SITUATION. I LIVE IN PA. BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NEVER DRIVEN THE WINTER THRU SALTS FOR SNOW ; REALLY A CONCERN IN MY MIND HOW THESE ARE IN STEEL RIMS.............PROBABLY DOES NOT EFFECT THE ALUMINUM OPTIONAL WHEELS THEY OFFERED. THANKS
WHEEL SENSOR /AIR VALVE BLEW OUT OF WHEEL ITSELF ON THE INTERSTATE 79 @ 70 MPH ; OBVIOUSLY LOST ALL AIR SUDDENLY ; HAVE HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM FROM ANOTHER PT CRUISE OWNER ; THESE ARE FACTORY INSTALLED WHEEL SENSOR/AIR VALVES................NO DAMAGE STOPPED WITH 10 SECONDS. I SEE REPORTS HERE AS FAR BACK AS 2011 ; SHOWN UNDER TIRES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING ALONG AT ANY SPEED THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKER FROM BRIGHT TO DULL. *TR
MY RIGHT REAR TAIL KEEPS FILLING UP WITH WATER WHICH COULD CAUSE A BRAKE LIGHT MALFUNCTION, OR AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT SHORT OUT THE BULB. I HAVE THE VEHICLE IN THE SHOP NOW REPAIRING THE REAR LATCH THAT QUIT WORKING COULD THAT BE RELATED? *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARINGS AND HUBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING AND HUBS WERE DEFECTIVE ONCE AGAIN. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WITHIN A VERY SMALL TIME FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000. *TR
FRONT CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS NEED TO BE REPLACED. CAR HAS ONLY 39,000 MILES ON IT. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED AS A RENTAL RETURN WITH ONLY 389 MILES ON IT. SEEMS THAT THE BUSHINGS SHOULDN'T BE GOING OUT WITH LESS THAN 40,000 MILES ON A VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS HAD ALL REQUIRED MAINTENANCE AND NEW TIRES - I BABY THIS CAR. ALSO, PANEL WITH CONTROLS ON LEFT SIDE OF DRIVERS SEAT HAS DETACHED. I HAVE TRIED TO REATTACH MANY TIMES WITH NO SUCCESS. I WILL NEED TO BRING TO THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX. UNFORTUNATELY BOTH OF THESE ITEMS HAPPENED JUST AFTER MY 36/36 WARRANTY WAS UP AND IS NOT COVERED BY MY LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. HAVE BEEN QUOTED NEARLY $1000 TO FIX BOTH. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT IS TORN. THE STITCHING UNRAVELED FROM THE BELT PART WHICH GOES ACROSS THE CHEST. THE METAL PIECE IS IN THE FASTENER, BUT NO BELT IS ATTACHED TO IT. IT IS DANGEROUS FOR THE PASSENGER AND UNLAWFUL IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SEAT BELTS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,426.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TPMS FAILURES. 3 OUT OF HAVE FAILED SO FAR. THE FIRST OCCURED WHEN I FILLED THE THE TIRE WITH AIR.THE VALVE STEM HAD BROKEN OFF . THE SECOND AND THIRD HAVE APPEARED BEFORE DOING FRONT BRAKES THIS PAST WEEKEND. BOTH VALVE STEMS ARE ABOUT TO FAIL.THEY HAVE MULTIPLE CRACKS AND NEED REPLACING. *TR
FAILURE OF ALUMINUM VALVE STEMS ON TPMS SENSORS RESULTING IN RAPID LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE. CAN RESULT FROM SIMPLE SERVICE TO ADD AIR TO TIRES OR DURING HIGHWAY USE RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL SIMILAR TO A BLOWOUT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR. HE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS FOUR TIMES. THE BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED ON DECEMBER 21, 2010. THE CONTACT HAD NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER FILED TWO REPORTS #20028521, #19428228, AND ADVISED THEM THAT THEY COULD NO LONGER ASSIST HIM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,806, AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,407. UPDATED 02/09/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED. UPDATED 03/09/11
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, ALL WARNING LIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF, THEN ALL GUAGES GO UP AND DOWN DRAMATICALLY, THE LOSS OF POWER, CAR COMES TO STOP BUT ENGINE DOESN'T DIE. TURN OFF ENGINE, THEN ON THEN SAME THING 2-3 MORE X ON WAY HOME. DANGEROUS. DUE TO FAULTY TIPM MADE BY CHRYSLER? THIS HAS HAPPENED 20 DIFFERENT DAYS IN LAST MONTH, ALSO BATTERY DEAD ONCE, ENGINE COOLING FAN FAILED TWICE, REAR TAILLIGHTS BLEW FROM ELECTRICAL SURGES 3X, TWICE POWER WINDOW WOULDN'T GO. TAKEN INTO SHOP TWO DIFF. OCCASIONS BUT CAN'T REPEAT PROBLEM SO THEY CAN'T FIX IT. HELP! CAR WAS ON HIGHWAY SEVERAL TIMES AND ON 30-40 MPH STREETS OTHER TIMES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS ENGAGED, THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT IN AND OUT OF GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAULTY CLUTCH WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE SERVICE WARRANTY AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE WINDSHIELD ON THIS VEHICLE CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE CRACK STARTED AT THE BOTTOM, JUST LEFT OF CENTER. THE CRACK RAN UP THE WINDSHIELD FOR ABOUT 3 INCHES, THEN TURNED 90 DEGREES TO THE RIGHT. OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, THE CRACK RAN ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT A-PILLAR. IT BEARS MENTIONING THAT THE CRACK STARTED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY. THE CAR HADN'T EVEN BEEN STARTED YET. I'VE SEEN MANY MENTIONS ON-LINE OF PT CRUISER'S WITH PROBLEMS IDENTICAL TO MINE, AND MY NEIGHBOR'S PT ALSO HAS THIS SAME CRACK. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE CHRYSLER DEALER, THEY DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF AN ISSUE WITH PT WINDSHIELDS, AND DENIED MY REPAIR REQUEST UNDER WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS STILL COVERED BY CHRYSLER'S 36/36 BUMPER-TO-BUMPER WARRANTY. WHEN I CALLED CHRYSLER CUSTOMER CARE, THEY AGREED, AFTER A GREAT DEAL OF WRANGLING, TO FIX MY WINDSHIELD IF I PAID A $100.00 DEDUCTIBLE. I DID, RELUCTANTLY, BECAUSE HERE IN TEXAS, A VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS A SAFETY INSPECTION WITH A CRACKED WINDSHIELD. IT'S OBVIOUS THAT CHRYSLER HAS AN ONGOING SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE PT CRUISER WINDSHIELDS. IT ALSO SEEMS OBVIOUS THAT CHRYSLER HAS THEIR HEAD BURIED IN THE SAND. CHRYSLER NEEDS TO BE FORCED TO DEAL WITH THE PT CRUISER WINDSHIELD ISSUE IN A PROPER MANNER, BEFORE IT CAUSES INJURY OR WORSE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .