2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Routine

Owners filed 150 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. No safety recall has been issued.

Not among the Chrysler PT Cruiser years to avoid. Which Chrysler PT Cruiser years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
52,000 milesMedian miles at failure

124 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems

44 of the 150 complaints (29%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags23
11011
Engine19
010
Electrical System18
010
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine13
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine12
010
Unknown or Other8
000
Power Train · transmission7
000
Steering6
204
Suspension3
102
Service Brakes · brakes3
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Oct 2, 202648,000 milesNJ

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 30, 2025NV

Tampered odometer

Power Train
Filed Nov 5, 2024CO

See attached document for complaint.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 17, 2022LA

I'm driving along, cruise set to 65. Ac on. Radio on. No sounds or weird feels from the car. Every light on the dash comes on. They went off after two seconds, with the seatbelt light being last to shut off. Then the car hits 113k miles about ten miles later and just... shuts off. All gauges drop to zero. Ac shuts off. Radio still playing. Full tank of gas. Headlights still on, brakes worked, power steering worked, and emergency flashers worked. I managed to get out of traffic and pull over without causing an accident. I turn the radio off and turn the key off for a few minutes. It cranked right back up and ran a little rough for a moment before smoothing out. I drove home without incident, but kept the radio and cruise off. And stayed under 65. Thankfully, traffic was light. The car has not been fixed as of this posting, nor has it been seen by anyone due to the weekend. Unsure of when I can get it fixed due to finances, but if this happens in heavy traffic or on one of many roads with no shoulder, lives will be at risk.

Engine
Filed Sep 28, 2020CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITH THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING HOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO I-10 CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (79200 VARNER RD, INDIO, CA 92203) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE COOLING FAN WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHERE THE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY, MODULE, HIGH AND LOW SPEED RELAYS, THE THERMOSTAT, COOLING FAN, RADIATOR CAP AND COOLANT WERE ALL REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON AND OFF AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CRYSTAL CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (36444 AUTO PARK DR, CATHEDRAL CITY, CA 92234) WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO MANUFACTURER AND LEFT A MESSAGE HOWEVER, THE CONTACT HAD NOT HEARD BACK FORM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 1, 202080,000 milesCA

I ACCELERATED TO GET UP TO HIGHWAY SPEED AND THE GAS PEDAL STUCK GOING 65MPH. I PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE AT FULL PRESSURE AND THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING. I PUT INTO NEUTRAL AND BRAKED, THEN PULL THE E-BRAKE AND PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. VERY DANGEROUS, SCARY MALFUNCTION - THE MECHANIC SAYS THE ACCELERATOR THROTTLE AND CABLE ARE BROKEN. A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET SHOWS OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN IN DIFFERENT YEARS AND MODELS OF PT CRUISERS.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 8, 201954,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED AND DID NOT COMPLETELY INFLATE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BRUISED CHEST AND INJURIES TO THE RIGHT HAND AND SHOULDER. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: [XXX] WAS FILED. GARY MILLER CHRYSLER (5746 PEACH ST, ERIE, PA) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.*BF ('PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).')*JB

Power Train
Filed Oct 2, 2019FL

IT STALLS AND WON'T GO OVER 40MPH.

Engine
Filed Jun 10, 201978,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS (6) TIMES, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE CONTACT MANAGED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GARY MILLER CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (LOCATED AT 5746 PEACH ST, MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP, PA 16509, (814) 868-3635) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF INVALID VIN*JB

Engine
Filed Jun 5, 201985,300 milesNY

2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER CONV. HAS 85,300 MILES ON ODOMETER. CAR DEVELOPED A SEVERE ENGINE OIL LEAK PROBLEM. INVESTIGATION BY ME REVEALED A WELL KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITH THE 2.4L ENGINE. COMPLETE OIL LOSS CAN HAPPEN VERY QUICKLY AND SEIZE THE ENGINE RESULTING IN A SUDDEN STOP IN TRAFFIC. A DANGEROUS EVENT IF TRAVELING ON A HIGH SPEED ROAD. REPAIR CAN COST UP TO $6000 FOR AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT EVEN IF IT DOES NOT SEIZE. CHRYSLER ACKNOWLEDGES THE DEFECT IN TSB # 09-001-13 / NHTSA # 10128948 BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED.

SuspensionCrash2 injured
Filed May 10, 2019105,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO SLOW DOWN HOWEVER THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SKIN RASH AND MOUTH DAMAGE DUE TO THE SUBSTANCE THAT CAME OUT OF THE AIR BAG UPON DEPLOYMENT. THE CONTACT ALSO SUSTAINED BRUISES AND KNEE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DRIVER FROM THE OTHER VEHICLE DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AS THE SERVICE BRAKE TUBE FAILING AND THE BALL JOINT WAS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. *DT*JB

Electrical System
Filed Dec 1, 2018140,000 milesKY

BACK HATCH COMES OPEN RANDOMLY ON ITS OWN. SITTING STILL WHILE OFF OR ON, DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IT DOESN'T MATTER, IT TRIGGERS TO OPEN RANDOMLY.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 12, 201885,000 milesCA

IGNITION- KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION. CAR COULD TURN ON AND OFF STEERING WHEEL WOULD MOVE THE CAR WAS DRIVABLE HOWEVER THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION THE MECHANIC HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE PART WHICH WAS VERY COSTLY IN ADDITION THE KEY THAT WAS STUCK WE OBVIOUSLY COULD NO LONGER USE AND IT'S VERY EXPENSIVE TO HAVE THE KEY WITH THE ALARM KEY CHAIN REPLACED.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 13, 2018103,000 milesWY

WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT AND THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON, THE CAR WILL SHUDDER WHEN IDLING (NOT IN PARK). THE SHUDDERING CAN GET QUITE VIOLENT, AND IF I'M MAKING A TIGHT TURN, SWITCHING GEARS, AND MAKING ANOTHER TIGHT TURN THE CAR WILL SOMETIMES DIE. THANKFULLY, THIS HASN'T HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC, BUT I FEAR THAT IT WILL. THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES SINCE I'VE BEEN DRIVING THIS CAR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 21, 201824,999 milesPA

THE TIPM (THE COMPUTER THAT MAINTAINS THE WHOLE CAR) IS BAD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IN AN ALMOST 10 YEAR OLD VEHICLE BOUGHT NEW IN 2008 WITH ONLY 25,000 MILES ON IT. IT IS SENDING BAD SIGNALS TO THE WIPERS SO I CANNOT DRIVE IT IN BAD WEATHER. ALTHOUGH THRE IS A POWERTRAIN FOR LIFE WARRANTY, CHRYSLER REFUSES TO REPLACE THE TIPM. I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY MORNING TRAFFIC IT WAS SNOWING AND THE WIPERS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CAR CAUSING ME TO BE UNABLE TO SEE POSING A DANGER TO MYSELF AND OTHERS. THE CAR ALSO STOPPED DEAD IN TRAFFIC ON ME A COUPLE OF TIMES AND THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BATTERY I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY FOUND NOTHING.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 22, 2018125,000 milesAZ

WHILE DRIVING WITH MY HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS ON, USING MY TURN SIGNAL TURNS OFF MY HEADLIGHT ON THAT SIDE UNTIL THE TURN SIGNAL SHUTS OFF. I HAVE ALSO SEEN THIS IN A CHRYSLER 300, AND A TOWN AND COUNTRY. AND, I HAVE SEEN THIS IN A CHEVY CAMARO AND A VW. SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG HERE!!! THE DATE IS ONLY BECAUSE YOU NEED A DATE. IT IS FREQUENT,.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 13, 2017AZ

GOOD MORNING, THIS MAY NOT BE AN EMERGENCY, OR A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD, BUT... I FOUND THAT MY 2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER HAD AN ANNOYING FLAW. WHEN I HAD MY HEADLIGHTS ON WITH THE DRIVING LIGHTS, AND I PUT ON MY TURN SIGNAL, THE HEADLIGHT ON THAT SIDE WOULD GO OUT. SINCE NOTHING ELSE WAS AFFECTED, I CHOSE TO KEEP MY DRIVING LIGHTS OFF. HOWEVER, I HAVE NOTICED IS THAT OTHER CHRYSLERS (300, 200), A JEEP CHEROKEE, A CHEVY CAMARO, AND A VOLKSWAGEN DO THE SAME THING, BUT WITHOUT THE DRIVING LIGHT BEING ON. IT IS ALWAYS WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL IS ENGAGED WHILE THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. I HAVE ONLY NOTICED THIS RECENTLY...I AM NOT SURE WHY, BUT I AM BEGINNING TO SEE THIS A LOT. ON A DARK, RAINY NIGHT, THAT COULD ELIMINATE A WHOLE QUADRANT OF LIGHT IS A PERSON IS TURNING. THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH SEVERAL DIFFERENT MANUFACTURERS. I AM ALSO GOING TO CONTACT OTHER ENTITIES, BUT I THINK THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM. THANK YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

Engine
Filed Dec 12, 201785,000 milesIN

CANNOT GET GAS TO GO INTO THE GAS TANK, FUEL NOZZLE SHUTS OFF EVERY SECOND OR SO, TAKES ABOUT 30 MINUTES TO FILL THE TANK.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 3, 2017100,000 milesKS

PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG RED WARNING LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND STAYS ON WHILE DRIVING WITH NO PASSENGER

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Sep 9, 201730 milesGU

CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 70000 MILES. SERVICE DONE REGULARLY. CHANGED BATTERY FOR THE FIRST TIME 5 MONTHS AGO. A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE RADIO WAS FLICKERING OFF AND ON. DID THINK MUCH OF IT UNTIL ONE DAY JUST BEFORE ARRIVING HOME, THE DASHBOARD INDICATORS ALL FLICKERED OFF AN ON. PARKED THE VEHICLE, RESTARTED, BUT THE INDICATOR LIGHT STAYS ON. VEHICLE IS ONLY DRIVEN LESS THAN 10 MILES A DAY. HAPPENS MORE OFTEN. TIPM MODULE WAS REPLACED AT DEALER 5 YEARS AGO, WHEN POWER WINDOWS WERE NOT WORKING.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 26, 2017TX

BLINKER WORKS AT TIMES AND NOT AT OTHERS. BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVUMG, GOT HOME NOW IT WON'T START, BATTERY HAS FULL CHARGE BUT THE STARTER IS NOT CRANKING.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 8, 2017100,000 milesAZ

I HAVE SEEN THIS WITH SEVERAL MAKES AND MODELS - ALL CHRYSLER PRODUCTS. WHEN I HAVE MY HEADLIGHTS AND "FOG" LIGHTS ON, TURNING ON MY TURN SIGNAL MAKES THE HEADLIGHT ON THAT SIDE GO OUT. WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL GOES OFF, THE HEADLIGHT COMES BACK ON. I HAVE SEEN THIS IN A JEEP COMPASS AND A CHRYSLER 300, ALSO. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 17, 201795,000 milesTX

THE HORN DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY AND IS DEFECTED. IT ONLY WORKS WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL TURNS TO THE LEFT AND SOMETIMES IT GETS STUCK AND WON'T TURN OFF. WON'T WORK WHILE TRAVELING STRAIGHT OR TURNING RIGHT. THE HORN DID NOT ALLOW ME TO WARN A DRIVER THAT ALMOST BACKED INTO ME, THIS FORCED ME TO MOVE AWAY FROM HIM IN AN UNSAFE POSITION AND HE STILL DID NOT SEE ME AND KEPT ON BACKING OUT. HAD THE HORN WORKED IT WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS ISSUE THAT ALMOST CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I DROVE HOME TO INSPECT THE HORN AS TO WHY IT WASN'T WORKING IS WHEN I LEARNED THAT IT ONLY WORKED WHILE SITTING STILL AND TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND AT TIMES IT STUCK AND WOULDN'T TURN OFF. I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN LIKE THIS BECAUSE I DON'T USE IT VERY OFTEN, UNTIL THIS PARTICULAR INCIDENT HAPPENED. ALSO THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SHOWS TO BE OFF WITH AIR BAG LIGHT ON.

Seats
Filed Jul 6, 2017127,000 milesCA

SLIDING RAIL BROKE ON DRIVERS SIDE. THE SEAT COMPLETELY MOVED OUT OF POSITION WHILE DRIVING. THE PART THAT IS NEEDED IS SAID TO BE DISCONTINUED. I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT

Electrical System
Filed Jun 19, 201745,000 milesPA

OUR PT CRUISER HAS APPROX. 63,000 MILES ON IT. AS YOU'RE DRIVING OUR CAR, ALL OF A SUDDEN ALL THE ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON AND THE GAUGES GO DOWN AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. WHEN YOU PULL OVER AND RESTART THE CAR IT STARTS AND THIS MAY HAPPEN AGAIN FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD OR MAY NOT HAPPEN AGAIN FOR A FEW WEEKS. THIS HAPPENS BOTH ON CITY STREETS AND ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY AND FOR OVER A YEAR. THE LAST TIME I WAS IN FOR MAINTENANCE IT HAPPENED JUST AS I PULLED INTO THE DEALERSHIP, YET WHEN THE CODE SCAN WAS USED NO PROBLEMS WERE INDICATED. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED ON THE HIGHWAY IF THAT HASN'T HAPPENED ALREADY. SINCE WE HAVE NO OTHER VEHICLE WE MUST USE THIS CAR. I HAVE BEEN ASKING ONLINE IF ANY OTHER CRUISER OWNERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM BUT NO ONE HAS BEEN FORTHCOMING WITH A SOLUTION. I ALSO NOTED SOME CRUISER OWNERS ARE TALKING ABOUT STARTING A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST CHRYSLER. I REALLY DON'T WANT TO GO THAT ROUTE IF I DON'T HAVE TO. I JUST WANT MY CRUISER FIXED.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 17, 2017110,000 milesAZ

PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR GOES OFF WHEN PASSENGER IS SITTING IN VEHICLE.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 27, 2017129,600 milesMI

I BOUGHT A USED 2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. I HAVE PAID $900+ FOR TIGHTENING THE UNDERNEATH OF THE CAR. THE BACK WINDOWS DO NOT GO DOWN AND THE HATCHBACK LOCK WILL NOT OPEN. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF SOME OF THE RECALLS WERE NOT TAKEN CARE OF OR IF THESE REPAIRS ARE COVERED. THANK YOU. PROBLEMS WERE THERE WHEN I BOUGHT IT., BUT I WAS UNAWARE. SHIFTER IS HARD TO GET THE BUTTON UP TO GET THE KEY OUT.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Feb 3, 2017MI

MY PT CRUISER WHEN DRIVING IT ALL GAUGES SHUT DOWN THE COME RIGHT BACK ON CAR IS STILL RUNNING AND ITS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH NOT BEING TO TELL HOW FAST YOUR GOING SOME TIMES IT DOSE IT 3 TIMES SOME TIMES IT GOES OFF 40 TIMES. *TR

Suspension
Filed Feb 1, 2017108,858 milesTX

BALL JOINT BOLT FAILURE;CAUSING FRONT SUSPENSION FAILURE;SAME AS NHTSA RECALL OF 2005 PT CRUSIER;NHTSA REFERENCE #O8EO33OOO.VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET COMING TO A STOP APPROX.15MPH, EARLIER 70MPH HIWAY. REPAIR INVOICE $493.00 REPAIR,$65.00 TOWING. 05 PT CRUSIER WAS RECALLED FOR THIS PROB. NHTSA REF # 08E033000

Air Bags
Filed Dec 13, 201680,000 milesFL

TAKATA RECALL. AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES RANDOMLY AND PINGS. I WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS A SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT AND THE COST TO REPAIR WOULD BE AT LEAST A COUPLE HUNDRED DOLLARS. WHY WON'T THE DEALER FIX THIS AT THE MANUFACTURER'S EXPENSE, SINCE IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT?

Engine
Filed Dec 2, 2016AL

HAS A BURNING RUBBERY SMELL

Air BagsCrash
Filed Sep 11, 20161,380,000 milesVA

ON AUGUST 12,2016 AT 12:37 PM WHILE DRIVING MY SAID CAR A DEER RAN OUT IN FROUNT OF ME CROSSING THE ROAD. I AVOIDED THE DEER AND HIT A TREE HEAD ON THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON BUT THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CHRYSLER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND MY CAR WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSE. I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MILER PER HOUR UPON IMPACT.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 12, 20161 milesAZ

THE LOCK ON THE BACK GATE WILL RANDOMLY DISENGAGE. THIS CAUSES THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT TO COME ON AND DRAIN THE BATTERY. I FIND THAT IT MAINLY HAPPENS WHEN CLOSING THE DOORS. SOMETIMES I DON'T KNOW UNTIL I START DRIVING AND THE "GATE" LIGHT COMES ON AND DINGS AT ME . . . WHICH MEANS I HAVE TO PULL OVER, GET OUT OF THE CAR, AND OPEN & CLOSE THE HATCH AGAIN.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 15, 2016130,000 milesTN

ABOUT A MONTH AGO, I WAS DELIVERING FOR A PIZZA COMPANY ON SOMEWHAT WET ROADS. THE GUY IN FRONT OF ME HAD NON-FUNCTIONING TAIL LIGHTS, SO I DID NOT SEE HIM BREAKING UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE. I HIT MY BRAKES AND SWERVED TO AVOID HIM, WENT OFF THE ROAD DOWN A 15-20 FOOT EMBANKMENT, AND HIT A SIX TO EIGHT INCH TREE HARD ENOUGH AT 35 MILES AN HOUR TO SPLIT IT IN HALF AND HAVE IT FALL ON TOP OF MY CAR, AND TO BRING ME TO A DEAD STOP. EVEN WITH THAT FORCE, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF. I HAD ASKED CHRYSLER TO LOOK INTO IT, BUT AFTER THREE WEEKS, THEY BASICALLY TOLD ME THAT I DID NOT HIT THE BRAKES HARD ENOUGH BECAUSE THE RATE OF DECELERATION NECESSARY TO ACTIVATE THEM WAS NOT PRESENT. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THIS IS THE ONLY REASON, OR EVEN THE ACTUAL REASON, THEY DID NOT GO OFF.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 25, 201690,000 milesLA

THE LOCK ON THE BACK GATE WILL RANDOMLY DISENGAGE. THIS CAUSES THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT TO COME ON AND DRAIN THE BATTERY. I FIND THAT IT MAINLY HAPPENS WHEN CLOSING THE DOORS WITH ALL THE WINDOWS ROLLED UP. IF A WINDOW IS DOWN, IT DOES NOT HAPPEN AS OFTEN.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 5, 2016119,363 milesAZ

THE BACK GATE LOCK POPS OPEN BUT IT DOESN'T COME OPEN IT JUST CLICKS WHICH MAKES THE DOME LIGHT GO ON AND SAYS GATE AJAR IT DOES THIS RANDOMLY IN MOTION OR NOT I HAVE NO WAY OF A PICTURE TAKEN OR SENDING DOCUM.

Engine
Filed Mar 29, 201617,340 milesNV

MY 2007 PT CRUISER WITH 17,340 MILES (YES, THAT'S CORRECT), STARTED LEAKING A GOOD AMOUNT OF OIL. RESEARCHED AND FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SOME FOLKS GETTING STRANDED ON HIGHWAY WHEN CAR DROPPED ALL OF ITS OIL, BROUGHT TO DEALER. THE INVOICE STATES THE FOLLOWING: "CUSTOMER STATES VEHICLE IS LEAKING OIL. VERIFIED THE CONCERN. FOUND OIL LEAKING FROM CAM AND CRANK SEALS. DISASSEMBLED ENGINE TO REPLACE SEALS, AND FOUND EXCESSIVE CRANK SHAFT END PLAY, CAUSING THE CRANKSHAFT SEAL TO PUSH OUT. INSPECTED MOTOR, FOUND BROKEN THRUST WASHERS AND DAMAGE TO THE CRANKSHAFT. REPLACE THE ENGINE AND RECHECK, NO MORE OIL LEAKS." AND THAT'S WHAT THEY DID...TOTAL COST, INCLUDING TAX WAS $6,055. THIS WAS NOT AN EASY DECISION. CHECKING ONLINE, I FOUND IT TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. BASED ON WHAT I READ, I ASKED DEALER TO REPLACE WITH A SHORT BLOCK. SAID THEY ARE NO LONGER MADE. CAR IS ONLY WORTH ABOUT 6K BUT THERE'S NO WAY I COULD AFFORD A NEW CAR. THIS WAY I DO HAVE A 3 YR WARRANTY ON THE NEW ENGINE.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 20, 201695,000 milesCA

THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND THE DEALER WOULD NOT WORK WITH ME. THEY WANT TO CHARGE $550 DOLLARS TO FIX THE AIR BAG. BUT SAID THAT IT MAY BE MORE TO FIX IT AS OF MARCH 9TH 2015 MANY AIR BAGS HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA FROM CHRYSLER CORP. THE WHOLE CAR IS A MESS WITH MANY BRAKE DOWNS. THE CAR WAS MOVING WHEN IT BROKE DOWN.

Engine
Filed Feb 2, 20169,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE ENGINE REVVED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 17, 2015TX

PASSENGER AIR BAG STAYS ILLUMINATED AND RINGS EVERY 5 SECONDS EVEN WHEN A PASSENGER IS THERE OR NOT.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 2, 201576,000 milesAZ

DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON A HIGHWAY, APPROACHING THE CITY, WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON. WEATHER CLEAR AND SUNNY. HIGHWAY TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT. MY SPEED WAS AT AROUND 70 MPH. THE DRIVER APPARENTLY DECIDED TO EXIT THE RAMP AS IT WAS LINED WITH VEHICLES. THE DRIVER PULLED OUT OF RAMP AND STEERED TO LEFT LANE ON HIGHWAY, IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD TO BRAKE SUDDENLY TO AVOID COLLISION. MY CAR SUDDENLY SKIDDED AND SPUN AROUND ONCE, WITH RUBBER BURNING FROM TIRES. MY VEHICLE NEARLY CRASHED AGAINST THE RAIL AS MY CAR SKIDDED FOR 2ND TIME TO STOP. NO INJURIES OR PROPERTY DAMAGES. INSPECTED MY CAR LATER AT GAS STATION. DID NOT DETECT ANY VISUAL PROBLEMS. COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHY MY CAR SKIDDED AND SPUN AROUND ON HIGHWAY. AFTER THE SHOPPING TRIP, I DROVE HOME WITH NO INCIDENTS. AS I PULLED IN HOME, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF UNDER HOOD. MY CAR WAS INSPECTED BY TWO MECHANICS, FROM SEPARATE TIME AND LOCATION, AND I WAS TOLD MY COOLING FAN BROKE. POSSIBLE THAT THE INCIDENT LEADED THE FAN TO SHUT DOWN DUE TO MECHANICAL ERROR, THE FIRST MECHANIC SAID. COST TO REPLACE THE COOLING FAN AND LABOR CAN RUN AS HIGH AS $400. ALSO, THE AIRBAG LIGHT, ON DASHBOARD, STAYS ON MOST OF TIME.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 20, 2015146,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND MADE A BEEPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000.

Power Train
Filed Nov 17, 201530,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT, THE SHIFT LEVER FAILED TO ENGAGE INTO GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER WAS LOOSE AND NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT SEVERAL YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 28, 2015PA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 9, 201550,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED O THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

EngineFire
Filed Jul 16, 2015CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE STEERING COLUMN STARTED TO LOCK UP AS THE VEHICLE APPROACHED A STOP SIGN. THE STEERING COLUMN SEIZED AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE APPEARED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 2, 201569,000 milesWI

TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (TIPM) IS NOT TURNING ON THE LOW SPEED FAN RESULTING IN OVERHEATING OF A/C COOLANT WHICH IN TURN INCREASES PRESSURE IN A/C SYSTEM AND TOTAL EVACUATION OF SYSTEM COOLANT, A REAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM. THE INCREASE IN OPERATING TEMPERATURE ALSO INCREASES LOAD ON ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM AND THREATENS TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. MA 10/2 THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE IT WAS TOO EXPENSIVE. UPDATED 12/28/2015 *JS

Power Train
Filed Jun 19, 20155,000 milesCA

AS WITH THE OTHER IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS, REGARDING MANUAL TRANSMISSION SHIFTING AND, WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 80 DEGREES SHIFTING GEARS BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT AND AT TIMES IMPOSSIBLE. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED YEARS AGO AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE. IT'S AS IF THE BUSHINGS IN THE SHIFT MECHANISM EXPAND WHEN HEATED AND THE SHIFTER STICKS IN ITS CURRENT GEAR; WITH GREAT FORCE YOU CAN KNOCK IT OUT AND WITH GREAT FORCE YOU CAN RE-ENGAGE. THE NEXT MORNING AT 50 DEGREES THE SHIFTER WORKS PROPERLY ONCE AGAIN. LATER IN THE DAY ABOVE 80 DEGREES THE PROBLEM RE-OCCURS; THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME THE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 80 DEGREES. THE RESULTING HAZARD LEAVES YOU STUCK IN TRAFFIC UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS, WHICH IN TURN MAKES YOU A HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS. I HAVE HAD TWO NEAR MISS (REAR END) COLLISIONS AS A RESULT. CHRYSLER STOPPED PRODUCTION OF THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION PT TWO YEARS BEFORE DISCONTINUING THE AUTOMATIC PT. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY SHOULD HAVE ISSUED A RECALL. CHRYSLER DID NOT AND AS A RESULT I'M SURE THE OTHER AFFECTED CUSTOMERS DID AS I HAVE DONE AND WALKED AWAY FROM THE BRAND. I'VE PURCHASED 4 VEHICLES SINCE THAT TIME AND THEY WERE CERTAINLY NOT A CHRYSLER PRODUCT. THE LATTER IS COSTING CHRYSLER MORE THAN THE $300 IT WOULD HAVE COST TO CHANGE THE BUSHINGS TO A TYPE THAT IS NOT AFFECTED BY HEAT.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 1, 201542,000 milesFL

WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE TURNS OFF AND ALL POWER IS LOST. THE IGNITION SWITCH DOES NOT MOVE. ONCE THE CARE IS STOPPED, YOU HAVE TO TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND THEN TURN IT BACK ON. WHEN PUT ON THE DEALER'S COMPUTER, THE COMPUTER ONLY SAYS "THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER." DEALER SUGGESTS PUTTING IN A NEW IGNITION BUT DOES NOT GUARANTEE THIS WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CAR CAN NO LONGER BE TRUSTED ON THE HIGHWAY OR INTERSTATE. I CAN ONLY DRIVE IT IN TOWN AT SLOW SPEEDS SO I WON'T CAUSE A CRASH IF IT SUDDENLY DIES ON ME.

Service Brakes
Filed May 14, 2015107,000 milesMO

I WAS DRIVING THROUGH TOWN WHEN I SMELLED SOMETHING LIKE RUBBER BURNING, SAW SMOKE BILLOWING OUT FROM PASSENGER FRONT SIDE OF CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF OF ROAD, TURNED CAR OFF & LOOKED TO SEE WHAT WAS CAUSING THIS. NO LEAKS OF ANY KIND. MY MECHANIC IS IN THE PROCESS OF REPAIRING MY PT. THE FRONT PASSENGER BRAKE SEIZED & BURNED UP MY CALIPER, ROTOR & BRAKE PADS. IT WAS SO HOT, IT LITERALLY MELTED PARTS. I CAME CLOSE TO A MAJOR FIRE & IT WAS A GOOD THING I WAS NOT ON A HIGHWAY. I HOPE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. I DO NOT KNOW IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE DUE TO BRAKE PROBLEMS- BUT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW AS I FEEL THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE.

Complaints 1-50 of 150, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2001
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201022010Routine
200997010Routine
2008115060Routine
2007 — this page150030Routine
2006349151Fatalities reported
20051875120Routine
20042173153Fatalities reported
20032584151Fatalities reported
20025115342Fatalities reported
20016187170Above average

Compare every PT Cruiser year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.