Page 2 of 2 · complaints 51–97 of 97

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2009 record →

Electrical System
Filed Apr 15, 201425,500 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FLICKERED FOLLOWED BY THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS, WHO BOTH STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,500. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

Power Train
Filed Feb 11, 2014TX

PROBLEMS WITH HARD CLUTCH WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AND THE CLOCKSPRING WHICH BOTH ARE KNOWN ISSUES WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 9, 201458,750 milesOH

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, ALL GAUGES GO CRAZY, ALL DASH WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND OFF, VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND STALLS, VERY DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING. DEALER UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM DESPITE NUMEROUS REPAIRS AND HAVING THE CAR FOR WEEKS AT A TIME. I CANNOT EXPRESS HOW UNSAFE THIS IS.SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM REPORTED BY OTHERS BUT THE DEALER ACTS AS IF THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE ISSUE BEFORE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 29, 201369,322 milesMN

DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM WHEN ALL DASH LIGHTS CAME ON - AND GAUGES DROPPED. REPEATEDLY WENT OFF AND ON. CAR EVENTUALLY STALLED. THIS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY IN SPITE OF HAVING MANY THINGS REPLACED (BATTERY ALTERNATOR AND IGNITION) WHEN THE WEATHER WARMED THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO BE RESOLVED BUT DURING THE FIRST SNOW THIS WINTER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. NOW THIS OCCURS FREQUENTLY. SELDOM OCCURS BEFORE 20 MINUTES OF DRIVING. RANDOMLY OCCURS MAKING DETECTION NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. NO DEFINITIVE ANSWERS FROM COMPUTER TESTING. JUDGING FROM OTHER COMPLAINTS, THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 29, 201335,000 milesNC

DRIVING AT 55MPH AND ALL THE GAUGES (GAS, SPEED, TACH) WENT TO ZERO AND FLUTTERED UP AND DOWN, THE VEHICLE STALLED. WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY AND RESTART THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INCIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAS REPEATED THIS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. I WAS ABLE TO RECORD ON MY PHONE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHILE IT WAS ACTING UP. THINK I HAVE ISOLATED THE PROBLEM TO THE KEY AND IGNITION. I HAVE FOUND IF I WIGGLE THE KEY WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT STOPS. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS SINCE YOU LOSE POWER TO THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING, IT HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING. SEVERAL INTERNET SEARCHES REVEAL ALOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. I THINK CHRYSLER SHOULD SO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR OF THIS PROBLEM, THEY EVIDENTLY PRODUCED A PRODUCT WITH A DEFECT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE LOSS OF LIFE OR BODILY DAMAGE. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 16, 201374,660 milesCT

I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND HAD IT FOR LESS THEN 3 WEEKS. I DROVE IT A TOTAL OF 5 TIMES. WHEN I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, THE CAR STARTED TO ACT UP. THE SPEEDOMETER WENT FROM 55 TO ZERO THEN BACK UP TO 80, I LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER AND ACCELERATE, ALL OF THE LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH BOARD, THE CAR FUEL GAUGES WENT UP AND DOWN, AND FINALLY THE CAR STALLED. I WAS ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHICH WAS A VERY SCARY. NO CODES WERE RECORDED FOR A MECHANIC TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED, AND SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH SEVERAL PT CRUISERS FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED. I AM WORKING WITH THE DEALER ATTEMPTING FOR A REFUND, AS I FEEL MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS ARE AT RISK. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 15, 201374,000 milesCT

I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, DOING ABOUT 55MPH. ALL OF MY GAUGES STARTED TO LIGHT UP, THE SPEEDOMETER WENT FROM 55 TO ZERO THEN UP TO 65, THE LIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF, THE CAR THEN STARTED TO SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 40, WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, THEN EVENTUALLY JUST SHUT OFF. I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, BUT ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE RIGHT SIDE LANE. THE WHEELS TIGHTENED SO I COULD NOT STEER, I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND LEFT IT FOR ABOUT 20 MINS. IT STARTED AGAIN BUT STRUGGLES TO GO OVER 40 BEFORE IT STARTS ACTING UP AGAIN. I CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM, NO CODES ARE RECORDED. I AM CONVINCED THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH PT CRUISERS AS I HAVE READ SIMILAR PROBLEMS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 15, 2013IL

ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH LIGHT UP, DIALS START DROPPING, ENGINE GOES QUIET AND CAR STARTS COASTING. SOMETIMES ENGINE SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY THEN TURNS ON AFTER A SECOND OR TWO; OTHER TIMES HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN- STARTS UP NORMALLY. HAS DIED AT VERY LOW (SUB 5MPH) AND VERY HIGH (ABOUT 60MPH) SPEEDS; HAVE BLOCKED ROADS AND INTERSECTIONS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jun 24, 201322,441 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATED ABNORMALLY AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. ONCE RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VARIOUS DEALERS FOR INSPECTION, HOWEVER THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,441.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jun 21, 201373,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,000. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 13, 201378,122 milesCA

3 TIMES IN 3 YRS. I'VE FOUND WATER IN MY DRIVER-SIDE REAR TAIL-LIGHT????? I'VE HAD TO UNSCREW IT AND DRAIN THE WATER OUT AND REPLACE MY BULB.. *TR

Wheels
Filed May 29, 201329,997 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LOUD NOISE EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE, CAUSING THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE TO DEFLATE. THE SPARE TIRE WAS INSTALLED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,997.

Suspension
Filed Mar 5, 201342,000 milesHI

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

Electrical System
Filed Feb 27, 201333,000 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING TO WORK THE GAUGES ALL DIP TO ZERO THEN ALL THE DASH LIGHTS COME LIKE WHEN THE ENGINE IS FIRST STARTED. IF THE GAUGE DIP IS SHORT THEN THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN. LATELY (SINCE JAN) THE GAUGES HAVE STAYING IN THE ZERO POSITION LONGER AND THE ENGINE LOSES POWER. SOMETIMES THE ENGINE WILL PICK BACK UP SOMETIMES NOT. IF IT DOESN'T THEN I HAVE PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND IT WILL RESTART. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES IN SUCCESSION AND SOMETIMES JUST EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE BUT ALMOST ALWAYS 4 OR 5 TIMES IN 45 MILES. ONCE THE CAR HAS HAD A CHANCE TO SIT DURING THE DAY I DON'T HAVE THE PROBLEM ON THE WAY HOME. IT SEEMS TO HAVE THIS ISSUE THE MOST ON DAYS WHEN WE HAVE A HEAVY DEW. RAIN DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A PROBLEM. I THINK MOISTURE IS BEING PULLED IN DURING THE COOL DOWN AND CAUSING THIS ISSUE. I JUST DON'T KNOW WHERE. THE DEALER (AFTER 4 DAYS) CAN'T SEEM TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. MY BIGGEST FEAR IS IF THIS SHOULD HAPPEN WHEN PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC OR IN A CORNER AS I LOSE POWER STEERING. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 23, 201340,000 milesIN

DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AFTER CAR IS IN PARK, ENGINE TURNED OFF, KEY IS REMOVED FROM IGNITION. I HAVE TO RE-START ENGINE TO POWER DOWN DRIVER'S WINDOW TO REACH THROUGH OPEN WINDOW TO OPEN DOOR FROM OUTSIDE DOOR LATCH. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULIPLE OCCURRENCES WITH NO OBVIOUS REASONS. SHOULD THERE BE AN EMERGENCY TO EXIT VEHICLE, MY CONCERN IS WOULD I BE ABLE TO GET OUT. *TR

Engine
Filed Dec 29, 201252,000 milesNY

WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE QEW HIGHWAY IN ONTARIO, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ON MY PT 2009 CRUISER STARTED BLINKING ON AND OFF, THE GAUGES WENT WILD WITH UP AND DOWN FULL-RANGE SWINGS, THEN BLINKING ON AND OFF ON AND OFF; I THOUGHT THE SEATBELT MAY BE THE PROBLEM SINCE THE FASTEN SEATBELT INDICATOR REMAINED "ON." IT HAPPENED AGAIN A SECOND TIME RIGHT AWAY (LESS THAN 2 MINUTES) ACCOMPANIED BY LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. I HEARD SPUTTERING, AND THEN THE ENGINE DIED, AND I HAD TO GUIDE IT TO A RESTING SPOT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT POWER STEERING; NOT FUN. I WAS IN NEAR HAMILTON, ONTARIO, AND MANAGED TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY SAFELY. I INSPECTED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTHING SEEMED OUT OF THE ORDINARY AT ALL. ENGINE RESTARTED RIGHT AWAY, AND I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT BACK TO E. AMHERST NY. THIS IS TOTALLY UNSAFE! I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT GETTING MY FAMILY HOME SAFELY. AND THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE! I CANNOT TRUST MY CAR AND THAT STINKS! I HAD SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH A GRAND CARAVAN (1994?) AND THE MECHANICS COULD NEVER LOCATE THE PROBLEM. MAKES ME WONDER ABOUT CHRYSLER. *TR

Engine
Filed Dec 5, 201279,000 milesTX

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ALL THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE CAR STARTED BEEPING, THE GAS GAUGE AND MPH AND RPM DIALS GO TO ZERO. CAN'T PULL A CODE AND THERE SEEMS TO BE NO APPARENT PROBLEM THAT CAN BE LOCATED BY THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS! *TR

Electrical System
Filed Sep 15, 201231,000 milesGA

DASH LIGHTS START FLASHING MOTOR STARTS TO STALL AND LOSE POWER HAS HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES IN PAST YEAR ALMOST CAUSING ME TO WRECK BRAKE LIGHTS EXPLODED AND SHATTERED SEVERAL TIMES. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Sep 10, 2012GA

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, ALL THE GAUGES ON THE DASHBOARD LIGHT UP, CAR LOSES POWER. SOMETIMES IT WILL RESTART BUT SOMETIMES I WILL HAVE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAVE HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED AND WIRES CHECKED. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE FOR FEAR OF GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT SINCE THE CAR JUST STOPS WITHOUT WARNING. THIS IS SO UNSAFE AND SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE FOR THIS CAR. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 2, 201211,000 milesAZ

BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUALLY BURNING OUT/BLOWING UP. HAVE TO REPLACE THEM EVERY FEW MONTHS. PUT IN CORRECT REPLACEMENT BULBS,DON'T KNOW WHY THEY KEEP BURNING OUT. WHEN I GO TO REPLACE THEM THERE IS SHATTERED GLASS LIKE THEY BLEW UP. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jul 20, 201258,000 milesKY

WHILE DRIVING CAR ALL DASHLIGHTS FLASHES OFF AND ON GAUGES DANCE UP AND DOWN CAR LOOSES POWER AND SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems
Filed Jun 27, 2012101,786 milesNY

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

Electrical System
Filed Jun 19, 201250,000 milesVA

WHILE DRIVING THE DASH LIGHTS FLASH AND THE GAUGES GO UP AND DOWN, THE CAR DIES. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND IT STARTS RIGHT UP. THIS PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. NO CODES ARE STORED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES, AND MOST OF THEM END WITH ME HAVING TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURN THE CAR OFF & BACK ON. TWICE IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME WHILE ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY...THE CAR SHUTS OFF & I'M LITERALLY COASTING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY TRYING TO GET OVER FOR SAFETY. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND ALL THE REPAIR SHOP TELLS ME IS THEY CAN'T FIX IT AND DON'T KNOW WHAT CAUSES IT. *JS

Power Train
Filed Jun 12, 201253,000 milesPA

2009 PT CRUISER WITH 53,000 MILES WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY IS NOT RELEASING CAUSING HARD SHIFTING. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 23, 201235,000 milesOK

DRIVING VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY ALL WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH LIGHT UP AND GAUGES FALL THE VEHICLE STALLS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING AND COULD CAUSE SERIOUS HARM. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE CHANGED SEVERAL ITEMS ON THE VEHICLE. THEY CAN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM THEREFORE THE ISSUE STILL EXISTS. CHRYSLER IS NO HELP WITH SOLVING THE ISSUE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 17, 201255,498 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, MY CAR'S DASH BOARD STARTED GOING HAYWIRE. ALL GAUGES (EXCEPT FUEL AND TEMPERATURE) WOULD DROP DOWN TO ZERO FOR A SECOND, AND THEN GO RIGHT BACK UP TO WHERE THEY SHOULD BE. THE CAR NEVER ACTUALLY STALLED, BUT ACTED A COUPLE TIMES LIKE IT MIGHT. I GAVE IT A LITTLE EXTRA GAS AND IT KEPT RUNNING. THIS CONTINUED FOR THE ENTIRE TRIP ON THE INTERSTATE. (APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES.) *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 10, 201235,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, ALL OF THE GAUGES AND WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 23, 201161,000 milesOK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED THREE TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.

Suspension
Filed Nov 22, 201139,000 milesMN

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

Seats
Filed Nov 14, 2011CA

PURCHASED AUTOMOBILE 12/07/2010...REPAIRS CONDUCTED ON 1/21/11 (1) REPLACEMENT DRIVERS (OUTER) L PANEL DRIVER SEAT SWITCH BEZEL BROKEN *SAME EXISTS PANEL CONTINUALLY "BREAKS" DOWN AFTER SITTING ON DRIVERS SEAT (2) POWER LOCK SYSTEM L/R DOOR WOULD NOT LOCK/OR/UNLOCK * ADDITIONAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH "LATE" AUTOMATIC LOCKING OF AUTOMOBILE DOORS ON 11/14/11 DURING OIL-CHANGE (MECHANIC) DISCOVERED (1) BROKEN MOTOR MOUNTS (UPPER/LOWER) RF ENGINE (2) SHOCK LEAKING...MECHANIC STATED IN 20 PLUS YRS OF WORK AS A MECHANIC HE HAS "REPLACED" MANY PT CRUISER-BROKEN MOTOR MOUNTS...MYSELF, I DOCUMENTED ALL ABOVE IN AN EMAIL TO CHRYSLER 11/14/2011. SUGGESTING "LEMON" AUTOMOBILE & REQUESTED TOTAL COMPENSATION OR (NEW AUTOMOBILE) REPLACEMENT FREE OF CHARGE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 2, 201135,000 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED OF 40 MPH ALL LIGHTS ON THE CONSOLE BEGAN BLINKING REPEATEDLY, THE TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER BEGAN GOING UP AND DOWN, CAR BEGAN TO RAPIDLY DECELERATE AND THEN DIED GIVING ME JUST ENOUGH TIME TO GET OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BEFORE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. TURNED OFF IGNITION AND RESTARTED THE IGNITION CAR GAVE NO INDICATIONS OF MALFUNCTION, DROVE HOME AND HAVE NOT DROVE SINCE. IF YOU GOOGLE "PT CRUISER CONSOLE GOING CRAZY" YOU WILL SEE MULTIPLE OTHER OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS NOT JUST A SIMPLE MALFUNCTION THIS IS A DANGER TO NOT ONLY THE OWNER BUT TO OTHERS ON THE ROADWAY. CHRYSLER SHOULD BE CHECKING INTO THE ISSUE, BUT INSTEAD AFTER CONTACTING THEM AND LETTING THEM KNOW OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE, THEY TOLD ME "UNFORTUNATELY, WE ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO DIAGNOSE THE SITUATION YOU HAVE OUTLINED IN YOUR EMAIL...IF YOU HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP BUT THE PROBLEM IS NOT YET RESOLVED, SEEKING A SECOND OPINION FROM A DIFFERENT DEALER MAY BE A VIABLE OPTION." WHICH I TAKE TO MEAN TAKE IT TO A DEALERSHIP, GET CHARGED AN OUTRAGEOUS AMOUNT FOR THEM TO SEE IF THEY KNOW WHAT IS WRONG, IF THEY STILL DON'T KNOW AFTER CHARGING YOU $600 THEN TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP WHICH MAY KNOW MORE ABOUT OUR CARS THAN WE DO. <BR> THIS IS AN IRRESPONSIBLE, SLIPSHODDY WAY TO RUN A COMPANY. IF WE WANT TO HAVE A GOOD REPUTATION FOR CARS THEN THE COMPANIES THAT MAKE THEM HAVE TO STAND BY THEM AND NOT TRY TO SEND THEI

Electrical System
Filed Oct 29, 201140,000 milesNY

PURCHASED A USED 2009 PT CRUISER IN MAY 2011, WITH 37,000 MILES. APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS AND 3,000 MILES LATER THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ON THE DASH STARTED TO LIGHT UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE. FIRST THE SEATBELT LIGHT CAME ON, THEN THE WHOLE CLUSTER LIT UP AND THEN THE SEATBELT LIGHT CAME ON AND WENT OFF. THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER ALSO DROPPED. I THOUGHT THIS MIGHT BE AN ALTERNATOR PROBLEM, BUT IT CHECKED OUT OK AND I DID NOT HAVE THE PROBLEM AGAIN FOR A FEW MORE MONTHS. THIS TIME IT FLASHED ON AND OFF APPROXIMATELY 3 TIMES. TODAY, 10/29/11, AT 49,000 IT HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 10 TIMES. I DID NOT LOSE POWER OR ACCELERATION, BUT AT ONE POINT I DID FEEL A HICCUP IN THE ACCELERATION. I HAVE HEARD THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE STALLED OUT IN TRAFFIC AND THAT THE DEALERSHIPS CANNOT EXPLAIN THIS. I LOOKS LIKE THERE IS A PROBLEM AND CHRYSLER NEEDS TO ADDRESS IT. *TR

Visibility
Filed Sep 30, 201120,442 milesTX

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

Electrical System
Filed Aug 13, 201140,400 milesFL

2009 PT CRUISER PURCHASED 10/2010 FROM RENTAL FLEET. HAD 40,000 MILES THEN, HAS 45,000 NOW. WHILE DRIVING (MPH NOT RELEVANT), THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND GO OFF WITHIN SECONDS. SOMETIMES IT'S JUST THE DRIVER SEAT BELT LIGHT, SOMETIMES IT'S THE ENTIRE CLUSTER. THE GAUGE NEEDLES FALL TO ZERO THEN GO BACK TO CURRENT READING. FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY SINCE 10/2010, BUT ISSUE NEVER IMPAIRED THE PERFORMANCE UNTIL 08/09/2011 WHEN THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. GOT IT TO CURB (WITHOUT GETTING HIT FROM BEHIND), TURNED OFF KEY, WAITED A FEW SECONDS, RESTARTED, AND HAS NOT OCCURRED SINCE. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC 08/13/2011; COULD NOT DUPLICATE FAILURE. CALLED CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP, DESCRIBED ISSUE; THEY WANT TO PUT ON COMPUTER WHICH MY MECHANIC JUST DID. NO REPAIRS MADE. FROM WHAT I'VE BEEN READING ONLINE OF SIMILAR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, I'M FEARFUL CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENTS CANNOT RESOLVE. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jun 23, 2011SC

2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURPASS THE SET SPEED, BY 2-3 MPH. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD AN ACCIDENT WHEN HE WENT AROUND A CURVE WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND LEFT THE ROAD WAY. THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, BUT CONSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER TWICE AND LANDED UPSIDE DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JB

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed May 19, 201142,000 milesGA

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.

Electrical System
Filed May 6, 201125,000 milesNJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, BEGAN TO FLASH AND THE READING ON THE GAUGES BEGAN TO FLUCTUATE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR ERRATICALLY. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE WHERE THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 6, 201144,000 milesMA

2009 PT CRUISER HAS A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO SLOVE.WHILE DRIVING CAR ALL DASHLIGHTS FLASHES OFF AND ON GAUGES DANCE UP AND DOWN CAR LOOSES POWER AND SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. ALMOST INVOLVED IN MANY ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 25, 201120,871 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN SHE DROVE OVER ICE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS SPUN AROUND AND ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF HER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA EMERGENCY VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND DECLARED AS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,871.

Suspension › Front
Filed Jan 29, 2011MN

CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ARE BAD. NOW THE CONTROL ARM HITS THE SUBFRAME WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR WOBBLES AT ALL SPEEDS AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT, ONLY 48,000 MILES. VERY DISAPPOINTING. *LN

Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems
Filed Jan 19, 201126,500 milesFL

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

Seats
Filed Jan 16, 201144,500 milesCA

FOR 2009 PT CRUISER I CALLED THE CHRYSLER STORE REQUIRING ABOUT RECALLS ON THE SIDE PLASTIC PIECE WERE YOUR AUTOMATIC SEAT ADJUSTMENTS ARE. THEY EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THERE HAS BEEN OVER THOUSANDS OF CARS HAS COME IN TO GET THAT FIXED AND IS DANGEROUS DUE TO WHILE YOUR DRIVING YOU SEAT WILL MOVE CAUSE THE PLASTIC WILL READJUST YOU IF YOU GO OVER A BUMP OR STOPPING. ITS COSTING OVER 300 DOLLARS TO FIX SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM DUE TO DANGEROUS DRIVING HAZARDS. IF THE SEAT MOVES EVEN MORE IT CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR EVEN WORSE DEATH. *LN

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 23, 20103,806 milesFL

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

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 3, 201010,000 milesMA

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED. MOST OF THE GLASS WENT INSIDE THE CAR. NO ROCK OR OTHER OBJECT WAS FOUND THAT MIGHT HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 14, 20107,800 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SITTING IDLE, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A PRECEDING VEHICLE. HE THEN ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION BUT INSTEAD, THE VEHICLE REVERSED AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE BEHIND HIS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, WHILE SITTING IDLE AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. HE ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT THEN SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND APPLIED THE BRAKES. HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY ENCOUNTERED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR PROVIDE A REASON FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8,000.

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Jul 2, 201035,780 milesMD

1.)WHEN VEHICLE HORN IS APPLIED IT WILL NOT SHUT OFF UNLESS STEERING WHEEL CENTER IS PUNCHED HARD SEVERAL TIMES TO RELEASE HORN. NO CRASH BUT HURT HAND AND WRIST WHILE PUNCHING STEERING WHEEL TO SHUT OFF HORN. DEALERS SERVICES DEPT. DIAGNOSED HORN SWITCH CIRCUIT OPEN AND AIR BAG SPRINGS ARE WEAK. DEALER REPLACED THE HORN PAD SWITCH AND DRIVERS SIDE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG UNDER WARRANTY AT NO CHARGE. 2.)WIPERS WILL COME ON INFREQUENTLY IN RIGHT TURNS FOR NO REASON. STARTLING AND HIGHLY DISTRACTING SINCE IT THE WIPERS MOVEMENT IS UNEXPECTED AND COMES AND GOES WITHOUT RHYME OR REASON. DEALERS SERVICES DEPT. INSPECTED AND PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TEST. DEALER CONCLUDED: NO CODES NOTED AT THIS TIME, COULD NOT DUPLICATE CONCERN. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 9, 20107,200 milesSC

I HAVE A 2009 PT CRUISER, I HAVE ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, ENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL, TO FIND THAT IT HAS SURGED AND CAUSED THE CAR TO SPEED UP WITH OUT WARNING. I THOUGHT IT WAS ME UNTIL IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I HAVE NOT USED IT SINCE. IT DID NOT WANT TO DISENGAGE AND I HAD TO HIT THE BRAKES REALLY HARD AND HOLD THEM DOWN TO GET THE CAR TO RELEASE THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE. CONTACTED DEALER TO ASK IF ANYONE ELSE WAS HAVING PROBLEMS, WAS TOLD I MUST BE DRIVING A TOYOTA? DID NOT FIND THAT HUMOROUS, THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH. I DO SEE THAT THEY HAD AN ISSUE IN THE 2001 MODELS FOR SOMETHING SIMILAR TO WHAT I AM REPORTING. *TR

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser → · Every PT Cruiser year → · How the figures are calculated →