AI DamageChrysler PT Cruiser Conv: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Chrysler PT Cruiser Conv across 2 model years: 30 owner complaints and 0 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 50% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 23% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 23% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel/propulsion system 10% of all complaints
- 5 Steering 10% of all complaints
- 6 Electronic stability control 7% of all complaints
- 7 Powertrain 7% of all complaints
- 8 Service brakes 7% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 15 complaints (50% of all).
- Engine: 7 complaints (23% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 7 complaints (23% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 3 complaints (10% of all).
- Steering: 3 complaints (10% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 30 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
No warning lights or failure codes to address this issue. 10/18 driving 40mph large busy city street, going straight, with no warning the car failed. 40mph to sudden slow roll engine failed. Lost power steering. Radio stayed on. Was able to get to side of road but not fully out of traffic lane.
Power steering leaking, took to chrysler dealer . The dealer did not tell me there was a recall on the power steering . The dealer told me to buy another chrysler.
Where the fuel line in the engine compartment connects to the main fuel line from the tank at the fire wall, there is a fuel drip above the exhaust manifold. This line leaks fuel where it connects to the main line. It has been replaced one time already and continues to leak.
All my warning gauges will come on and gauges flutter or drop to zero and engine might stall. This is happening numerous times and as all other complaints on this subject. No one can seem to find a problem. This is going to cause crashes.
If you investigate my vin, you will see that from soon after I bought my car, I had a weird problem where the gauges would go crazy, the dash lights all light up, and sometimes experience full engine shut down, if not just have an accelerator fail while driving.
This is not an accident but a concern about the drivers seat...when I purchased the vehicle the drivers side seat control panel was broken, plastic parts would not hold. The dealership tried to tape it to fixed it. Lasted 5minutes!! They had too order a new control panel, replaced it, last about 3 mo.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.