2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 618
- Recalls
- 7
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2001
Opened by NHTSA
13% of complaints
Complaints per year
2001: 618 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 618 |
| 2002 | 511 |
| 2003 | 258 |
| 2004 | 217 |
| 2005 | 187 |
| 2006 | 349 |
| 2007 | 149 |
| 2008 | 115 |
| 2009 | 97 |
| 2010 | 22 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
13% · 81 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and horn.
Engine and engine cooling
11% · 71 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
The engine starting making a ticking sound while I was driving uphill about 40 MPH. I stopped to check oil which was about 1/2 quart down. I proceeded to continue driving I went about another mile and the car started losing power.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-10
Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline
Suspension
11% · 69 reportsMost commonly citing lower arm and rear.
Structure
11% · 67 reportsMost commonly citing body and underbody shields.
Show complaint excerpts
Was hit in rear as I was slowing at stop light
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-10-25
Steering
10% · 64 reportsMost commonly citing hose, piping, and connections and hydraulic power assist system.
Safety timeline
7 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2000-11-12Child seat00V366000 Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems." Some of the…
Remedy: Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owner's manuals.
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2001Complaint volume 618 complaints filed for this model year.
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2002-07-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-10-04 Fuel hose abrasion
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2002-08-12Fuel system, gasoline02V214000 On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel supply line could contact the air-conditioning tube service port. This can cause chafing of the line resulting in a fuel leakage.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel line for abrasion and install a clip to ensure isolation. In cases with evidence of fuel line abrasion, the fuel line will be replaced. Owner notification began…
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2002-08-12Fuel system, gasoline02V215000 On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump module mounting flange could leak fuel if the vehicle is involved in a rollover crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a secondary seal over the fuel pump module. Owner notification began August 12, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service…
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2002-11-04Seats02V162000 Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems." The right rear "65%" Seat center lower anchor…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the right rear seat center anchor and, if necessary, resize the anchor to meet the diameter specified within the standard. Owner notification began November 4, 2002. Owners…
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2002-11-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-04-23 Safety belt cinching latch plate
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2004-03-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-06-18 Engine compartment fires
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2004-09-20Steering04V268000 On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4L non-turbocharged engines and automatic transaxles, the power steering pressure hose may contact the automatic transaxle differential cover…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and relocate, or replace as necessary, the power steering hose and confirm torque of the hose fastener at the steering gear end. The recall began on September 20, 2004.…
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2008-05-22Suspension08E033000 Federal mogul is recalling 6,903 aftermarket ball joint assemblies shipped between November 9, 2007 and March 26, 2008, which may have been packaged with incorrect nuts. The part numbers packaged…
Remedy: Federal mogul will notify owners and replace the parts free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2008. Owners can contact federal mogul at 877-489-6659.
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2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Buy-smart checklist
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 81 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 71 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 69 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 00V366000 · Child seat
- Recall 02V214000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 02V215000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 02V162000 · Seats
- Recall 04V268000 · Steering
- Recall 08E033000 · Suspension
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?
- 7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.