2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser

◆ Worse than typical

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2006: 349 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 35%

35% of complaints: electrical system — 122 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

WE ARE BEING TREATED IN A VERY UNCARING, RACIST, DISCRIMINATORY WAY BY THE GENERAL MANAGER DAN HAMRICK 702-432-2401, AT #LASVEGAS CHAPMAN DODGE #CHRYSLER' @VEGASDCJ 3175 EAST SAHARA LAS VEGAS NV 89104. HE HAS CONSISTENTLY REFUSED TO SEE US.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180429

ENGINE 16%

16% of complaints: engine — 55 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 8%

8% of complaints: air bags — 29 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED, VEERED INTO A DITCH, THEN CRASHED INTO A WALL. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130122

DRIVER SUFFERED A DIABETIC HYPOGLYCEMIC INCIDENT AND RAN OFF THE ROAD AND COLLIDED WITH A GUARD RAIL. THE ACCIDENT WAS A FRONTAL IMPACT THAT RESULTED IN SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BUMPER, FENDERS, ENGINE COMPARTMENT, SUSPENSION, AND FRAME.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120912

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PT CRUISER. THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT WAS IN A CAR CRASH WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH , ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSED THE CRASH.

NHTSA ODI report, 20070129

POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 22 distinct reports on file.

CRASH DEATH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6%

6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 20 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2006 — complaint volume: 349

I 20061020 — PE (closed 20070216)

REAR QUARTER PANEL GLASS SEPARATION

I 20070216 — EA (closed 20070405)

REAR QUARTER PANEL GLASS SEPARATION

R 20070430 — visibility

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR QUARTER GLASS ATTACHING FASTENERS MAY PULL THROUGH THEIR MOUNTS AND ALLOW THE GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR QUARTER GLASS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Campaign 07V149000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (122 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine issues (55 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for air bags issues (29 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 07V149000 (visibility) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2009 ▲ 2008 ▲ 2007

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ■ 2002 ◆ 2003

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.