2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser

◆ Worse than typical

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
BUILT 2026-09-02

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

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 41%

41% of complaints: electrical system — 144 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and instrument cluster/panel.

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

Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) and STRUCTURE

ENGINE 16%

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

VISIBILITY 11%

11% of complaints: visibility — 39 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing glass, side/rear and windshield.

CRASH FIRE

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 37 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and radiator assembly.

CRASH FIRE

AIR BAGS 10%

10% of complaints: air bags — 35 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

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

Also filed under SEAT BELTS

I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON 2/24/07 IN WHICH A LADY RAN A RED LIGHT AND HIT THE FRONT END OF MY 2006 PT CRUISER AT MAYBE 30 MPH.

NHTSA ODI report, 20070301

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 (144 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine issues (55 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for visibility issues (39 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 41% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.