MYRModel Year Report

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser

▲ Better than typical
2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:44:15.709Z

This year had at least 30% fewer 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

Complaints per year, Chrysler PT Cruiser Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2009 highlighted. 2001: 618 complaints 2001 2002: 511 complaints 2003: 258 complaints 2003 2004: 217 complaints 2005: 187 complaints 2005 2006: 349 complaints 2007: 149 complaints 2007 2008: 115 complaints 2009: 97 complaints 2009 2010: 22 complaints 2010
2009: 97 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2001618
2002511
2003258
2004217
2005187
2006349
2007149
2008115
200997
201022

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 60%

60% of complaints: electrical system — 58 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR TURNED ON AND OFF BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. ALSO, THE HORN DID NOT WORK DUE TO THE AIR BAG INDICATOR THAT WAS WIRED INTO THE HORN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180213

ENGINE 27%

27% of complaints: engine — 26 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE LEAKING OIL

NHTSA ODI report, 20180128

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 14%

14% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 14 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130621

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20110623

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20100309

STEERING 6%

6% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 6%

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

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (58 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (26 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (14 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2008 ▲ 2007 ● 2005

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ■ 2002 ◆ 2006

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

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