2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser
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.
- Complaints
- 97
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
None on file
None on file
62% of complaints
Complaints per year
2009: 97 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
62% · 60 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and horn.
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, 2018-02-13
Also filed under Air bags
Engine
27% · 26 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Engine leaking oil
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-28
Vehicle speed control
14% · 14 reportsShow 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, 2013-06-21
Also filed under Air bags
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, 2011-06-23
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, 2010-03-09
Power train
7% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing manual transmission.
Air bags
7% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the vehicle was involved in a side impact collision at 35 MPH. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard where it caught fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-03-08
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact was driving 35 MPH when she drove over ice and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was spun around and another vehicle crashed into the driver side of her vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-02-25
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 60 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 26 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 14 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
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 62% 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.