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ProblemsByVin File / 2006-CHRYSLER-PT-CRUISER
2006 · Chrysler

Chrysler PT Cruiser problems

1 safety recall. 349 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
117 reports · avg $850
moderate
engine
50 reports · avg $3,100
severe
visibility
33 reports · avg $350
moderate
airbags
28 reports · avg $1,100
severe
powertrain
25 reports · avg $2,500
critical
steering
18 reports · avg $700
severe
brakes
12 reports · avg $450
severe
lighting
10 reports · avg $250
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2006 PT Cruiser · lighting
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER AND TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WIPER SENSOR SWITCH, THE CLOCK SPRING IN THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, BUT THE FAILURES REMAIN. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK A COMPLAINT…
12/31/2007 · NHTSA ODI #10213296.0
2006 PT Cruiser · electrical
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE WARNING LIGHTS COME ON, STARTING WITH THE SEAT BELT LIGHT AND FOLLOWED BY THE OTHER WARNING LIGHTS, NEXT THE GAUGES ALL ZERO OUT, AND THEN THE CAR SHUTS OFF. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A COUPLE OF CHRYSLER DEALERS AND TO A COUPLE OF INDEPENDENT…
12/29/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10557654.0
2006 PT Cruiser · electrical
ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON RANDOMLY. IDLE SPEEDS INCONSISTENT. WINDSHIELD CRACKED STRAIGHT ACROSS
12/21/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11162883.0
2006 PT Cruiser · powertrain
ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON RANDOMLY. IDLE SPEEDS INCONSISTENT. WINDSHIELD CRACKED STRAIGHT ACROSS WE HAD NO IDEA WHAT HAPPENED UNTIL WE READ AN ARTICLE ABOUT CHRYSLER’S DEFECTIVE TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULES PROBLEMS TITLED “CHRYSLER TIPMS CAUSING POWER PROBLEMS
12/20/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11290245.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 07V149000 04/04/2007

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

IF THE GLASS SEPARATES WHILE DRIVING, IT COULD STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE OR INJURE A PEDESTRIAN.

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

Common questions

Is the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 349 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 117 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chrysler PT Cruiser has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 349 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Chrysler. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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