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ProblemsByVin File / 2006-CHRYSLER-PT-CRUISER NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2006 · Chrysler

Chrysler PT Cruiser problems

349 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

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
Should you avoid this 2006 PT Cruiser?
Avoid — the powertrain

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
117 reports · fails ~71,600 mi · avg $850
moderate
engine
50 reports · fails ~49,843 mi · avg $3,100
severe
visibility
33 reports · fails ~49,488 mi · avg $350
moderate
airbags
28 reports · fails ~55,098 mi · avg $1,100
severe
powertrain
25 reports · fails ~80,269 mi · avg $2,500
critical
steering
18 reports · fails ~80,578 mi · avg $700
severe
brakes
12 reports · fails ~52,321 mi · avg $450
severe
lighting
10 reports · fails ~79,644 mi · avg $250
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2006 PT Cruiser's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2006 PT Cruiser?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

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 · at 24,150 mi · NHTSA ODI #10213296.0 · see lighting pattern →
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 · at 60,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10557654.0 · see electrical pattern →
2006 PT Cruiser · electrical
Engine lights come on randomly. Idle speeds inconsistent. Windshield cracked straight across
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&#146;s defective totally integrated power modules problems titled &#147;Chrysler tipms causing power problems
12/20/2019 · at 65,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11290245.0 · see powertrain pattern →
View all 349 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

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

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 07V149000 April 4, 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.

Should you avoid the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

On the NHTSA data, the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 4 crash-related complaints on the powertrain; Engine: 50 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 28,000–68,000 mi; Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

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. Typical failure occurs around 71,600 miles. 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. Typical failure occurs around 80,269 miles. 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 are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Chrysler/PT Cruiser. 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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