KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser electrical problems
moderate 117 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
117
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 117 electrical complaints filed for the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of Chrysler PT Cruiser we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 117.
Electrical accounts for 34% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Return: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31 July, 2016)of follow ing part numbers:68176457AF, 68176459AF. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 13 September, 2016.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Inspect and Return: Solenoid Module - Transmission You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of follow ing part numbers:52120000AA, 52119435AF, 05078709AB. See attachments for identifying suspect stock. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 07 September, 2016.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2006 PT Cruisers report a pattern of electrical failures that dealers and independent mechanics consistently cannot diagnose or repair. The most common complaint: dashboard warning lights (engine, airbag, brake, seat belt, battery) flash on and off simultaneously while instrument gauges drop to zero or spin wildly. These episodes last seconds to minutes and occur randomly while driving or idling.
What makes this dangerous is that the electrical failure often causes the engine to stall without warning. Owners describe losing all power while on highways at 65 mph, city streets at 30–40 mph, or stopped at intersections. Loss of power means loss of power steering and brake assist. Multiple owners nearly collided with other vehicles or were rear-ended because they could not brake or steer during these events.
Owners point to the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module)—essentially a computerized fuse box—as the likely culprit, but dealers cannot consistently diagnose this. Even when technicians identify the TIPM as defective and replace it, the same symptoms return months or years later. One owner had the TIPM and PCM replaced repeatedly over one month with no fix; another spent $5,836.75 on parts that did not work before the vehicle crashed.
Secondary issues include battery drain without apparent cause, headlights and wipers failing, and fuel/temperature gauges displaying false readings. Mechanics run diagnostics and find no error codes—the modules reset after restart, erasing evidence. Warranty coverage is sparse. Owners report spending hundreds on repeated diagnostic fees and parts that don't resolve the core problem, and Chrysler refuses assistance once the vehicle is out of warranty.
Same Chrysler PT Cruiser electrical reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Instrument panel lights and gauges flashing/going crazy
Dashboard warning lights (engine, airbag, brake, seat belt, battery, oil, ABS) and instrument gauges (speedometer, fuel gauge, tachometer, temperature) simultaneously illuminate, flicker on and off, or drop to zero. Needles spin wildly or oscillate rapidly. Typically lasts seconds to minutes before returning to normal.
When: Intermittent, occurring while driving at various speeds or while idling; some owners report it happens more frequently after extended driving or when AC is on; varies from weekly to monthly episodes
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard warning lights come on simultaneously; Instrument gauge needles drop to zero or spin wildly; Lights flicker on and off repeatedly; Panel lights go out completely; Chime/bell tone sounds during episode
Repairs/costs cited: Owners have replaced dashboard cluster, battery, alternator, wiring harness, fuses, ignition switch, and PCM without resolution in many cases. Dealers frequently unable to reproduce issue during diagnostics. Multiple owners report diagnostics show no error codes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Computer updates performed at dealer; no recalls issued; Chrysler corporation indicated unable to help if problem cannot be reproduced
Engine stall or sudden loss of power while driving
Engine cuts off abruptly while vehicle is in motion, often accompanied by dashboard lights illuminating. Vehicle typically loses all power steering and brake assist. Engine may restart immediately or after brief delay, or owner must shift to Park and restart ignition.
When: Occurs at various speeds (25 mph to 70 mph) and in various traffic conditions (city streets, highways, intersections, stop-and-go traffic); some episodes correlate with AC use or parking in sun; one owner notes pattern after starting car after parked
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies while driving without warning; Loss of power steering; Loss of brake assist; All dashboard lights flash on just prior to stall; Vehicle coasts to stop; Engine restarts after shift to Park and key restart
Repairs/costs cited: Owners have been charged for fuel pump replacement, battery replacement, alternator replacement, computer updates, and module replacements without resolving recurring stalls. One owner spent $2,500 on transmission replacement after being told that was the problem, but issue persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls; Chrysler unable or unwilling to help; dealers unable to reproduce issue for diagnosis
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failure
The TIPM is Chrysler's integrated power distribution unit that controls power to most electrical systems including lights, wipers, brake lights, and engine functions. When it fails, multiple electrical systems malfunction or lose power. Replacing a TIPM does not guarantee permanent fix; some owners report same failures recurring years later.
When: Can occur early in vehicle life (under 30,000 miles reported) or after many years and high mileage; one owner had TIPM replaced once, then same symptoms returned 'a few years later'; failure sometimes triggered by a single faulty bulb causing short circuit
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights, turn signals, running lights, or brake lights fail; Windshield wipers stop working; Dashboard lights go out; Engine light and other warning lights malfunction; Multiple electrical systems lose power simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement cost approximately $833–$975 reported by owners. One owner had TIPM replaced 2 times and PCM replaced 3 times over one month ($5,836.75 total charge) with no resolution. Parts come assembled with integrated wiring harness; cannot be repaired, only replaced. One owner noted single $2.50 burned-out bulb caused TIPM to short and fail.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; extended warranty typically refuses to replace TIPM without dealer diagnosis (which often cannot pinpoint the issue). Dealer diagnostic fee approximately $95–$150. One owner received 5 repair attempts over one month before case opened with Chrysler headquarters; resolution unclear.
Electrical draw / battery drainage and starting problems
Vehicle exhibits excessive electrical parasitic draw or battery goes dead frequently despite battery being fully charged and alternator working correctly. Some episodes involve a 5-amp electrical draw. Car may not start or requires multiple jumps to start; may start then die seconds later.
When: Can occur shortly after purchase or years into ownership; one owner's new battery drained within a week; repeated across multiple owners; one owner reported an electrical draw of 5 amps with heavy wire to PDC box getting red hot at connection point
Symptoms owners cite: Battery goes dead overnight or after short parking period; Vehicle requires jump-start; Car starts then dies within seconds; Takes multiple attempts to get vehicle to turn over; Battery light illuminates and stays on
Repairs/costs cited: Owners have replaced battery (sometimes multiple times), checked alternator (found functional), and had mechanics check for shorts (none detected). PDC (Power Distribution Center) / TIPM replacement mentioned as potential fix. One owner reported mechanic found 5-amp electrical draw but could not locate source; when technician placed hand on PDC box, heavy wire going into it was red hot. Owner paid $453.39 for half-price PDC box replacement after it was out of warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls; Chrysler indicated vehicle is out of warranty; one owner's case opened with Chrysler headquarters with case manager contact but no resolution provided
Headlights, turn signals, wipers, and other steering-column-related controls not working
Headlights (both low and high beams), turn signal lights, horn, windshield wipers, and other controls on steering column fail to function or work intermittently. May be related to clock spring (steering column electrical contact) or multi-switch failure. Controls may work again after adjusting steering wheel or after vehicle sits.
When: Can occur without warning while driving; intermittent—controls may work sometimes and not other times; one owner found problem recurred 2 days after clock spring replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights will not turn on or cannot be turned off; Turn signals do not work; Windshield wipers do not function; Horn only works intermittently or requires hard pressure on specific wheel spot; Fog lights come on and won't turn off; Lights work after adjusting steering wheel position
Repairs/costs cited: Clock spring replacement attempted but did not provide permanent fix (one owner's problem returned within 2 days). Wiper switch and/or wiper motor replacement tried. One owner was told multi-switch needs replacement after instrument cluster replacement. Diagnostic cost $145; replaced wiper motor cost included in $900+ electrical work estimate. Dealers often cannot reproduce issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls; dealer diagnostic fees charged ($145 reported) but issue often cannot be reproduced; clock spring replacement covered under warranty if caught early but problem returns
Gauge malfunction and false readings
Fuel gauge, speedometer, temperature gauge, and tachometer display erratic or false readings. Fuel gauge may show full then drop to empty; speedometer may jump or freeze; temperature gauge reads incorrectly; RPM gauge spins wildly or acts erratically.
When: Intermittent, often concurrent with dashboard light flashing episodes; varies in frequency and duration; one owner notes correlation with low fuel light activation triggering all dashboard lights
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge shows full then drops to empty or vice versa; Speedometer jumps between 0 and high speeds while car is stationary or at constant speed; Temperature gauge does not indicate actual engine temperature or reads incorrectly; Tachometer spins wildly or reads erratically; RPM gauge goes around full circle
Repairs/costs cited: Dashboard cluster replacement suggested and attempted by dealers but does not resolve issue in many cases. No other repair has proven effective. Multiple owners report trying cluster replacement without success.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls; Chrysler corporate unable to assist; dealers cannot diagnose (no codes generated) and suggest cluster replacement as best guess despite owner research showing it does not work
Ignition switch failure
Ignition switch becomes stuck, hangs up, or fails to turn properly. Vehicle may not start or will not respond to ignition key movement. One owner found ignition switch posts burned due to age despite vehicle still running. Some owners suspect ignition switch based on symptom patterns (similar to GM recall issue).
When: Intermittent; one owner reports switch sometimes hangs before vehicle will start; appears to affect older vehicles or those with high mileage; symptom recurs unpredictably
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition key stuck or hangs before turning; Vehicle will not start despite key in ignition; Key requires multiple turns to start vehicle; Ignition switch posts burned (per dealer diagnosis)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostic identified ignition switch failure in at least one case. No specific replacement cost cited in narratives, but vehicle required diagnostic fee ($95) to identify.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler customer service indicated posts were burned due to age, not switch failure, despite vehicle running and key not being manipulated; no recall issued though similar issue affects 2008 models
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) and ECM (Engine Control Module) failure
Engine control computer modules fail, leading to engine running rough, misfires, stalling, and loss of power. One owner had PCM replaced 3 times within one month with recurring failures. Modules may be defective from manufacturer.
When: Can occur early or repeatedly; one owner had 3 PCM and 2 TIPM replacements over approximately one month before crash due to sudden unintended acceleration
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light comes on; Engine runs rough; Engine misfires (e.g., cylinder 3 misfire code); Engine stalls; Loss of power while driving; Sudden unintended acceleration
Codes mentioned: Cylinder 3 misfire
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement cost not specified in narratives, but one owner was charged $5,836.75 total for 3 PCM replacements and 2 TIPM replacements over one month, all of which failed. Another owner had PCM/TCM replaced multiple times with same issue recurring.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Replacement modules continue to fail; extended warranty refuses to cover without successful diagnosis; dealer unable to diagnose defective modules; one owner's case managed by Chrysler headquarters with no resolution
Sudden unintended acceleration
Vehicle accelerates on its own without driver input on accelerator pedal. Can occur while vehicle is at a stop, during normal driving, or when driver is applying brakes. Extremely dangerous on highways and in traffic.
When: Intermittent; can occur at any time while driving or at stops; one owner experienced acceleration just before crash; another owner reports acceleration while trying to stop at intersection
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without pedal input; Car launches forward unexpectedly; Engine surges forward when driver not expecting it; Cannot slow or stop vehicle in normal manner
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports 5 dealer visits, 3 PCM replacements, and 2 TIPM replacements over one month; none resolved the issue. Vehicle crashed due to unintended acceleration; vehicle sustained heavy damage and cannot be driven.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Defective PCM and TIPM modules installed; owner charged $5,836.75 for parts that did not fix the problem; no recall or safety investigation mentioned
Interior and exterior light function failures
Headlights, fog lights, interior dome light, and running lights malfunction. Lights may not come on, may come on and not turn off, may flicker, or may dim and brighten randomly. May be tied to steering column controls or TIPM failure.
When: Intermittent to chronic; can occur while driving or when starting vehicle; one owner reports fog lights come on and won't turn off; another reports headlights won't turn off after Safelite windshield replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights will not turn on; Headlights will not turn off once on; Fog lights activate and deactivate randomly; Interior dome light does not work properly; Running lights fail; Lights dim and brighten randomly
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had instrument cluster replaced and multi-switch replacement attempted without complete resolution; problem recurred after 50 miles. Another owner had lights worked on 3 times at dealership before giving up. Safelite windshield replacement seemed to trigger some lighting control issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls; dealer repairs attempted but problem recurs; one owner refused to purchase another Chrysler after repeated failed repairs
Synthesized from 117 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
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 mechanics, but no one could find anything wrong with it. I conducted an internet search for mechanical problems with this…
Engine lights come on randomly. Idle speeds inconsistent. Windshield cracked straight across
Chrysler 2006 pt cruiser touring edition. Horn very hard to operate ,takes more effort to make this horn work from the steering wheel than most cars. *tr
While driving 25 MPH my vehicle dash board gauge just started lighting up. The speedometer started spending around, and then it just shut off, it started up again, but it did it several times before I was able to drive it.please help me to find out what is wrong with my car. I have had several thing replace on it and it still doing the same thing, cant afford another car now. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that while approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle gauges started to spin then all the warning lights illuminated as the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 29,000.
Dt: the contact stated while traveling at 50-55 MPH the vehicle stalled. The contact took vehicle to the dealership for inspection, and they determined the problem involved the starter assembly solenoid valve. Repairs were made. However, this did not correct the problem. Currently, the vehicle was not taken back to the dealership for additional repairs. The vehicle is a convertible.…
All warning lights come on, gauges on speedometer & tach spin around, fyi: coil had been replaced one year prior.( vehicle then shuts off.) the dealer performed complete inspection of ignition and fuel injection system. No problems found. Removed cylinder again to inspect for any internal failure & internal components are ok. Replaced injector as safety measure. Reassembled, drove and no…
Had electrical trouble with your 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 117 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 98 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 42,000 and 97,230 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,000; a quarter make it past 97,230. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Chrysler/PT Cruiser.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.