I PURCHASED A 2006 PT CRUISER TOURING EDITION IN SEPTEMBER OF 2010, LESS THEN ONE MONTH LATER THE CAR BEGAN POURING OUT OIL. TOOK TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED IT WAS EITHER THE CRANK SHAFT OR CAM SHAFT SEALS. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE CAR WAS PURCHASED AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD MAKE THE REPAIRS. THE CAR WAS RETURNED WITHIN A WEEK WITH A NEW HEAD GASKET, CAM SHAFT SEAL AND CRANK SHAFT SEAL AND SINC…
2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine problems
severe 50 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
50
Recalls
0
Crashes
4
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
STARTING AROUND NOV OF 2006 WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INDICATOR LIGHTS TURN ON; ALL THE GAUGES GO DEAD I.E. THE SPEEDOMETER, THE TACHOMETER, THE GAS GAUGE ALL GO TO ZERO. THE WARNING SOUNDS BEEP CONSTANTLY. THE 2006 PT CRUISER WILL LOSE POWER AND/OR SEVERELY HESITATES, POWER STEERING WILL FAIL, THE BRAKES WILL FAIL, I HAVE HAD TO USE THE HAND BRAKE ONE TO MANY TIMES TO SLO…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT OIL CONTINUED TO LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER …
I WAS DRIVING HOME ABOUT 7PM DOING ABOUT 25MPG WHEN MY CAR SHUT OFF,WHEN IT SHUT OFF IT SOUNDED LIKE A QUITE SNAP,I TRIED TO START IT AND IT WAS MAKING LIKE A WHIRLING SOUND SO I STOP TRYING TO START IT AND TOWED IT HOME AND FOUND OUT IT WAS A BROKEN TIMING BELT. *TR
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
It's a meaningful issue. 50 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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