Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine problems
moderate 41 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
41
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 41 engine complaints filed for the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 41 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 6 model years of Chrysler PT Cruiser in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
NAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 PT Cruiser's 2.4L engine exhibits a dominant defect: the crankshaft develops excessive end play (looseness), which progressively destroys the front or rear oil seals. Owners report massive oil loss in minutes to hours with little to no warning from the oil light—especially dangerous at highway speeds. The seal typically fails once and recurs weeks later because replacing the seal without addressing the underlying crankshaft play is temporary. Some owners have replaced the same seal five times over two years. Dealers find broken thrust washers and a ground crankshaft upon disassembly; many recommend short-block or full engine replacement at $6,000+.
Beyond seal failure, owners report excessive oil consumption (2–4 quarts every 2,500 miles), mysterious unlocatable leaks, and bearing failure as early as 6,000 miles on brand-new vehicles. Engine vibration at idle—severe enough to stall the car—affects many owners; mechanics acknowledge the PT Cruiser has an inherent vibration they cannot fix, yet it persists after multiple motor-mount and tune-up attempts. Less common but serious are cylinder misfires (undiagnosed for 3 years in one case), early head-gasket warping, intermittent stalling, and one engine fire. Chrysler acknowledges the seal issue in TSB #09-001-13 and NHTSA #10128948 but has not recalled the vehicle. Most owners denied warranty assistance due to mileage, even on failures at 20k–50k miles.
Same Chrysler PT Cruiser engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006
Failure modes owners describe
Crankshaft front seal failure with excessive end play
Front crankshaft seal fails and blows out, causing massive oil loss. Root cause is excessive crankshaft end play (looseness), which pushes the seal outward and eventually destroys it. Owners report losing all oil in minutes to hours, creating hazard of engine seizure and fire risk from oil on exhaust. Multiple owners report seal failure recurring after replacement because the underlying crankshaft play was not addressed. Some dealers discover broken thrust washers and crankshaft damage upon disassembly.
When: Typically 17k–85k miles; several failures reported under 25k miles on nearly new vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil puddles under vehicle or rapid dripping from front of engine; Oil warning light may illuminate, but often comes on too late at highway speeds; Oil loss of 1+ quart every 10–20 miles in severe cases; Smoke from under hood when seal fails; No audible warning before catastrophic failure
Repairs/costs cited: Seal replacement alone is temporary fix; requires engine removal and short-block or full engine replacement. Dealer costs reported: $491–$6,055 (includes short block at upper end). Owners report seals fail again within weeks if only seal replaced. One owner required 5 seal replacements over 2 years.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler acknowledges defect in TSB #09-001-13 and NHTSA #10128948 but has not issued formal recall. Some dealers offered goodwill warranty extension to cover engine block replacement, but many owners denied assistance due to mileage. Owners describe this as a 'silent recall' that Chrysler is aware of but does not formally address.
Rear main oil seal failure
Rear main oil seal fails, causing rapid oil loss with no warning light illumination. Owner heard loud noise before discovering oil had drained from engine.
When: 22,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise from engine; Complete oil loss; No warning indicator illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repaired; no cost stated
Excessive oil consumption (burning or leaking)
Engine consumes or leaks oil at abnormal rate. One owner consuming 2 quarts per day starting at 40k miles; another consuming 4 quarts every 2,500 miles at 63k miles. Owners cannot identify exact leak source. Cause may be internal (piston rings, valve seals) or unidentifiable external leak.
When: 40k–86k miles; typically mid-life for 2007 vehicles in this dataset
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops rapidly between services; No visible dripping; leak point unidentifiable; Check engine light may or may not illuminate; Difficulty driving on highways due to frequent oil replenishment needed
Repairs/costs cited: One owner needed short-block replacement; most cases not fully diagnosed due to inability to locate leak source
Engine bearing failure (crankshaft bearing)
Crankshaft bearing fails, allowing excessive play in the crankshaft. One case at 6 months / 6,000 miles: bearing failed and blew out the bottom half of engine. Another case at 58k miles: crankshaft bearing failed, crankshaft moved forward and destroyed oil pump, which then knocked out seal.
When: 6,000 miles (6 months); 58,000–68,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No warning lights in early failure; Dramatic oil loss; Oil windshield of following vehicles (case at 68k miles)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required. One case: $6,000 for short block. One case noted bearing set had thrust surface only on upper half (manufacturing defect).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered trade-in for new vehicle but owner would carry negative equity. Suggested owner contact attorney general for lemon law. In one case, after bearing failure damaged oil pump and seal, Chrysler extended goodwill warranty to cover engine block replacement (though vehicle ultimately not repaired).
Cylinder misfire and engine/computer communication failure
Engine misfires on one or more cylinders. One case: computer and engine did not communicate, causing persistent misfire and poor acceleration for 3 years before diagnosis. Owner's check engine light came on multiple times; dealer could not locate problem until 69k miles. After repair, problem recurred within 3 weeks.
When: First symptoms at ~32k miles (new car); diagnosed at 69k miles; repair failed at ~72k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Poor acceleration; cannot pass other vehicles on freeway; Check engine light cycles on and off; No acceleration above 20 mph without sputtering; Ding sound heard before loss of power
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced defective engine components; repair failed within 3 weeks. Exact repair parts not detailed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler advised owner that engine trouble should be discovered during routine oil change, implying failure was owner or dealer's responsibility. Manufacturer did not cover re-repair.
Camshaft and crankshaft position sensor failure
Cam and crank position sensors fail, causing check engine light and severe drivability loss (limiting vehicle to 20 mph with sputtering). Occurs on used vehicle purchased with 44k miles.
When: ~48k miles (4 months after purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Ding sound heard; Cannot accelerate above 20 mph; car sputters
Repairs/costs cited: $491 to replace sensors; $300 deductible after extended warranty applied
Engine vibration at idle and low speed
Vehicle vibrates severely when idling or at low speeds, especially worse with A/C running. Multiple mechanics cannot identify cause. Suspected to be related to engine design, not external components. Despite replacing motor mounts multiple times and performing tune-ups, vibration persists. Mechanics acknowledge PT Cruiser has inherent vibration issue they cannot fix.
When: Develops within first 2 years of ownership; 35k–40k miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Violent vibration at idle and low speed (under 30 mph); Worse with A/C on; Normal in Park; Occasional stalling while idling
Repairs/costs cited: Motor mounts replaced in 2011 and again in 2012 at ~$1,500 per replacement; belts, fluids replaced; no permanent fix. Owner spent thousands without resolution.
Engine overheating and head gasket warping
Engine overheated at very low mileage (1,100 miles), causing head gasket to warp. Thermostat was also stuck.
When: 1,100 miles (5 days into ownership, December 2007)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Engine overheating while driving 60 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat and head gasket replaced
Vacuum hose loosening due to engine vibration
Engine vibration caused vacuum hose to loosen in evaporated system, triggering check engine light.
When: Early in ownership (October 2007)
Symptoms owners cite: Malfunction light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum hose to evaporated system repaired
Engine stall without warning (intermittent)
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly at low speed or idle. Check engine light may illuminate. Failure intermittent and cannot be duplicated by dealer. One case: vehicle stalled at stop sign while steering column locked and engine shut down. Another case: stalled at 10 mph after check engine light came on.
When: Various; one case at 9,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down without warning; Check engine light may illuminate; Failure intermittent; Steering may lock up as engine dies
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in most cases due to inability to duplicate
Piston ring burnout
Piston ring in engine burns out, causing engine failure. Owner advised a new engine is needed.
When: 86,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine failure
Repairs/costs cited: New engine needed; repair not completed
Engine acceleration hesitation and transmission shifting issues
Upon acceleration between 0–30 mph, engine feels like it is missing or transmission torque converter chatters. Dealer advises this is normal for the vehicle. Separate case: vehicle stuck in second gear multiple times, check engine light illuminated, dealer replaced all engine solenoids but failures persisted.
When: Early mileage (under 10k miles in solenoid case)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine missing sensation or transmission chattering on acceleration; Inability to shift gears; stuck in second gear; Check engine light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: All engine solenoids replaced; failures continued. Dealer unable to find root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer advised hesitation is a characteristic problem in the vehicle and cannot be fixed.
Engine fire
While driving 20 mph, steering column locked, engine shut down, smoke appeared under hood, and vehicle caught fire. Fire department responded and vehicle was destroyed.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Steering column seizure; Engine shutdown; Smoke under hood; Vehicle fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; towed to collision yard
Fuel filler neck issue (fuel nozzle shutoff)
Cannot fill fuel tank; fuel nozzle shutoff valve triggers every second, preventing normal fueling. Takes approximately 30 minutes to fill tank.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel nozzle shuts off repeatedly during refueling; Extended fueling time
Codes mentioned: P0456
Repairs/costs cited: Gas cap replaced twice due to leaks
Serpentine belt, alternator belt, and power steering pump noise/wear
Chirping noise at idle caused by worn serpentine and alternator drive belts. Power steering pump also required replacement.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Chirping noise at idle
Repairs/costs cited: Serpentine belt, alternator belt, and power steering pump replaced
Synthesized from 41 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
On december 24, 2007 I took my 2007 pt cruiser, that is only 6 months old, to firestone to be checked on cause I noticed I was leaking oil. They proceeded to take my car put it on the lift and noticed it was leaking dramatically. They then told me that I had major engine trouble and needed to have it checked out. I went to sears auto center I pulled in front within 10 minutes all the oil in the…
Cannot get gas to go into the gas tank, fuel nozzle shuts off every second or so, takes about 30 minutes to fill the tank.
Has a burning rubbery smell
Had engine trouble with your 2007 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 engine problem on the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 41 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 33 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 22,000 and 58,000 miles, with the median around 42,018. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,000; a quarter make it past 58,000. 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 $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.
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/2007/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.