Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser electrical problems
moderate 49 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
49
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 49 electrical complaints filed for the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 51% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 49 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
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 ↗RES / RHA / REB Radios That Supports Bluetooth and Hands-Free For issues with Bluetooth, Hands-Free Calling, and/or Voice Commands, DO NOT replace the radio. Diagnose the Hands-Free Module system (also called the Telematics Module). The Telematics Module (and associated components) are the systems responsible for these features. A power cycle may be required for the hands-free module for proper diagnosis.~ Please reference; 8T - Navigation/Telecommunication Diagnosis and Testing (DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HANDS FREE PHONE)
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2009 PT Cruisers consistently report a dangerous electrical fault: the dashboard lights flash on and off, all gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, RPM) drop to zero and oscillate wildly, and the engine either loses power or stalls completely. This happens at any speed—stopped in traffic, on local roads, or at highway speeds—and sometimes occurs within the first five minutes of driving. The event often repeats multiple times in a short span (4–5 times in 45 miles is typical), then may not happen again for weeks. When it resolves, owners restart the engine or turn the ignition key off and back on.
The core problem: dealers cannot replicate the fault during service visits, so no diagnostic codes appear. Battery replacement, alternator testing, ignition switch replacement, engine computer (PCM) replacement, and transmission control module (TIPM) replacement have all failed to stop the issue. Owners cite weather patterns—heavy dew or moisture—seem to worsen the problem, though it happens in all conditions.
Compounding the hazard, the passenger airbag off indicator light illuminates intermittently (sometimes weekly), suggesting the occupant has no airbag protection. Separately, some owners report door locks that won't open, seatbelts that won't unlock (trapping occupants), rear tail lights that shatter from electrical surges, and horns that don't work when the airbag indicator activates. Chrysler has not issued a recall for these 2009 models, despite the similar fault appearing on a 2001 model recall.
Same Chrysler PT Cruiser electrical reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Dashboard lights and gauges flicker/fluctuate; engine stall or power loss
All instrument cluster warning lights illuminate and flash on/off. Gauge needles (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, RPM) drop to zero or fluctuate erratically. Vehicle loses power or engine stalls completely; may restart on its own or after key-off/restart cycle. Occurs at all speeds (parked, low speed, highway). Often occurs within first 5 minutes of driving or in heavy moisture/dew conditions. No diagnostic codes present.
When: Sporadic; often within first 5 minutes of driving; more frequent in heavy dew/moisture; at 20,000–185,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard warning lights flash on and off; Gauge needles drop to zero then return; Engine loses power or stalls completely; Loss of power steering; Engine jerks or stumbles; Car dies and has to be restarted; Gauges oscillate erratically; Speedometer reading becomes unreliable
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate in most cases; no codes stored. Some owners report replacement of battery, alternator, ignition switch, engine PCM, engine TIPM, camshaft, battery post without resolution. Temporary reset sometimes achieved by turning key off/on.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler has not publicly acknowledged the issue or issued a recall. Dealers consistently report inability to find the problem. One owner notes a similar 2001 model recall (01V288000) exists for comparable symptoms.
Passenger airbag warning light illumination; sporadic airbag disable
Passenger airbag off indicator light illuminates on dash, often weekly or multiple times during ownership. Usually accompanies dashboard light flickering and gauge fluctuations. Creates safety concern that passenger has no airbag protection in event of accident. Repeated battery, electrical system, and battery contact replacement have not resolved.
When: Sporadic, often weekly; persists across multiple years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag off light illuminates on dashboard; Light comes on intermittently while driving; Accompanies dashboard light flashing and gauge drop events
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced, electrical system inspected, battery contacts replaced—issue persists. No permanent repair found despite numerous visits to dealer.
Door lock and seatbelt latch electrical failures
Driver unable to unlock or open driver-side door after engine is turned off and key removed. Seatbelt latch fails to unlock, trapping occupant in vehicle. Door must be opened from outside or engine restarted to power-down window.
When: Sporadic, multiple occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Driver door will not open after ignition off and key removed; Seatbelt latch fails to unlock; Occupant trapped in vehicle; Requires engine restart to operate power window for emergency exit
Horn inoperative due to airbag indicator wiring
Horn does not function because airbag indicator light control is wired into the horn circuit. When airbag indicator activates, horn does not work.
When: At 77,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Horn does not sound; Horn function disabled when airbag indicator is active
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised no recalls on vehicle and repairs would be at owner's expense.
Electrical surges cause tail light and accessory failures
Rear taillights blow out or shatter from electrical surges. Power windows malfunction intermittently. Water found inside tail light housings multiple times.
When: Multiple occurrences over 3-year span
Symptoms owners cite: Rear taillights blow or shatter; Power windows fail to operate intermittently; Water intrusion in tail light assemblies; Taillights require replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Owner has had to replace bulbs and drain water from tail light housing multiple times.
Exposed wiring from driver seat switch bezel fracture
Driver seat switch bezel fractured without warning, exposing internal wiring. Occurred once prior to failure reported; dealership confirmed fracture and component needed repair.
When: At 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Seat switch bezel fractured; Exposed wiring visible; Fracture occurred without obvious cause
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repaired the fractured bezel.
Synthesized from 49 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
Driving in a snow storm when all dash lights came on - and gauges dropped. Repeatedly went off and on. Car eventually stalled. This happened repeatedly in spite of having many things replaced (battery alternator and ignition) when the weather warmed the problem seemed to be resolved but during the first snow this winter, it happened again. Now this occurs frequently. Seldom occurs before 20…
Sporadic instrument cluster powers on and off illuminating all lights. When condition occurs it is vastly distracting unable to determine vehicle speed accurately. When the issue is present the engine will typically shut off. This seems like an incredibly bad condition to allow in a vehicle and contacting Chrysler LED to no solution for resolving. Internet search suggests this is not a one off…
While driving down the road all the dash lights came on and the car started beeping, the gas gauge and MPH and RPM dials go to zero. Can't pull a code and there seems to be no apparent problem that can be located by the dealer or a mechanic. This is very dangerous! *tr
Driving at various speeds, all warning lights flash on and off, then all guages go up and down dramatically, the loss of power, car comes to stop but engine doesn't die. Turn off engine, then on then same thing 2-3 more x on way home. Dangerous. Due to faulty tipm made by Chrysler? This has happened 20 different days in last month, also battery dead once, engine cooling fan failed twice, rear…
Purchased vehicle a couple of years ago with about 32,000 miles, everything has been great until a couple of weeks ago. At about 41,000 vehicle has started stalling when moving, horn will not quit, starting issues and dash lights flash on and off. This is a very dangerous issue and I have read most of the prior 60 complaints dating back to 2010 and nothing has been done by Chrysler . I have…
Intermittently all dash lights come on and all gauges begin fluctuating and the car will begin to sputter and sometimes dies and then it doesn't do it again for miles
This is the 2nd pt cruiser that I have owned. The first one was great! But...this one!! Ongoing problems since we have owned the car!!!! Seat belt wouldn't unlock couldn't get out of car. I was locked in. Someone had to open door from outside. Lights always flickering. Loss power. Acts up while driving. Finally got so bad that the car would just stall out. Took to dealership and was…
More often than not, all the lights on dash illuminate when the car is first started, sometimes flashing on and then off when driving. If driving, sometimes the car will either accelerate or slow down. Because the speedometer goes back and forth, I have no idea how fast I'm going. If I slow down when approaching a red light or to make a turn, the car has cut off. Looking online, this appears…
Had electrical trouble with your 2009 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 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 49 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 45 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 38,000 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,000; a quarter make it past 75,000. 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 $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/2009/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.