If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser have filed 4 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 PT Cruiser | 50 |
| 2007 PT Cruiser | 41 |
| 2008 PT Cruiser | 8 |
| 2009 PT Cruiser | 7 |
| 2010 PT Cruiser (this page) | 4 |
When does it fail?
Of the 4 engine complaints filed for the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 6 model years of Chrysler PT Cruiser we track for engine problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (4).
Engine accounts for 18% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 4 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
NAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ 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: 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 ↗This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module with new software. The Technician may discover that P0128 - Thermostat Rationality DTC is present. This DTC is a two trip code and is matured if a significant difference exists between the PCM predicted and actual engine coolant temperature during engine warm-ups. The PCM calibration may improperly mature a P0128 DTC because the airflow across the coolant temperature sensor during colder ambient temperatures, 50° F (10° C) or below, causes the predicted coolant temperature to deviate from the actual coolant temperature.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module with new software. The Technician may discover that P0128 - Thermostat Rationality DTC is present. This DTC is a two trip code and is matured if a significant difference exists between the PCM predicted and actual engine coolant temperature during engine warm-ups. The PCM calibration may improperly mature a P0128 DTC because the airflow across the coolant temperature sensor during colder ambient temperatures, 50° F (10° C) or below, causes the predicted coolant temperature to deviate from the actual coolant temperature.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chrysler pt cruiser. While depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle began to make an abnormal noise. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her that the timing belt needed to be replaced. The contact was given an estimate for the repairs. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the…
Car using about 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles of operation. Head gasket leaking. Head gasket replaced by dealer. Now uses 1 quart of oil per 880 miles of operation. *tr
The engine blew up! Under 70,000 mileage but after 10 years. Mechanics can’t figure out what’s wrong with it. The try this and that. The catalytic converter, spark plugs… everything you can imagine. Just started to cost more than it was worth.
Had engine trouble with your 2010 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 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 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?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 42,640 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2010/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.