See attached document for complaint.
The worst 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical78
- Engine74
- Body67
- Suspension66
- Steering61
- Wheels61
- Fuel system52
- Lights49
- Transmission47
- Airbags43
- Brakes39
- Tires23
- Visibility14
- Acceleration13
- Seat belts11
- Locks6
- Seats6
Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Ball joint 40Headlights 23Stalling 21Airbag light 18No deployment 18Fire or smoke 17Overheating 15Tire blowout 13Battery drain 12Fuel leak 11Grinding brakes 10Check engine light 10Power steering loss 9Door locks 8Harsh shifting 8Pulling 8Transmission failure 8Fuel pump 6Oil consumption 6Seat belt 6Knocking 5Loss of power 5Steering noise 5Won't start 5
Recalls 5
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4l non-turbocharged engines and automatic transaxles, the power steering pressure hose may contact the automatic transaxle differential cover, potentially damaging the hose.
- Risk
- Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and relocate, or replace as necessary, the power steering hose and confirm torque of the hose fastener at the steering gear end. The recall began on september 20, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 04V268000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel supply line could contact the air-conditioning tube service port. This can cause chafing of the line resulting in a fuel leakage.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the fuel line for abrasion and install a clip to ensure isolation. In cases with evidence of fuel line abrasion, the fuel line will be replaced. Owner notification began august 12, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 02V214000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump module mounting flange could leak fuel if the vehicle is involved in a rollover crash.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a secondary seal over the fuel pump module. Owner notification began august 12, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 02V215000 · Recall details
Seats: front assembly: recliner
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the right rear "65%" seat center lower anchor was manufactured with a wire diameter that is greater than the maximum allowable dimension as specified in the standard.
- Risk
- If the connector for a latch-type child restraint is not attached correctly to the anchorage points, the restraint will not properly protect a child in the event of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the right rear seat center anchor and, if necessary, resize the anchor to meet the diameter specified within the standard. Owner notification began november 4, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 02V162000 · Recall details
Child seat
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions that provide a step-by-step procedure, including diagrams, for properly attaching a child restraint system's tether strap to the tether anchorage.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
- Remedy
- Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owner's manuals.
Recall number 00V366000 · Recall details
See all 5 recalls for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Defect investigations
Engine compartment fires
Pe04-028 was opened to investigate seven complaints alleging that the engine compartment caught fire on my 2002 pt cruiser vehicles.on june 3, 2004, daimlerchrysler (dcc) notified the federal safety agency of a safety defect in my 2001-2005 pt cruiser vehicles equipped with naturally aspirated 2.4l engines and automatic transaxles (recall 04v‑268).the notification identified variation of the high pressure power steering hose routing, which allowed the hose to contact the transaxle differential cover, as the factor contributing to this defect.contact between the power steering hose and the transaxle differential cover can cause hose damage and power steering fluid leakage, which can potentially result in a fire. (note: the failure data in this resume is limited to my 2001-2003 vehicles per dcc's pe04-028 information responses.)this condition was limited to vehicles with automatic transaxles as vehicles with manual transmissions have substantial clearance between the transaxle differential cover and the power steering hose due to a smaller transaxle design.this condition also does not adversely affect vehicles with turbo engines, which have a different power steering hose routing that provides substantial clearance between the transaxle differential cover and hose.daimlerchrysler will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer to have the power steering hose assembly inspected and relocated, or replaced, as necessary, and to confirm the torque of the hose fastener at the steering gear end.
PE04028
Safety belt cinching latch plate
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations. Additionally, the report rate is low (1.60/100k).the information available fails to establish the existence of a defect trend at this time.further allocation of agency resources to this issue is unwarranted and the preliminary evaluation is being closed.
PE02082
Fuel hose abrasion
PE02058
Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser 90
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number
- Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty
- Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs
- Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts
- Use of Aftermarket Parts
- Wiper If Mopar OE wipers are unavailable, the below alternatives can be offered instead
- Return: Wiring Assy
- Inspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy
- Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your...
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 17-18 | 23-24 | 20 |
What 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The electrical system is malfunctioning the fans do not kick on at all,even after reaching temperature.Even when the "Air" condition is turned on full blast or the "Heater" it doesn't matter which one is used it still doesn't engage the "Fan".
Air bag light stays on all the while engine is running..... Stopped or moving
Was hit in rear as I was slowing at stop light
Car has problem with overheating (also found out this is common with this model and make). This is a safety issue as you can break down on road which can either cause an accident or cause road blockage.
Tl* the contact owned a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that while slowing down to make a right turn, the vehicle was struck in the rear by another vehicle. The vehicle went airborne, was turned around 180 degrees and then struck again in the front of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained whiplash and several bruises and contusions and sore ribs. The vehicle was towed to the towing facility. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither a dealer nor the manufacturer were contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 171,000. The vehicle was destroyed. *as
Engine fan does not turn on causing car to overheat. I have spoken to other owner that have a pt cruiser (different years) and they also have the same problem with the fan. I called the chrysler dealer which did not have enough complaints about this so they are not issuing any recalls yet. I took this car to my mechanic and he could not determine what is causing this but he did not have the equipment to check the car computer. Another place has the equipment but wants $200. To see if it is a problem with the computer. I feel that chrysler should cover this since it does not just effect my vehicle but many pt cruisers.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact, a certified mechanic, replaced all of the sensors on the vehicle, the relays, and the electrical fuses; however, the vehicle would not start when prompted. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed white smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle then became engulfed in flames. The contact exited the vehicle and rushed away from the scene. The contact stated that the vehicle exploded. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. It was not indicated if a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a salvage yard. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent a technician to inspect the vehicle. No further assistance was offered. There were no injuries. The failure mileage was 107,000. The VIN was not provided.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that the fog light warning indicator illuminated and smoke appeared from the steering column. The contact was able to pull the vehicle off the roadway, turn off the engine, and restart the vehicle. The contact smelled burning wires, but there were no flames. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact found a recall for the fog lights online, but was unable to provide further information. The failure mileage was unknown.
Compare the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Other model years
Questions about the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Is the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?
Owners have filed 618 complaints about the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 2.8 times a typical PT Cruiser model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser year score?
The 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser scores 34 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chrysler PT Cruiser: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Electrical system, with 78 complaints, typically around 66,000 miles. Next is engine (74).
How many recalls does the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?
5 recalls, covering steering, fuel system, gasoline and seats.
What year does the Chrysler PT Cruiser have the most electrical problems?
The Chrysler PT Cruiser model years with the most electrical complaints are 2006 (138 complaints), 2002 (97 complaints) and 2001 (78 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser get?
Official estimates for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser range from 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 17-18 city and 23-24 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history