2006 pt cruiser, approx. 55,000 miles. First the seat belt warning light flashes on, then all the warning lights on the dashboard come on. All my gauges drop except the fuel gauge. The speedometer gauge moves up and down after dropping. It feels like power is lost to the engine when it is happening. Within seconds, the warning lights go out and the gauges stabilize and things are normal. Sometimes this happens only once while driving, other days it happens 4-5 times in a row. I am told it is a common problem with the 2006 model. Why is there no recall or repair thru chrysler?
2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 91, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I got the car 6 months ago and have had nothing but problems. All the dash lights come on and the gauges go to zero. It has almost caused me to be in an accident, it died in the middle of a busy intersection, it has died while I'm stopped at a red light and happens at various speeds, I've replaced the, alternator, starter, gauge cluster and some other small things and nothing is working. I've seen a lot of people with the same problem, chrysler should be doing something about this, I don't know what to do anymore with it, I'm not rich I can't afford a new car or to keep putting money into the car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that while traveling 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated as the vehicle lost acceleration power. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that there was a misfire on cylinder 3. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 63,000.
I bought a pt cruiser sedan and the car lot I bought if from said it needed front shocks and it would be ready in two day. I pick up the pt cruiser and decided to take it to my mechanic and have it check out from top to bottom. It has over 100 mechanical issues, from shocks which were never put on. There is oil in the spark plugs and leaves a smell when the heater is on which makes us very ill. It is not safe to drive. Also, the car lot I bought it from which it was sold for around $2,000 dollars and needs over $3,000 dollars worth of work. Then I got slapped with an extra 5,000 from the loan company. This is a lemon. I am not paying for anything and him and I have went around and around about this piece of junk. They can repo it and then I am getting an attorney for selling me a car that should not be on the road. Too dangerous.
Failed crank seal. Car went in for routine inspection at dealership. They said it needed a new motor mount. When they returned the car, they mentioned it had a leak at the crank seal. We took the car home and it was heavily leaking oil, so we took it to another local garage. They "repaired" the seal, along with things like a new timing belt, etc "while we are in there" and returned the car at a cost of $1700. Drove it for only a few days while driving the oil light came on a few miles from home. When we got the car home there was nearly no oil left in the car, the crank seal had blown/ burned out again. Towed to garage. Told by garage and also dealership that it could not be repaired, the crank bearing was worn and would "walk out" and the same thing would happen. Was told it needed a new engine. (at 39k miles???) my brother removed the engine himself, took it to a machine shop who removed the crank and used some sort of kit to repair the engine. The cost was $600 parts, $600 labor. The car recently was put back in service but is not trusted and the engine light is lit up. The car was not driven hard in its life (driven my by 70 yr old mother) and had regular service.
Dashboard lit up, engine stopped, vehicle slowed allowing me to make a right turn out of traffic. Was able to restart engine. Car history prior to incident on the road. No mechanical incidents, however engine cranking problems. Battery previously replaced and starter replaced on 05/28/2013 by mcx auto service center, mcas miramar, san diego, ca., 92145, phone number (858) 536-1684. Since, first stalled incident, engine failure of the same has happened 3 more times, all in light street traffic with no injuries. Vehicle restarted after each incident. Latest incident august 01, 2013 at 4:30 pm. Internet research has provided me with information and a video of symptoms pertaining to the ignition actuator switch and pin. This video shows exact symptoms of my car and also how to replace switch. Please advise on recall information replacement or a potential safety problem being evaluated for recall. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several minutes. The contact also stated that the windshield wipers were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The failure was reported to the manufacturer. The failure and current mileage was 69,205.
Crank shaft movement (approx. 0.025) hammered oil seal from block. Root cause is worn thrust bearing. Contacted chrysler call center, employee's reaction and internet search indicates this is a common problem. Engine used in different makes and model years, mini vans jeeps....... I had the oil changed frequently and other routine maintenence performed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, a loud popping noise was heard from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the contact was advised that there was oil leaking from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the alternator belt, axle drive seal, camshaft seal, front main seal, and the serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The approximate failure mileage was 15,844 and the current mileage was 38,000.
Since november 2012, my 2006 pt cruiser's dashboard has occasionally gone crazy with all gauges (speed, gas, etc) going crazy and bouncing back and forth, all lights (engine, airbag, brake, etc) lighting up at the same time. At that time, it did not affect the engine. On march 15, 2013, the car died suddenly while pulling out into an intersection after being stopped at a red light. The gauges and lights had previously been going crazy. The car restarted without a problem. I drove the car to the chrysler dealership where it was purchased immediately. The mechanic could not recreate the issue and did a computer update. After picking the car up from the dealership on march 22, 2013, again the gauges and lights starting going off and the car started to stall and the engine sputtered. I was in stop and go traffic. When stopped, the car would not immediately accelerate and it threatened to quit numerous times. I had to put my warning lights on to avoid being hit by the truck behind me. I immediately drove the car home and took it back to the dealership the following week. After another week, the mechanic was finally able to recreate the problem with the lights and gauges but did not experience the stalling or intermittent lack of acceleration. The car is still at the dealership and he is unable to determine the cause of the problem. He suggests replacing the dashboard cluster but is not sure if this will fix the problem. After reading other customer complaints that replacing the dashboard cluster did not remedy the same problem in other pt cruisers, I am not confident that this is the solution to the problem. I would appreciate chrysler responding to this issue that many 2006 pt cruiser owners are experiencing. The problem seems too prevalent to ignore and having a car die suddenly in the middle of traffic is a dangerous thing.
Driving on expressway all the dashlights suddenly came on and the gauges started bouncing back and forth. All went back to normal for approx 10 mls and then started all over again, this time the engine died, after coming to a stop, turning everything off, it restarted. That was my first incident since then it has happened 3 more times in different driving situations.the mechanic can not reproduce the problem when he has it, and no codes are showing , do not feel very safe in vehicle anymore.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer several times and was told that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The contact eventually took the vehicle to a mechanic and was told that the 02 sensor needed to be replaced. In addition, the controls that adjusted the front driver's seat would fracture continuously and was replaced twice. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 78,000. Updated 01/18/13*lj updated 1/28/2013
My wife and I obtained a 2006 pt cruiser from her father in 2008 with 12,980 miles on the odometer. In 4 years we've added about 12,000 miles. Starting last winter, both while being driven at city speeds (30-45 MPH) and while idling, this 2006 pt cruiser has periodically had a problem with the lights and gauges on the instrument panel. The needles all simultaneously switch back and forth rapidly, then go to the off position. The panel lights turn off at the same time, then after a few seconds to a few minutes, the panel returns to normal. Prior to last friday, 10/12/2012, these incidents had not presented a danger or interfered with driving. However, on friday, my wife was driving the car in heavy traffic, and this time the panel went haywire as described before, but the car suddenly lost all engine power. The car would not respond to her pressing the accelerator, and she was forced to coast to a slow roll in the 40 MPH traffic! Then, the engine reengaged suddenly and the car surged forward when she wasn't expecting it. She refuses to drive it again. Our local chrysler service tech seemed to be completely unfamiliar with this problem when I described it to him, and a call to chrysler corp llc proved useless. A cursory investigation online turns up dozens of this exact complaint over the past 5 or 6 years, and virtually all of them indicate a number of attempted solutions, including replacing the battery, the vacuum hoses, the wiring harness, the fuses, or the instrument cluster, and none of these apparently eliminate the problem. Is this as common a complaint as it appears to be? If so, how can it be resolved?
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would shake violently and exhibit a rumbling noise. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the motor mounts needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 55,000 and the current mileage was 57,600. Updated 10/17/12 *cn the vehicle was repaired at a cost of $ 3,000. Updated 10/22/12
Owned this car approx. 3 months with problems from day 1. First week took in for 3 front end alignments, car always pulled to the right, problem never fixed. After one month when summer arrived no cold air, had to have evaporator replaced $1,000, car in shop for 2 weeks, air still not blowing cold. Replaced low pressure switch, high end switch, pressure line, still no cold air, problem was never resolved. Would idle real hard at stops. Told it was a broken motor mount, replaced $150. Car overheated, replaced thermostat, still overheating, could not figure out why...finally the turbo engine blew on the 3 month anniversary of owning this car. Had to call bank to volunteer a surrender due to cost of replacing engine. Car dealer was no help, just told me there was not a recall or warranty on this vehicle. Called chrysler and was told it was dealers responsibility. Wow, I will never own a chrysler again, this was the first and definitely the last!
Driving on interstate my dash lights/gauges went crazy (on/off,on/off). Finally went back to normal. Then in dec. I went out to start it & nothing, tried to jump it & nothing...end up buying new battery & it started right up. This month (may 10 2012) was driving to an appt. & dash lights all came on & then engine quit, pulled off road, turned key to off & back on (car started right up), no more trouble that day. May 13 2012 driving & dash lights would all come on & then go off several times, the engine didn't stop this time. What if I am on interstate again & it does this, injuring someone. I'm not happy with chrysler, there is no recall. Mileage is 71, 200. Apparently problem seems to be in the steering column, you just shake it or turn key off/on it quits. Don't kav the money to fix & mechanic can't get it to this when he has car.
2006 pt cruiser. Consumer writes in regards to crankshaft issues and vehicle repairs *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle was leaking oil and therefore, it was taken to the dealer on 03/13/12. The consumer was contacted at the end of the day and informed the crankshaft had ruined the engine block and needed a short block replacement at a cost of $4,000-5,000. The consumer had the same issue at 4,000 where the crankshaft had to be replaced due to a factory defect. Chrysler approved the short block replacement, but the consumer had to pay a co-pay. The consumer received a call from the dealer on 03/21/12 and was informed the vehicle was ready to be picked up. However, upon arrival the next day, the only thing that was replaced, was the crankshaft, the dealer knew nothing about the replacement of the short block. The consumer was assured the block was not damaged, even though the consumer was told previously the block was damaged.
I own a 2006 chrysler pt cruiser w/automatic trans. The electrical system, inc. The 4 cyl engine in my vehicle completely failed 3 sepsraste times, twice last year, and 1 time so far this year while driving in a residential area. This condition causes the air bag to not deploy; exterior and interior lights as well as all power assist systems such as steering and breaks, as well as all other electrical accessories to fail. I contacted the vehicle manufacturer and was instructed to take my vehicle into the local dealer as I was able to restart, as was I able each time previous, given I experienced no further problems until last week. However, the dealer diagnostic test yielded nothing which could account for the vehicle complete operational shut-down. I was advised there are no recalls, or warranty, and the dealer informed me to contact the manufacturers customer assistance center to advise them. The customer case manager indicated there would be no assistance forthcoming as the diagnostic testing showed nothing conclusive. The latest falure milease was 72,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact noticed that the vehicle was leaking oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the right crankshaft seal failed and needed to be replaced. In february 2010, the same failure occurred and the dealer replaced the right crankshaft sensor. The failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was aware of the failure, but failed to offer any assistance since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was 58,000 and the current mileage was 83,000.
I went in to the local chrysler dealership on saturday, january 21, 2012 for a routine oil change. I was told that I needed to replace an engine mount. I had to replace on in september of 2010 and I was quite shocked that I was faced with this repaid again. It was a different mount this time. So I asked the customer service representative why does this keep happening. I am 57 years old and in 40 years of driving I have never even heard about this happening to any one. I was told that there is somewhat of a design flaw in the pt cruiser and that this particular dealer performs 20 to 30 like repairs a week.. This means that there is a design flaw in this vehicle. I checked on line and sure enough, it appears that there hundreds of complaints about pt cruiser engine mounts. What can be done? It is not fair that chrysler can sell a product like this - knowing that there are issues - and keep raking in money for the repairs. Shouldn't they be held to some kind of standard? This is a safety matter, for sure. It is a moral one as well.
2006 chrysler pt cruiser constantly overheats even after replacing thermostat, radiator fan, and any parts necessary for the vehicle to work properly. This is a problem that is know by diamler chrysler; however, a recall has not been issued.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the engine unexpectedly stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and resume normal operation. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis and they advised that the engine had overheated and caused the failure. The turbo engine was replaced previously in 2009. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact was driving approximately 20 MPH when the passenger air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for repairs. After the repairs were made the air bag light stopped illuminating but all the warning lights on the instrument panel began illuminating and fluctuating intermittently. In addition, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that the vehicle oil fill blew out several times while driving approximately 45 MPH each time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the failure as a faulty crank shaft. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage is 125,000. Updated 03/02/11 *bf updated 03/08/11
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 since it was right at 62,000 miles a new water pump and timing belt. 1 month later the car was again leaking oil. Car is in shop currently, not sure what they have decided to do with the vehicle.
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 to determine if they could diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact was driving 55 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. The dealer advised the contact to take the vehicle to a local mechanic and have a diagnostic performed. The contact refused to take the vehicle elsewhere and a diagnostic was performed by the dealer. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and no failure codes were generated. The vehicle was then taken to an independently mechanic where the contact was informed that there was a defective relay in the engine. The mechanic replaced the relay switches. The failure did not recur. The failure mileage was 65,000.
I have a 2006 chrysler pt cruiser that is stalling out at random times. It has stalled out getting onto freeway, at full speed on the freeway in front of trucks. It stalls out in intersections. I've had it in the shop a number of times and even purchased an extended warranty. I've been told chrysler has rules about checking to see if there are problems w/ other cars like mine. I've found quite a bit of information on the internet regarding the same problem. I'm not getting anywhere. I need help. I've paid thousands of dollars for work on the car at the dealership and warranty to drive a car that is still not safe. I can't afford to buy a new one and nobody will help me. This has been going on for approximately 2 years. I am estimating mileage when this started to be approximately 25,000 miles on the car. It was still under factory warranty. Now I have 46907 miles on the car and the problem still exists. It seems to be worse when it is hot outside. The dealerships responses in louisiana, alabama, and mississippi have all been the same. We can't find the problem. We don't have any record of any pts having the same problem. Internet searches show this is not an isolated problem. Today I was told by the dealership in flowood, ms that the car isn't going to be made after friday; making the parts to try to fix this problem harder moving forward. I or someone around me in my car or another car are going to be killed.
I own a 2006 pt cruiser base model. When the air conditioner was activated, the engine would idle low when the vehicle was stopped in traffic, a stop sign, or red light. The vehicle would almost stall before resuming normal operation. When stopped, warm or hot air would blow through the vents. I took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the fan module repair would cost $700. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current mileage was approximately 89,052 and failure mileage was approximately 77,603.
It appears that the crankshaft on 2006 pt cruisers does have a inherent built-in flaw that allows the crankshaft to move along its axis more than it should. After a while this causes the main crank seal to pop out and a significant oil leak to happen. It looks from reading over various forums that this problem occurs as early as 10,000 miles and is known by chrysler although not yet classified as a recall. This is a safety issue a major oil leak whilst running can have major consequences for the user and others. In my case the problem was identified before an incident happens with the oil pressure reading abnormally high but I understand this can happen unexpectedly.
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