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2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine complaints

Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 30 of 30, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jul 19, 2015 · Engine · 26,000 miles · NJ

Lights started flashing & car stopped on more then 1 occasion

Filed May 28, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 98,000 miles · NV

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving at various speeds, the speedometer and fuel gauge fluctuated and the engine stalled. The failures recurred numerous times. The dealer diagnosed that the camshaft, alternator, battery post, and battery needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Filed Feb 19, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 74,700 miles · CA

I brought the car on 3/25/14 from a toyota dealer ship. Complain about a knocking noise coming from the engine at the time of test drive. Toyota promise me it would be fixed pick the car drove it a couple of days and notice the control panel lights started going on and off along with the car shutting down. Took it back to the dealer for service nothing was found. I let my daughter drive the car and while on the fwy at 65mph the lights on the control panel starting going on and off they car shut off on her. Lucky she was able to guide the car over to the emergency lane avoiding from getting hit. I was in the hospital for about 4 months so car really wasn't driven that much. But I have this car less than a year with a protection plan and need transmission and engine work the involved getting solenoid pack, bracket-torque reaction,t-stat, oil switch, gasket, and camshaft sensor and crankshaft sensor as of 2/10/2015. Now 2 days later the check engine light comes back on take it back to the dealer and was told I need a cooling fan module. Which is not covered under my protect plan and would have to pay almost 700.00 dollar. I have this car less than a year and have been having so many problems and have almost gotten killed behind it cutting on and off on the highway. I have research this car and everyone has had the same complaint.

Filed Jan 29, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 135,000 miles · NH

Engine dies at speed, and will restart in a second or two (manual transmission). Gauges go haywire. Can sometimes reset condition for a while (minutes to an hour) by turning key off-on, or restarting while at speed - sometime not. Has gotten much worse, car now has 185,000 miles. Replaced engine PCM - no effect. Replaced engine tipm - no effect. Kind of scary when this happens pulling out into traffic. Software design defect?

Filed Dec 2, 2014 · Engine · 45,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving various speeds, the engine stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact stated the failure occurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the timing sensor failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

Filed Nov 28, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · 41,000 miles · FL

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 heard on the national news that there is finally a recall with this vehicle but my VIN # is not included for some reason.

Filed Nov 21, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 4,585 miles · TN

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 told they couldn't find anything wrong. They said...and I quote "remember we didn't do anything." why would they say that? The latest... Lights flickering, radio going on and off stopped at a store. When I came couldn't unlock the car with my remote. Had to use key to get in, alarm went off, had to jump in and start car to turn alarm off. Pulled out into traffic and the car quit. Completely stalled out. Turned everything off, put in park and it started up but I parked it at a friends that lived one block away. Was afraid to drive it. 3 hours later went to pick car up and nothing worked. No lights no juice no click no nothing got it jumped started. Went straight to advanced auto because it was late. Alternator ok battery ok I just want to get rid of it but don't want someone else stuck with this lemon what do I do?????

Filed Oct 28, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 41,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000. Updated 12/03/14*lj updated 8/31/2017

Filed Jul 1, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 36,700 miles · NC

As stated in a previous complaint. The gauges start lighting up and the vehicle shuts off, I have found that if you wiggle the key it can stop what is happening. It is very dangerous because the vehicle loses all power when this happens and when traveling on the highway or trying to pass this could cause serious injury. I received notification that this item has been addressed by your office for other chrysler and dodge vehicles but the recall did not include the pt cruiser. The federal safety agency campaign id number: 14v373 sounds identical to what my vehicle is doing. I also have video that shows what the vehicle is doing. Please advise if the pt cruiser is going to be included in this recall and if not and I pay to have the ignition switch replace will I be refunded in the event that the pta cruiser is included in the recall. This is a very costly repair. In addition I would like to address the horn on my vehicle. It has been repaired previously by the chrysler dealer but does not work properly. When depressed it sticks or doesn't work at all without alot of force. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Filed Jun 4, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 43,000 miles · MI

After driving for about 5 minutes and going about 35 MPH the lights on the instrument panel went on and all the gauges went to zero. I didn't totally lost power but slowed down and the gauges popped back and the instrument lights came back on. It has continued to run ok for the last 3 days. Took it to the dealer and was told nothing could be done unless they could duplicate the problem. This exact same thing occurred on september 8, 2013 at a mileage of about 39,100. The car has run ok since up to this latest incident on june 1, 2014.

Filed Jun 3, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 65,000 miles · AL

While driving all dash lights going crazy, car engine shut down, driving approx. 55 miles per hour. This has happened approximately 3 times. Took to chrysler dealership. Unable to replicate the problem. I was directly in front of 18 wheeler when engine just shut down.

Filed May 16, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 34,000 miles · TX

The car was in motion when passenger airbag off light on dash illuminated, and then all gauges on dash dropped to zero and reset several times in succession. This has occurred several times, often including a loss of acceleration or engine stalls (though engine has never shut completely off, often it is only revived with a press of the accelerator). As with other complaints on this site, the vehicle was taken a dealership on several occasions for diagnosis, but the issue was never replicated. It has occurred several times in the past years, the most common symptom being the passenger airbag light coming on (practically weekly), indicating my passenger has no airbag and could be jeopardy in the event of an accident. No one has ever found this issue, which as repeated even after battery, electrical system, and battery contacts have been replaced. The vehicle has undergone numerous repairs related to the electrical system but this hasn't stopped, and I don't have the money to replace this car. Please look into this, the lives of my family are at risk if the passenger airbag doesn't work!!

Filed Feb 9, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 58,750 miles · OH

Driving down the road, all gauges go crazy, all dash warning lights come on and off, vehicle loses power and stalls, very dangerous while driving. Dealer unable to locate the problem despite numerous repairs and having the car for weeks at a time. I cannot express how unsafe this is.seems to be a problem reported by others but the dealer acts as if they have never heard of the issue before.

Filed Oct 15, 2013 · Acceleration, Electrical · 74,000 miles · CT

I was driving on a major highway, doing about 55mph. All of my gauges started to light up, the speedometer went from 55 to zero then up to 65, the lights flashed on and off, the car then started to slow down to about 40, would not accelerate, then eventually just shut off. I was driving on a major highway, but able to pull off to the right side lane. The wheels tightened so I could not steer, I shut the car off and left it for about 20 mins. It started again but struggles to go over 40 before it starts acting up again. I can not find the problem, no codes are recorded. I am convinced that this is a serious safety issue with pt cruisers as I have read similar problems.

Filed Aug 15, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · IL

All the lights on the dash light up, dials start dropping, engine goes quiet and car starts coasting. Sometimes engine shuts off completely then turns on after a second or two; other times have to put the car in park, turn the ignition off and back on again- starts up normally. Has died at very low (sub 5mph) and very high (about 60mph) speeds; have blocked roads and intersections.

Filed Dec 29, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 52,000 miles · NY

While traveling down the qew highway in ontario, the instrument panel on my pt 2009 cruiser started blinking on and off, the gauges went wild with up and down full-range swings, then blinking on and off on and off; I thought the seatbelt may be the problem since the fasten seatbelt indicator remained "on." it happened again a second time right away (less than 2 minutes) accompanied by loss of engine power. I heard sputtering, and then the engine died, and I had to guide it to a resting spot on the side of the road without power steering; not fun. I was in near hamilton, ontario, and managed to get off the highway safely. I inspected under the hood and nothing seemed out of the ordinary at all. Engine restarted right away, and I was able to make it back to e. Amherst ny. This is totally unsafe! I was concerned about getting my family home safely. And there is no way to know what is wrong with the vehicle! I cannot trust my car and that stinks! I had same type of problem with a grand caravan (1994?) and the mechanics could never locate the problem. Makes me wonder about chrysler.

Filed Dec 5, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 79,000 miles · TX

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!

Filed Dec 23, 2011 · Engine · 61,000 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact was driving 60 MPH when the vehicle stalled three times without warning. The contact did not take the vehicle to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 61,000.

Filed Nov 14, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Purchased automobile 12/07/2010...repairs conducted on 1/21/11 (1) replacement drivers (outer) l panel driver seat switch bezel broken *same exists panel continually "breaks" down after sitting on drivers seat (2) power lock system l/r door would not lock/or/unlock * additional electrical problems with "late" automatic locking of automobile doors on 11/14/11 during oil-change (mechanic) discovered (1) broken motor mounts (upper/lower) rf engine (2) shock leaking...mechanic stated in 20 plus yrs of work as a mechanic he has "replaced" many pt cruiser-broken motor mounts...myself, I documented all above in an email to chrysler 11/14/2011. Suggesting "lemon" automobile & requested total compensation or (new automobile) replacement free of charge.

Filed Nov 2, 2011 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 35,000 miles · FL

While driving at speed of 40 MPH all lights on the console began blinking repeatedly, the tachometer and speedometer began going up and down, car began to rapidly decelerate and then died giving me just enough time to get off the side of the road before causing an accident. Turned off ignition and restarted the ignition car gave no indications of malfunction, drove home and have not drove since. If you google "pt cruiser console going crazy" you will see multiple other owners are having the same issue. This is not just a simple malfunction this is a danger to not only the owner but to others on the roadway. Chrysler should be checking into the issue, but instead after contacting them and letting them know others are experiencing the same issue, they told me "unfortunately, we are unable to provide technical assistance to diagnose the situation you have outlined in your email...if you have been working with an authorized dealership but the problem is not yet resolved, seeking a second opinion from a different dealer may be a viable option." which I take to mean take it to a dealership, get charged an outrageous amount for them to see if they know what is wrong, if they still don't know after charging you $600 then take it to another dealership which may know more about our cars than we do. This is an irresponsible, slipshoddy way to run a company. If we want to have a good reputation for cars then the companies that make them have to stand by them and not try to send their customers off to other dealerships after charging them an arm and a leg and still not knowing how to fix it. They should know their cars better than say a honda dealership would. I hope other people have posted complaints so that chrysler will fix this life threatening issue because going from 40 to 0 on a busy road is dangerous!

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