Chrysler PT Cruiser engine failure problems

Filed Mar 22, 2025 · Engine · WA

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.

Filed Aug 12, 2019 · Fuel system · 135,000 miles · FL

Quick connect fitting on the plastic fuel line at firewall leaks fuel, which is a fire hazard. The plastic fuel line from there to the engine was replaced a year ago, but now it leaks again. From what I hear, this is a very common problem on these cars. The o-rings can't handle the constant rotational motion because of the rocking of the engine back and forth. Chrysler should engineer a proper fix.

Filed Jun 5, 2019 · Engine · 85,300 miles · NY

2007 chrysler pt cruiser conv. Has 85,300 miles on odometer. Car developed a severe engine oil leak problem. Investigation by me revealed a well known manufacturing defect with the 2.4l engine. Complete oil loss can happen very quickly and seize the engine resulting in a sudden stop in traffic. A dangerous event if traveling on a high speed road. Repair can cost up to $6000 for an engine replacement even if it does not seize. Chrysler acknowledges the defect in tsb # 09-001-13 / the federal safety agency # 10128948 but no recall has been issued.

Filed Mar 1, 2018 · Engine, Fuel system · 144,385 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that the engine failed and the engine indicator remained illuminated. Also, the vehicle rode roughly while driving. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine oil, water pump, and fuel pump leaked. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 144,385. *tt

Filed Oct 17, 2017 · Steering · 135,000 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact pulled the vehicle over and observed fluid leaking under the driver side wheel. The contact believed the leak originated from the rack and pinion. The vehicle was towed home. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted or made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Filed Mar 29, 2016 · Engine · 17,340 miles · NV

My 2007 pt cruiser with 17,340 miles (yes, that's correct), started leaking a good amount of oil. Researched and found this to be a common problem with some folks getting stranded on highway when car dropped all of its oil, brought to dealer. The invoice states the following: "customer states vehicle is leaking oil. Verified the concern. Found oil leaking from cam and crank seals. Disassembled engine to replace seals, and found excessive crank shaft end play, causing the crankshaft seal to push out. Inspected motor, found broken thrust washers and damage to the crankshaft. Replace the engine and recheck, no more oil leaks." and that's what they did...total cost, including tax was $6,055. This was not an easy decision. Checking online, I found it to be a common problem. Based on what I read, I asked dealer to replace with a short block. Said they are no longer made. Car is only worth about 6k but there's no way I could afford a new car. This way I do have a 3 yr warranty on the new engine.

Filed Mar 2, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 30 miles · CA

When driving all lights on dash will come on, gauges will go off and on, and the engine has died in the road several times. The time it dies while driving is scariest part it has so far restarted after getting off road. Afraid when someone is following too close they will hit us or I hit them as I travel on the frwy 120 miles a day. Many people seem to have this go on. Chrysler fix this or I will have a class action lawsuit. Should fix before customers are killed! This has been ongoing problem since about 90,000 miles it has 132,000 now I have taken car to multiple mechanics and no one can find out was wrong. Engine died and restarted today on the freeway 3/2/16.

Filed Jul 29, 2015 · Electrical · 30,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chrysler pt cruiser. When the key was placed in the ignition to the on position, the engine failed. The contact was able to start the vehicle after multiple attempts. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred and the contact stated that the engine was unable to start. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000...updated 02/01/16 *bf updated 12/13/2017

Filed Jul 16, 2015 · Engine · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the steering column started to lock up as the vehicle approached a stop sign. The steering column seized and the engine shut down. The contact stated that smoke appeared underneath the hood and the vehicle caught fire. The fire department was notified and a report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed to a collision yard. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 2, 2015 · Electrical · 69,000 miles · WI

Totally integrated power module (tipm) is not turning on the low speed fan resulting in overheating of A/C coolant which in turn increases pressure in A/C system and total evacuation of system coolant, a real environmental problem. The increase in operating temperature also increases load on engine cooling system and threatens total engine failure. Ma 10/2 the consumer stated the vehicle had not been repaired because it was too expensive. Updated 12/28/2015