2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 78about this part
- Share
- 13%of 618 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 78 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 13% of the 618 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,000 miles. 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Let me start by saying I just bought this 2001 limited edition Pt Cruiser three days ago from a private dealer. I was on the highway, heading home from work in the middle of the night, and wanted to try the cruise control. I turned it on and set it for 67mph to see if it worked first. Then I went to reset it to my actual desired speed by tapping my brakes, then I tried the switch on the arm of my steering wheel but the cruise control wouldn't shut off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10958583, filed 2017-03, 146,000 miles“I bought a 2001 Pt Cruiser and within a couple of weeks the headlights stopped working. Replaced multi function switch but did not help. Had to re-wire the lights to make them work. Also it sounds like the passenger side front tire has something loose. Possibly bushings?? I've seen several complaints about the lights. What is it gonna take to get a recall in place? We got a ticket for it.”
NHTSA complaint #10485037, filed 2012-11, 230,000 miles“I am the original owner of this Pt Cruiser, purchased on november 22, 2000. My multi-switch will not turn on my fog lights and the indicator in the instrument cluster does not light. I have read many online articles from owners with the same problem. Why won't Chrysler fix this on going problem?”
NHTSA complaint #10427927, filed 2011-09, 69,896 miles“My 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser horn does not work all the time. When the radio display is on, the horn works , when the radio display goes out, the horn will not honk. There has been 3 times when we needed it to work and it would not. The local Chrysler dealer changed out the radio and said they fixed a horn wire, but 2 weeks later it was broken again.”
NHTSA complaint #10095929, filed 2004-10, 75,000 miles“I have a faulty part in my 2001 Pt Cruiser it is called a fog light switch it goes bad in 2001 and 2002 cruisers. I have a website you can go on and see over 300 more people like me who are having the same problems. Google search word for word trouble with multifunction control switch for Pt Cruiser headlights. Please help along with hundreds of other people who almost lost there lives due to there lights going out.”
NHTSA complaint #10247801, filed 2008-11, 84,839 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
- 10130081Aug 23, 2016Return: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31…
- 10129044Aug 17, 20161NT30XDVAC - Inspect and Return: Panel - Instrument Panel You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect…
- 10129043Aug 17, 2016Inspect and Return: Solenoid Module - Transmission You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of…
- 10129041Aug 12, 2016P/N CBSZR068AA: Inspect & Return: Module Kit - Occupant Restraint You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return part…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 3 | 14% |
| 2009 | 60 | 62% |
| 2008 | 45 | 39% |
| 2007 | 23 | 15% |
| 2006 | 138 | 40% |
| 2005 | 27 | 14% |
| 2004 | 44 | 20% |
| 2003 | 45 | 17% |
| 2002 | 97 | 19% |
| 2001 | 78 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
67 complaintsSuspension
66 complaintsEngine cooling
62 complaintsSteering
61 complaintsWheels
61 complaintsFuel system
52 complaintsExterior lighting
48 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsAir bags
43 complaintsBrakes
39 complaintsOther or unknown
33 complaintsTires
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology