2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 62about this part
- Share
- 10%of 618 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 62 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 10% of the 618 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My Pt Cruiser overheated and I realized that the fan was not coming on. I took it in for repair and the mechanic said the sensors and fuses were fine and that the fan assembly needed replacing. Which cost $700. 2 weeks later, the car overheated, again and once again a couple of days after that. This time it stalled and would not start back up.”
NHTSA complaint #10199330, filed 2007-08, 109,000 miles“Strong exhaust odor in car with AC on fresh air. After doing a little testing I found the manifold to exhaust slip joint leaking heavily. We have had this problem for a longe time and are just getting tired of choaking levels of exhaust every time we come to a stop.”
NHTSA complaint #10214820, filed 2008-01, 80,000 miles“I purchased a used 2001 Pt Cruiser on the way home when I came to a stop at a light, it sounded like water rapidly boiling with smoke coming out from under the hood. I have look up this problem and saw that this is a common problem from 2001 to 2008 pt cruisers, no one seems to know what the problem is, it went from a radiator cap to the blades coming off of the fan. I don't know how so many vehicles can have this same problem without there being a recall to fix this. To lower the engine heat I have to put the heat or AC up to the highest setting. …”
NHTSA complaint #10679363, filed 2015-01, 71,250 miles“My 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser consumes approximately 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles. I reported this problem to the dealership that services my car and was told that this was normal and within acceptable specifications but I do not believe this to be true.”
NHTSA complaint #10230182, filed 2008-06, 29,256 miles“I recently purchased a used 2001 Pt Cruiser. After watching a Pt Cruiser catch on fire in my work parking lot, I noticed that I had no heat. I added coolant and everything seemed fine until I drove it for over 20 minutes. It started to overheat and smoke started coming out from under the hood (in the dead of winter). After letting it cool I was able to get it home. I added coolant and checked for leaks and found none. Then I checked the internet to help troubleshoot the issue... …”
NHTSA complaint #10217505, filed 2008-02, 145,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 5% |
| 2009 | 4 | 4% |
| 2008 | 5 | 4% |
| 2007 | 27 | 18% |
| 2006 | 36 | 10% |
| 2005 | 24 | 13% |
| 2004 | 23 | 11% |
| 2003 | 29 | 11% |
| 2002 | 38 | 7% |
| 2001 | 62 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
78 complaintsBody and structure
67 complaintsSuspension
66 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 27, 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