2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 2%of 618 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,285miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 2% of the 618 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,285 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Takata recall in my Pt Cruiser the engine dropped down in the car and the front axle bar and frame was broken and the wheels could not turn or control the car I am lucky to be alive the vehicle was in motion on a city street trying to turn into a ice cream shop the car is still doing a sudden jerking when driven and after paying a lot of money to get it started and fixed I am still having problems with this car and no money to get another.”
NHTSA complaint #10838021, filed 2016-02, 60,245 miles“Engine fan does not turn on causing car to overheat. I have spoken to other owner that have a Pt Cruiser (different years) and they also have the same problem with the fan. I called the Chrysler dealer which did not have enough complaints about this so they are not issuing any recalls yet. I took this car to my mechanic and he could not determine what is causing this but he did not have the equipment to check the car computer. Another place has the equipment but wants $200. To see if it is a problem with the computer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11118289, filed 2018-08, 159,245 miles“I was making a right hand turn from a main road onto a side street. While the car was turning, I heard a clunk and the steering wheel was jerked from my hands. The car pulled hard to the right and crashed into the curb. The car was towed to the repair shop and the service tech showed me the engine cradle was completely rusted out and the k frame was cracked all the way thru. It's to rusted to be welded and I was told this is a common problem with the cruiser and dodge neon, since they use the same frame. …”
NHTSA complaint #10541698, filed 2013-09, 59,700 miles“I first sent this complaint on mar 7, 2014 and received an email reply acknowledging it, but since haven't heard anything. Is my complaint being taken seriously? It is a serious complaint as follows: on feb 5, 2014, my 2001 Pt Cruiser shut down while it was being driven down a busy street. It didn't make a sputter or a sound, it just died. Luckily, it coasted long enough for me to pull off onto a quieter street and up against a curb. We had it towed to the automotive shop the explanation for the motor shutting down was alarming. …”
NHTSA complaint #10595288, filed 2014-05, 123,570 miles“Car has problem with overheating (also found out this is common with this model and make). This is a safety issue as you can break down on road which can either cause an accident or cause road blockage.”
NHTSA complaint #11252658, filed 2019-09, 85 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 5 | 23% |
| 2009 | 26 | 27% |
| 2008 | 15 | 13% |
| 2007 | 23 | 15% |
| 2006 | 55 | 16% |
| 2005 | 11 | 6% |
| 2004 | 14 | 6% |
| 2003 | 10 | 4% |
| 2002 | 22 | 4% |
| 2001 | 12 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
78 complaintsBody and structure
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 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