2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 67about this part
- Share
- 11%of 618 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 67 complaints about the body and structure of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 11% of the 618 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2001 Pt Cruiser with 44,500 miles. Abt 3 months ago a small crack appeared in the dashboard. It grew larger and larger, and in october the vent screen piece popped out on its own. The crack finally bisected the dashboard, so I had it replaced at my own expense. This car has gotten normal usage and there appears to be no incident or reason for this to have occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10211274, filed 2007-12, 43,000 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 am the original owner of 2001 Pt Cruiser with 55,000 miles. Babout 6 months ago when driving I would hear a cracking and popping sound. The dashboard began cracking and has now cracked completely through, and was beginning to cave in. The local news channel has done investigative reporting on this problem. Various Chrysler and dodge vehicles were experiencing this dangerous failure across the nation.dealer was no help.”
NHTSA complaint #10191247, filed 2007-05, 50,000 miles“Outside door handle chrome (on all four doors) flaking off and causing a deep cut on the hand upon entry. This has happened at least once to my young daughter, my wife, myself, and several others on this same vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10274828, filed 2009-06, 85,000 miles“My 2001 Pt Cruiser's dash has failed, there is a crack from the windshield almost all through to the front. I've read it can cause problems when it finishes breaking, which from appearances it will soon do.”
NHTSA complaint #10262652, filed 2009-03, 58,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10216454Mar 20, 201382212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New…
Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
78 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 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