2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 47about this part
- Share
- 8%of 618 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,750miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 8% of the 618 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,750 miles. 5 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.
“During routine oil change the mechanic found that the threads welded into the oil pan had come loose. Car needed a new oil pan. I was told that this is a fairly common problem because the pan is aluminum and the threaded piece is steel and since the two metals have different expansion and contraction temperatures that over time the weld is broken and the thread breaks loose from the pan. Seems to me this should be a recall as it is a poor design.”
NHTSA complaint #10247412, filed 2008-11, 51,200 miles“Some of the illuminating lights in the dashboard for speed and RPM and fuel have gone out. I had mentioned this to Chrysler when my transmission died and they did nothing. Isn't them another e-mail in september and they still have done nothing. I feel this is a safety hazard if you can not read your gauges at night time without taking your attention away from the road to turn on the interior light to see the gauges.”
NHTSA complaint #10098748, filed 2004-11, 50,000 miles“2 years into my ownership, my car began having failures, my EGR valve had to be replaced 3 times, the brain in the car was replaced, the battery was replaced,the fog lights started going on and staying on, the car broke down on the highway and overheated, thermostat had to be replaced, pipe carrying circulating coolant rusted completely out, o ring was replaced,manual transmission began being difficult to shift, fluid leaks,low fluid, plug is recommended to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10154218, filed 2006-03, 85,000 miles“2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser: the battery light keeps coming on. I've taken to dealer four time now for that problem. Had the battery replaced twice. Had the regulator in the computer replaced. I am still having problems. The transmission had to be replaced. It is a manual transmission. Had the clutch replaced. All of this due to faulty parts! The vehicle keeps pulling to the right. Had it fixed once and it still pulls. The date entered is when everything started.”
NHTSA complaint #10053260, filed 2004-01, 31,000 miles“My 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser limited edition -- less than 3 years old, after having every required and recommended service at the car dealership -- needed a transmission overhaul on this date. The problem surfaced just past 36,000 miles while I was on vacation in late august, and I initially took it to the dealer on september 3. I was told it was safe to drive the vehicle. But the problem did get worse and I felt uncomfortable driving it, yet I could not get an earlier appointment. …”
NHTSA complaint #10043502, filed 2003-10, 36,100 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10021239Aug 25, 2006Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10013731Mar 2, 2005Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10012813Feb 19, 2005Transmission gear rattle sound at idle.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 7 | 7% |
| 2008 | 10 | 9% |
| 2007 | 17 | 11% |
| 2006 | 28 | 8% |
| 2005 | 13 | 7% |
| 2004 | 21 | 10% |
| 2003 | 35 | 14% |
| 2002 | 35 | 7% |
| 2001 | 47 | 8% |
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 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 31, 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