2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Problems
- Complaints
- 150filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles, 124 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 19 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2007 PT Cruiser most often describe engine oil leaks that develop at low to moderate mileage, along with airbag warning lights, cooling-system work, and electrical faults such as random hatch unlocking, stalling, and ignition-switch trouble. Complaints are spread across a wide mileage range, so problems show up both on low-mileage cars and past 100,000 miles rather than at one predictable point in the car's life.
- Engine
Engine oil leaks from crank and front seals
- 16 complaints (11%)
- median 47,000 mi at 4.4 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2019
Complaints describe oil appearing on the driveway or a sudden loss of most of the engine oil, traced in several cases to the front crank seal or rear main seal. Owners report that dealers or mechanics recommended replacing the short or long block after the leak was found, and some say the same failure returned after a repair. Several mention the oil warning light coming on only once the oil was already very low. Reported from about 14,000 up to roughly 85,000 miles, with many cases between 20,000 and 50,000 miles.
What to check: Inspect the underside and the ground where the car is parked for fresh oil, and check the oil level on the dipstick. Ask whether any seal or short-block work has been done and keep the oil checked regularly between services.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“After getting out of my car and noticing a oil leak on the driveway, I took it to my mechanic and he diagnosed it as a failed front crank seal. Vehicle is maintained with normal maintenance and oil changes ever 3000 miles. It only has slightly over 47000 miles and a major mechanical problem.. Well, I contacted Chrysler customer care and they cant help.. …”
NHTSA complaint #10578702, filed 2014-02, 47,266 miles“On december 24, 2007 I took my 2007 Pt Cruiser, that is only 6 months old, to firestone to be checked on cause I noticed I was leaking oil. They proceeded to take my car put it on the lift and noticed it was leaking dramatically. They then told me that I had major engine trouble and needed to have it checked out. I went to sears auto center I pulled in front within 10 minutes all the oil in the car was on the ground. I had them look at it and they said my car has major engine trouble. I had my car towed to the dealership which I bought it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10213046, filed 2007-12, 14,400 miles - Electrical system
Stalling, no-start, and random electrical faults
- 19 complaints (13%)
- median 69,000 mi at 8.7 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2022
Complaints describe the engine cutting off at speed or in traffic and restarting after the key is cycled, with dealers unable to retrieve a code or duplicate the fault. Owners also report lights blinking inside and out, a radio that works intermittently, the key not releasing from the ignition, and a module sending bad signals to the wipers or hatch release. Some report replacing the battery and alternator without resolving the symptom. Reported from about 25,000 to 127,000 miles, at both low and high mileage.
What to check: Ask whether the ignition switch, battery, and charging system have been checked, and watch for flickering interior lights or a hatch-ajar message during a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We have a 2007 in november 2007 the ignition switch fuse started to plow out once every 3 months. It got worse in august16, 2009 it would not stop blowing so we took it to larry miller dodge to have it check and they said it was the ignition switch and it melted some wire under the dashboard. Had it all replaced and drove around for a few days started doing it again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10303235, filed 2010-01, 59,217 miles“I bought a used 2007 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. I have paid $900+ for tightening the underneath of the car. The back windows do not go down and the hatchback lock will not open. I would like to know if some of the recalls were not taken care of or if these repairs are covered. Thank you. Problems were there when I bought it., but I was unaware. Shifter is hard to get the button up to get the key out.”
NHTSA complaint #10968846, filed 2017-03, 129,600 miles - Air bags
Airbag and seatbelt warning light stays on
- 28 complaints (19%)
- median 77,652 mi at 7.3 yrs old (22 state mileage)
- 13 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2019
Complaints describe the airbag light, sometimes with the seatbelt light, staying lit and often chiming while the car is driven normally. Owners report that dealers could not identify the cause on repeated visits, or quoted a repair for a sensor or the occupant classification system in the passenger seat. In a few cases the light came on after the seat or front suspension was worked on. Spread from about 16,000 to 146,000 miles, with several reports between 35,000 and 80,000 miles.
What to check: Turn the key to the run position and confirm the airbag light goes out after the bulb check; if it stays on, ask for the stored restraint codes to be read before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The drivers side airbag light had come on and when I brought it to the dealer they informed me that indeed the airbag was not communicating with the rear bumper and I would have to pay four hundred dollars for a new sensor. I was told that the good news was it won't deploy while driving but it won't deploy if it's in an accident. Yeah. The dealership refused to fix it and that it was my problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10659362, filed 2014-11, 122,000 miles“I have a 2007 Chrysler Pt Cruiser, that was not involved in a collision or any type of damaging incident however the occupant classification system in the passenger seat is now malfunctioning to the point where if anyone or anything is in the seat the airbag light in the instrument cluster turns on and the notification chime sounds. The dealer has estimated that $500 would be a good start to repairing the problem, which has not been completed yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10292134, filed 2009-11, 40,000 miles
Buying note. Check for oil leaks and the airbag light first, since those are the two most frequent themes in owner complaints, and confirm the cooling fans and hatch latch work properly. Maintenance records showing recent seal, cooling-system, or electrical work are worth asking for on this model year.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 150 consumer complaints for the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser. 124 of the complaints include a mileage, and 48% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 51,000 miles. Of all complaints, 18 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 23 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 53 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags28 19%
- Engine cooling27 18%
- Electrical system23 15%
- Engine23 15%
- Other or unknown12 8.0%
- Steering11 7.3%
- Exterior lighting9 6.0%
- Fuel system8 5.3%
- Suspension8 5.3%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (7), Brakes (6), Seat belts (5), Seats (5), Vehicle speed control (4), Electronic stability control (3), Tires (2), Equipment (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “On 12/6/10, I was in my 2007 Pt Cruiser when I was involved in an accident. I was proceeding straight thru an intersection when a 1993 nissan altima turned left in front of me (was coming form direction opposite me), striking me dead center of my front bumper. The crash did the following resulting damage to my Pt Cruiser: radiator smashed, rad. …”
NHTSA complaint #10374659, filed 2011-01, 58,500 milesEngine cooling: “My 2007 Chrysler Pt Cruiser is consuming two quarts of oil a day. It started using this amount of oil once the car reached a mileage of 40,000. The Pt Cruiser is currently unable to travel on the interstate. I am only able to drive through the city; where it will barely get up to twenty MPH. The current mileage as of 8/28/10 is 52,736 and I received the car with 36,000 miles earlier this year.”
NHTSA complaint #10352471, filed 2010-08, 40,000 milesElectrical system: “While driving with my headlights and fog lights on, using my turn signal turns off my headlight on that side until the turn signal shuts off. I have also seen this in a Chrysler 300, and a town and country. And, I have seen this in a chevy camaro and a vw. Something is seriously wrong here!!! The date is only because you need a date. It is frequent,.”
NHTSA complaint #11064155, filed 2018-01, 125,000 milesEngine: “I noticed a sudden oil leak. I immediately had it checked to be told it was the front crank shaft and front seal needed to be replaced. My research showed it to be so common a problem in the Pt Cruiser. Repair cost up to $1300.00. And problem would likely re-occur. Has not been repaired .”
NHTSA complaint #10672972, filed 2015-01, 57,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
48% of the 124 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 24,999 and 85,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT Cruiser · sedan FWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
| PT Cruiser · sedan (side air bags) FWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT Cruiser FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| PT Cruiser FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| PT Cruiser FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,900 |
| PT Cruiser FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $4,350 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,900 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $4,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 53 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10248509Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring…
- 10244348Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring…
- 10221097Apr 7, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners…
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Equipment, Body and structure. Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use 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, 2019Body and structure. Use 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 parts.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Body and structure, Equipment. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Body and structure, Equipment. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Equipment. Use 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 parts.
Other model years of the Chrysler PT Cruiser
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 22 | 25,229 | 0 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 2009 | 97 | 45,127 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Stable |
| 2008 | 115 | 55,699 | 0 | — | 22 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Stable |
| 2007 | 150 | 51,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 349 | 55,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 187 | 58,412 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2004 | 217 | 52,437 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 258 | 49,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2002 | 511 | 51,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 618 | 57,530 | 5 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Chrysler PT Cruiser model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Owners of the 2007 PT Cruiser most often describe engine oil leaks that develop at low to moderate mileage, along with airbag warning lights, cooling-system work, and electrical faults such as random hatch unlocking, stalling, and ignition-switch trouble. The issues reported most often: Engine oil leaks from crank and front seals; Stalling, no-start, and random electrical faults; Airbag and seatbelt warning light stays on.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?
NHTSA recorded 150 consumer complaints for the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 28 complaints (19% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 27.
Has the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser get?
The EPA rates the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser (PT Cruiser, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser reported?
Among the 124 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 51,000 miles and the middle half falls between 24,999 and 85,000 miles; 48% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.