2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 23%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,114miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 23% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,114 miles. 1 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.
“There were many instances where the gauges would momentarily go to zero, and engine would almost quit, only to return to normal within a second or 2, in most cases. On rare occasion, engine would quit, and not restart for a while, then everything ok again. I found that I could duplicate the symptoms by quickly turning the key to off then back to run , and by doing this quickly many times, the problem would not re-occur for a few weeks. Several trips to the dealer did nothing except cost me money. …”
NHTSA complaint #11096437, filed 2018-05, 25,000 miles“I drove 15 miles an pulled at 55 MPH into oskaloosa ia reduced speed to 35 down to 25 an thought I smelled something burning like wires an antifreeze ,black smoke rolled out from under neath my hood on passenger side put in park popped hood opened hood flames coming from underneath engine in front of alternator grabbed snow throwing it on flames called 911 got fire extinguisher sprayed got fire out fire dept.showd looked they said smelt like wiring& antifreeze burnt smell .then looked in side of car keys in my hand dash lights all lite up an flashing .fireman said electrical melted the…”
NHTSA complaint #10562539, filed 2014-02, 180,798 miles“Car using about 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles of operation. Head gasket leaking. Head gasket replaced by dealer. Now uses 1 quart of oil per 880 miles of operation.”
NHTSA complaint #10512935, filed 2013-05, 25,229 miles“The engine blew up! Under 70,000 mileage but after 10 years. Mechanics can’t figure out what’s wrong with it. The try this and that. The catalytic converter, spark plugs… everything you can imagine. Just started to cost more than it was worth.”
NHTSA complaint #11649916, filed 2025-03“The contact owns a 2010 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. While depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle began to make an abnormal noise. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her that the timing belt needed to be replaced. The contact was given an estimate for the repairs. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 101,000. The VIN was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11277355, filed 2019-10, 101,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10128948Feb 6, 2013Gasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure…
Engine: 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 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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