Chrysler PT Cruiser recall history
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Chrysler PT Cruiser, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Chrysler PT Cruiser, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 2001–2010 with 15 recall campaigns and 3416 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 2001 (5), 2005 (3), and 2002 (3).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 2001 (799), 2002 (658), and 2006 (512).
- Top recall themes: Fuel and emissions, Seats and restraints, and Brakes.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Electrical system, Engine, Air bags.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Fuel and emissions
2 campaigns · Years: 2001–2002These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.
Seats and restraints
2 campaigns · Years: 2001These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.
Brakes
1 campaign · Years: 2005These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.
- 04V481000 · Service brakes, hydraulic: Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Electrical
1 campaign · Years: 2002These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.
- 01V288000 · Electrical system: Interior/under dash
Powertrain
1 campaign · Years: 2003These campaigns relate to drivetrain or transmission components that can affect shifting, power delivery, or control.
- 03V076000 · Power train: Clutch assembly
Steering and suspension
1 campaign · Years: 2001–2005These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.
- 04V268000 · Steering: Hose, piping, and connections
Visibility and lighting
1 campaign · Years: 2005–2006These campaigns relate to lighting, glass, or visibility components (lamps, wipers, and related systems).
- 07V149000 · Visibility: Glass, side/rear
Most Reported Issues
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Chrysler PT Cruiser in NHTSA complaint data are Electrical system, Engine, Air bags.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 0 | 30 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Seats, Steering. |
| 2009 | 0 | 158 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Engine, Vehicle speed control. |
| 2008 | 0 | 170 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Air bags, Engine. |
| 2007 | 0 | 203 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Engine, Electrical system. |
| 2006 | 1 | 512 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Engine, Air bags. |
| 2005 | 3 | 243 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Steering, Exterior lighting. |
| 2004 | 1 | 290 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Steering, Suspension:front:wheel bearing. |
| 2003 | 2 | 353 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Steering. |
| 2002 | 3 | 658 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Structure, Exterior lighting. |
| 2001 | 5 | 799 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Structure, Electrical system, Wheels:rim. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Steering , Fuel system and Visibility
Other Chrysler Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Chrysler models.
- 200 2011–2017
- 300 1999–2027
- 300C 2005–2011
- Aspen 2007–2009
- Cirrus 1995–2006
- Concorde 1993–2004
- Concorde/LHS 1995–1995
- Conquest 1987–1989
- Cordoba 1981–1983
- Crossfire 2004–2008
- E-CLASS 1981–1984
- FIFTH AVENUE 1984–1989
- Grand Voyager 2000–2000
- Imperial 1981–1993
- LASER 1981–1986
- LeBaron 1981–1995
- LHS 1994–2001
- New Yorker 1981–1997
- NEWPORT 1981–1988
- Pacifica 2004–2027
- Prowler 2001–2002
- SALON 1981–1990
- Sebring 1995–2010
- Town and Country 1990–2016
- Voyager 1995–2027
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.