Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system138
- Engine55
- Visibility37
- Engine and engine cooling36
- Air bags35
- Power train28
- Exterior lighting21
- Steering18
- Electronic stability control (esc)15
- Structure15
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 25 injuries and 1 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 32 2006 PT Cruiser vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 32 people died inside them, and 9 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser failed the safety check 3.23% of the time — 38% more often than the average 2006 passenger car (2.34%). Median odometer at inspection: 94,330 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Engines
The most common engines in 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser cars on Dutch roads are the 2.4 petrol (105 kW, 141 hp) and 1.6 petrol (85 kW, 114 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 petrol | 105 kW 141 hp | 191 |
| 1.6 petrol | 85 kW 114 hp | 20 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
245 first registered in 2006 are on Dutch roads; 17% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €27,744.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde148
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen119
- Band onvoldoende profiel75
- Licht- donkerscheiding dimlicht onduidelijk72
- Richtingaanwijzers kleur wijkt af/niet toegestaan66
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld55
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt47
- Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm47
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
332 cars built in 2006 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 373 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 538 of these cars first registered in 2006 took their annual MOT test. 53% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2006 the figure was 56%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2006 |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 27.5% | 21.5% |
| Suspension | 20.6% | 17.3% |
| Brakes | 16.4% | 13.1% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 7.6% | 8.6% |
| Steering | 6.1% | 3.5% |
| Tyres | 6.1% | 7.4% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
80 of these cars first registered in 2006 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 184,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
125 2006 cars are on the New Zealand register; 10% arrived as used imports, 89% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 2 variants: combined 10.2–11.2 L/100 km (about 21–23 mpg US), CO₂ 235–258 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| PT Cruiser · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 11.2 | 8.9 | 10.2 |
| PT Cruiser · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 12.5 | 9.6 | 11.2 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
2 Transport Canada recalls for the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
| 2019420 21 Aug 2019 | Other Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempere… |
| 2007111 5 Apr 2007 | Other On certain vehicles, the rear quarter glass attaching fasteners may pull through their mounts and allow the glass to separate from the vehicle. If the glass se… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR QUARTER GLASS ATTACHING FASTENERS MAY PULL THROUGH THEIR MOUNTS AND ALLOW THE GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Chrysler told its dealers about the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 629139 | MOISTURE ACCUMULATION INSIDE A VENTED HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY CONDITION. *TT |
| 10229256 | KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty. |
| 10229181 | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine. |
| 10229178 | Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years. |
| 10223602 | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine. |
| 10223599 | Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years. |
| 10221686 | KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty. |
| 10221515 | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine. |
| 10221512 | Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years. |
| 10221097 | 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 (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repair |
| 10220489 | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. |
| 10220101 | 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. |
| 10220099 | 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. |
| 10220097 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10216454 | 82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio). Mopar offers an alternative product (82213192) which is a water based product approved for sale in the aforementioned states.~ ~ Please inform the customer & your prep dept that spraying excessive amounts of the fabric protector on load floors will result in the breaking down of the adhesive (glu |
| 10215810 | This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module with new software. The Technician may discover that P0128 - Thermostat Rationality DTC is present. This DTC is a two trip code and is matured if a significant difference exists between the PCM predicted and actual engine coolant temperature during engine warm-ups. The PCM calibration may improperly mature a P0128 DTC because the airflow across the coolant temperature sensor during colder ambient temperatures, 50 F (10 C) or below, causes the predicted coolant temperature to deviate from the actual coolant temperature. |
| 10191460 | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. |
| 10188643 | This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module with new software. The Technician may discover that P0128 - Thermostat Rationality DTC is present. This DTC is a two trip code and is matured if a significant difference exists between the PCM predicted and actual engine coolant temperature during engine warm-ups. The PCM calibration may improperly mature a P0128 DTC because the airflow across the coolant temperature sensor during colder ambient temperatures, 50 F (10 C) or below, causes the predicted coolant temperature to deviate from the actual coolant temperature. |
| 10175743 | Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19 |
| 10175735 | 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 reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary. |
| 10169249 | 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. |
| 10169247 | 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. |
| 10169245 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10139704 | UConnect Hands Free Module Fails To Respond Due To Module Lock Up This bulletin involves replacing the Hands Free Module (HFM) if required. The HFM fails to operate causing the UConnect Hands Free Communications system to not respond when system activation is attempted by the customer. Further diagnosis may reveal that when the wiTECH scan tool is used to read Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) the tool indicates that the module is not responding. Other modules on the bus may display loss of communication with the HFM. If the Hands Free Communication system is unresponsive then the HFM may re |
| 10130081 | Return: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31 July, 2016)of follow ing part numbers:68176457AF, 68176459AF. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 13 September, 2016. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
REAR QUARTER PANEL GLASS SEPARATION
REAR QUARTER PANEL GLASS SEPARATION
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation