Chrysler / PT Cruiser / 2009
2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
Owners have filed 158 complaints about the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 38% of them — the clear leader, ahead of engine at 16.5%.
Complaints158
Crashes5
Fires1
Injuries3
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 38.0% · 60
Engine 16.5% · 26
Vehicle speed control 8.9% · 14
Air bags 4.4% · 7
Power train 4.4% · 7
Steering 3.8% · 6
Electronic stability control (ESC) 3.2% · 5
Seats 3.2% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 5 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire and 3 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 9 model years of the Chrysler PT Cruiser in this data, 2009 draws comparatively few complaints; 2001 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 36 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 52,000 miles.
In owners' own words
While driving on the interstate, my car's dash board started going haywire. All gauges (except fuel and temperature) would drop down to zero for a second, and then go right back up to where they should be. The car never actually stalled, but acted a couple times like it might. I gave it a little extra gas and it kept running. This continued for the entire trip on the interstate. (Approximately 100 miles.) Electrical system · reported at 55,498 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000. Updated 12/03/14*lj updated 8/31/2017 Electrical system · reported at 41,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, all of the gauges and warning lamps illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 35,000 and the current mileage was 47,000. Electrical system · reported at 35,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…