Owners have filed 30 complaints
about the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser with NHTSA between 2010 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 10 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 4
Against the median year of the Chrysler PT Cruiser. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 91
54% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2010 compares with every other Chrysler PT Cruiser
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
620.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 25,229 mi
Seats
413.3%
Median failure at 7,040 miles
Suspension
310.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 25,229 mi
Steering
310.0%
Median failure at 42,000 miles
Airbags
310.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 30,500 mi
Electrical System
310.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 44,000 mi
Tires
26.7%
Median failure at 30,000 miles
Lights
26.7%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 153,342 mi
Wheels
13.3%
Median failure at 30,000 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
13.3%
Median failure at 44,000 miles
Body & Structure
13.3%
Median failure at 25,000 miles
Brakes
13.3%
Median failure at 60,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
414.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
310.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1346.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
27.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
27.1%
150,000+ miles
414.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4-DR. w/SAB
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2010peak 4Mar 2025
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 15,000 milesLavadie, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A BOULDER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED CHEST AND BACK PAINS THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10744212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,798 milesNEW Sharon, IAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID CONTAINER .CAUSE CAR WAS OFF WE DISCOUNTED BATTERY TOOK NEG OFF LAID IT WHERE NOTHING TOUCH AN WENT TAKE POS.OFF SPARKS SHOT OUT OF NEG.CABLE END. THE DAY BEFORE AT NITE I PUT BRAKE ON IN CAR AN HEAD LIGHTS FLICKERED NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE .THEY'D DIM BRIGHT WHILE DRIVING.FOG LIGHTS KEPT BURNING OUT THEY CAME ON WHEN CAR WAS OFF.SEVERAL TIMES.I REPLACED ALTERNATOR/ STARTER/BATTERY/ VALVECOVER/ ALL 3 SENSORS/ NEW HEADLAMPS THEY WERE SO DIM WITH NEW EVEN.UD EVEN GET SCKED JUST CHECKIN ENGINE OIL DIP STICK. REPLACED STRUTS &SCHOCKS AN BOTH TIE ROD ENDS BEARINGS. ALL SINCE NOV 2013.
NHTSA complaint #10562539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,798 milesNEW Sharon, IAFire
SUSPENSION
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 WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID CONTAINER .CAUSE CAR WAS OFF WE DISCOUNTED BATTERY TOOK NEG OFF LAID IT WHERE NOTHING TOUCH AN WENT TAKE POS.OFF SPARKS SHOT OUT OF NEG.CABLE END. THE DAY BEFORE AT NITE I PUT BRAKE ON IN CAR AN HEAD LIGHTS FLICKERED NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE .THEY'D DIM BRIGHT WHILE DRIVING.FOG LIGHTS KEPT BURNING OUT THEY CAME ON WHEN CAR WAS OFF.SEVERAL TIMES.I REPLACED ALTERNATOR/ STARTER/BATTERY/ VALVECOVER/ ALL 3 SENSORS/ NEW HEADLAMPS THEY WERE SO DIM WITH NEW EVEN.UD EVEN GET SCKED JUST CHECKIN ENGINE OIL DIP STICK. REPLACED STRUTS &SCHOCKS AN BOTH TIE ROD ENDS BEARINGS. ALL SINCE NOV 2013.
NHTSA complaint #10562539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,798 milesNEW Sharon, IAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID CONTAINER .CAUSE CAR WAS OFF WE DISCOUNTED BATTERY TOOK NEG OFF LAID IT WHERE NOTHING TOUCH AN WENT TAKE POS.OFF SPARKS SHOT OUT OF NEG.CABLE END. THE DAY BEFORE AT NITE I PUT BRAKE ON IN CAR AN HEAD LIGHTS FLICKERED NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE .THEY'D DIM BRIGHT WHILE DRIVING.FOG LIGHTS KEPT BURNING OUT THEY CAME ON WHEN CAR WAS OFF.SEVERAL TIMES.I REPLACED ALTERNATOR/ STARTER/BATTERY/ VALVECOVER/ ALL 3 SENSORS/ NEW HEADLAMPS THEY WERE SO DIM WITH NEW EVEN.UD EVEN GET SCKED JUST CHECKIN ENGINE OIL DIP STICK. REPLACED STRUTS &SCHOCKS AN BOTH TIE ROD ENDS BEARINGS. ALL SINCE NOV 2013.
NHTSA complaint #10562539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,798 milesNEW Sharon, IAFire
ENGINE
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 WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID CONTAINER .CAUSE CAR WAS OFF WE DISCOUNTED BATTERY TOOK NEG OFF LAID IT WHERE NOTHING TOUCH AN WENT TAKE POS.OFF SPARKS SHOT OUT OF NEG.CABLE END. THE DAY BEFORE AT NITE I PUT BRAKE ON IN CAR AN HEAD LIGHTS FLICKERED NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE .THEY'D DIM BRIGHT WHILE DRIVING.FOG LIGHTS KEPT BURNING OUT THEY CAME ON WHEN CAR WAS OFF.SEVERAL TIMES.I REPLACED ALTERNATOR/ STARTER/BATTERY/ VALVECOVER/ ALL 3 SENSORS/ NEW HEADLAMPS THEY WERE SO DIM WITH NEW EVEN.UD EVEN GET SCKED JUST CHECKIN ENGINE OIL DIP STICK. REPLACED STRUTS &SCHOCKS AN BOTH TIE ROD ENDS BEARINGS. ALL SINCE NOV 2013.
NHTSA complaint #10562539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Vancouver, WA
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesPittsburgh, PA
SEATS
The contact owns a 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side seat inadvertently moved forward toward the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic was able to adjust the front driver's seatback to its original position; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
NHTSA complaint #11445348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesScituate, MA
ENGINE
TL* 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesPonca City, OK
AIR BAGS
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND IT MAKES A DING NOISE AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE DRIVERS AIRBAG IS BAD.
NHTSA complaint #11270281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Graham, WA
AIR BAGS
THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT COME ON AND STAY ON AFTER ALL OTHER LIGHT GO OUT. WHEN THE CAR GETS UP TO 20 MPH MAKES A DING RING SOUND BUT LIGHT STAYS ON. I WAS GOING TO TAKE TO THE CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT. THEN I SAW MORGAN FREEMAN ON TV ABOUT THE AIRBAG RECALL, BUT I DID NOT SEE MY CAR. PLEASE ADVISE IF I SHOULD TAKE TO SHOP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #11244048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesPlant City, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. I HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE START SWITCH LOCATED IN THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAD TALKED TO CHRYSLER DIRECT SEVERAL TIMES, AND I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THEY WOULD BE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, AND THE REMEDY. I AM MOST DISAPPOINTED THEY WERE NO HELP.
NHTSA complaint #11096437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesPlant City, FL
ENGINE
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. I HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE START SWITCH LOCATED IN THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAD TALKED TO CHRYSLER DIRECT SEVERAL TIMES, AND I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THEY WOULD BE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, AND THE REMEDY. I AM MOST DISAPPOINTED THEY WERE NO HELP.
NHTSA complaint #11096437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,886 milesCanal Winchester, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TAILLIGHT SOCKET MELTED CAUSING LAMP TO BURN OUT, AND BURNT SOCKET. A NEW LAMP WAS PURCHASED A MONTH PREVIOUS, AND WAS CLEAR. LAMP NOW APPEARS LIKE MERCURY IN COLOR, AND CRACKED UPON REMOVAL.
NHTSA complaint #11057656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesSandusky, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE ACCELERATION AND POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THEY WOULD RESPOND BACK TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,000.
NHTSA complaint #10898636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesSandusky, OH
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE ACCELERATION AND POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THEY WOULD RESPOND BACK TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,000.
NHTSA complaint #10898636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesSandusky, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE ACCELERATION AND POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THEY WOULD RESPOND BACK TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,000.
NHTSA complaint #10898636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesLavadie, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A BOULDER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED CHEST AND BACK PAINS THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10744212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesAustin, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
I STOPPED AT OUR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT MAIL CENTER. WHEN I BACKED OUT, THE BRAKING HAD LOST ITS POWER ASSIST AND I HAD TO APPLY A LOT OF PRESSURE TO THE PEDAL TO ACHIEVE A MINIMUM OR BRAKING. I TOOK THE CAR TO A NEARBY GARAGE AND THEY QUICKLY NOTED THAT THERE IS A 3 WAY CHECK VALVE IN THE VACUUM SYSTEM THAT GOES TO THE BRAKE CYLINDER AREA. FOR WHATEVER REASON, ONLY A 2 WAY VALVE IS NEEDED AND A RUBBER CAP IS PLACED OVER THE UNUSED PORT AND THIS CAP HAD SOMEHOW CAME OFF. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE MAIL CENTER, I FOUND THE MISSING CAP WHICH IS A SOFT RUBBER WHICH OBVIOUSLY IS INADEQUATE FOR THE PURPOSE. THE MECHANIC SAID HE DIDN'T SEE WHY CHRYSLER USES A 3 WAY WHEN A 2 WAY CHECK VALVE IS ALL THAT IS NEEDED. HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE TWO SUCH VALVES, BOTH WITH THE SOFT RUBBER CAP ON THE UNUSED PORT. HAD THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 2 MINUTES SOONER I MIGHT HAVE CRASHED INTO THE COMPOUND GATE AND IT CERTAINLY COULD HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS AT HIGHER SPEEDS SINCE SUDDENLY, YOUR BRAKES HAVE APPARENTLY STOPPED WORKING.
NHTSA complaint #10585000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,798 milesNEW Sharon, IAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID CONTAINER .CAUSE CAR WAS OFF WE DISCOUNTED BATTERY TOOK NEG OFF LAID IT WHERE NOTHING TOUCH AN WENT TAKE POS.OFF SPARKS SHOT OUT OF NEG.CABLE END. THE DAY BEFORE AT NITE I PUT BRAKE ON IN CAR AN HEAD LIGHTS FLICKERED NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE .THEY'D DIM BRIGHT WHILE DRIVING.FOG LIGHTS KEPT BURNING OUT THEY CAME ON WHEN CAR WAS OFF.SEVERAL TIMES.I REPLACED ALTERNATOR/ STARTER/BATTERY/ VALVECOVER/ ALL 3 SENSORS/ NEW HEADLAMPS THEY WERE SO DIM WITH NEW EVEN.UD EVEN GET SCKED JUST CHECKIN ENGINE OIL DIP STICK. REPLACED STRUTS &SCHOCKS AN BOTH TIE ROD ENDS BEARINGS. ALL SINCE NOV 2013.
NHTSA complaint #10562539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,798 milesNEW Sharon, IAFire
SUSPENSION
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 WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID CONTAINER .CAUSE CAR WAS OFF WE DISCOUNTED BATTERY TOOK NEG OFF LAID IT WHERE NOTHING TOUCH AN WENT TAKE POS.OFF SPARKS SHOT OUT OF NEG.CABLE END. THE DAY BEFORE AT NITE I PUT BRAKE ON IN CAR AN HEAD LIGHTS FLICKERED NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE .THEY'D DIM BRIGHT WHILE DRIVING.FOG LIGHTS KEPT BURNING OUT THEY CAME ON WHEN CAR WAS OFF.SEVERAL TIMES.I REPLACED ALTERNATOR/ STARTER/BATTERY/ VALVECOVER/ ALL 3 SENSORS/ NEW HEADLAMPS THEY WERE SO DIM WITH NEW EVEN.UD EVEN GET SCKED JUST CHECKIN ENGINE OIL DIP STICK. REPLACED STRUTS &SCHOCKS AN BOTH TIE ROD ENDS BEARINGS. ALL SINCE NOV 2013.
NHTSA complaint #10562539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,798 milesNEW Sharon, IAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID CONTAINER .CAUSE CAR WAS OFF WE DISCOUNTED BATTERY TOOK NEG OFF LAID IT WHERE NOTHING TOUCH AN WENT TAKE POS.OFF SPARKS SHOT OUT OF NEG.CABLE END. THE DAY BEFORE AT NITE I PUT BRAKE ON IN CAR AN HEAD LIGHTS FLICKERED NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE .THEY'D DIM BRIGHT WHILE DRIVING.FOG LIGHTS KEPT BURNING OUT THEY CAME ON WHEN CAR WAS OFF.SEVERAL TIMES.I REPLACED ALTERNATOR/ STARTER/BATTERY/ VALVECOVER/ ALL 3 SENSORS/ NEW HEADLAMPS THEY WERE SO DIM WITH NEW EVEN.UD EVEN GET SCKED JUST CHECKIN ENGINE OIL DIP STICK. REPLACED STRUTS &SCHOCKS AN BOTH TIE ROD ENDS BEARINGS. ALL SINCE NOV 2013.
NHTSA complaint #10562539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,798 milesNEW Sharon, IAFire
ENGINE
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 WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID CONTAINER .CAUSE CAR WAS OFF WE DISCOUNTED BATTERY TOOK NEG OFF LAID IT WHERE NOTHING TOUCH AN WENT TAKE POS.OFF SPARKS SHOT OUT OF NEG.CABLE END. THE DAY BEFORE AT NITE I PUT BRAKE ON IN CAR AN HEAD LIGHTS FLICKERED NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE .THEY'D DIM BRIGHT WHILE DRIVING.FOG LIGHTS KEPT BURNING OUT THEY CAME ON WHEN CAR WAS OFF.SEVERAL TIMES.I REPLACED ALTERNATOR/ STARTER/BATTERY/ VALVECOVER/ ALL 3 SENSORS/ NEW HEADLAMPS THEY WERE SO DIM WITH NEW EVEN.UD EVEN GET SCKED JUST CHECKIN ENGINE OIL DIP STICK. REPLACED STRUTS &SCHOCKS AN BOTH TIE ROD ENDS BEARINGS. ALL SINCE NOV 2013.
NHTSA complaint #10562539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesKincheloe, MI
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THE SEAT CONTROL BECAME FRACTURED, CAUSING THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO MOVE AROUND INDEPENDENTLY WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER, WHO ORDERED AND REPLACED THE CONTROL PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE NEW CONTROL PANEL WOULD NOT REMEDY THE ISSUE DUE TO THE WAY THE CONTROL PANEL WAS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. UPDATED 10/17/13
NHTSA complaint #10536915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,124 milesMiddletown, NY
SUSPENSION
FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED, MAKING LOUD GROWLING NOISE, ESPECIALLY WITH STEERING WHEEL TURNED ON INTERSTATE CLOVER LEAF EXIT/ENTRANCE RAMPS. INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH PT CRUISERS.
NHTSA complaint #10512934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,229 milesMiddletown, NY
SUSPENSION
FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS FAILED ON BOTH SIDES OF CAR. REPORTED BY DEALER REPAIR TECH WHILE REPLACING FAILED HEAD GASKET. BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS REPLACED. DEALER REPORTS ENTIRE CONTROL ARM MUST BE REPLACED WHEN BUSHINGS FAIL.
NHTSA complaint #10512936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesMiddletown, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
EDGE OF PASSENGER SIDE REAR FENDER WELL PAINT IS BUBBLING UP WITH CORROSION DAMAGE UNDERNEATH PAINT. NO DAMAGE TO PAINT SURFACE. CHIPPING PAINT AWAY FROM BUBBLE REVEALS RUST. CAREFUL EXAMINATION OF FENDER WELL SHOWS SIMILAR SMALLER PROBLEMS ALONG EDGE OF FENDER WELL. NO OTHER EXTERIOR CORROSION PROBLEMS ON REST OF CAR. DEALER SERVICE MANAGER SAYS THIS FAILURE OCCURRED BECAUSE WATER IS WEEPING IN BETWEEN PAINT AND BODY SHEET METAL AT METAL EDGE INSIDE OF FENDER WELL. DAMAGE REPAIR NOT COVERED BY FACTORY CORROSION WARRANTY BECAUSE METAL IS NOT PERFORATED BY RUST. A THREE YEAR OLD CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE TYPES OF FAILURES.
NHTSA complaint #10512937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,229 milesMiddletown, NY
ENGINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesRichwood, OH
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AS THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 10/17/12
NHTSA complaint #10473777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesRichwood, OH
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AS THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 10/17/12
NHTSA complaint #10473777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesRichwood, OH
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AS THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 10/17/12
NHTSA complaint #10473777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
