You must have known Chrysler’s PT Cruiser if you love cars with nostalgic beauty. This is a model that caused a fever the first time it appeared.
However, it also brought a lot of controversies as there were many bugs in the engine, operation, etc.
So what should you know about this model, and what PT Cruiser years to avoid? Scroll down to know more!
About PT Cruiser
The Highlights
When this car model debuted in 2001, the retro-styled five-door hatchback dominated the market.
Rival automakers launched their retro automobiles over time, reducing the popularity of Chrysler’s vehicle.
Still, these models remain a popular choice, and Chrysler should be applauded for its retro-style hatchback and a favorite among auto buyers.
The PT Cruiser’s end, however, came relatively fast, with Chrysler LLC declaring in January 2009 that the flagship model would be phased out gradually.
The model’s manufacture terminated later that season. During the Cruiser’s ten-year lifetime, 1.35 million units were produced.
Buying Tips
When you take the car in for a pre-purchase inspection (for example buying a used PT Cruiser), request that it be checked for oil leaks, particularly around the crankshaft seal’s front side.
Be cautious if you observe oil or coolant leaks; internal engine issues may cause certain oil leaks, and the fix is costly.
Excessive oil consumption may be indicated by the exhaust’s black soot or blue smoke. Rule out the car when you notice the smoke as it is started.
Say no to the vehicle if the engine temperature increases above usual during a drive test.
Vibration and whining or growling noises from the wheels may suggest a faulty wheel bearing, a very common problem.
Keep an eye out for any suspension noises. Numerous components can fail. Also, examine to see whether they’ve replaced the timing belt.
PT Cruiser Years To Avoid
Models with PT cruiser common problems that you should avoid:
- 2001 PT Cruiser
- 2002 PT Cruiser
- 2004 PT Cruiser
- 2006 PT Cruiser
- 2007 PT Cruiser
Why are PT Cruisers so bad? The concern is that early models have too many issues. When owning these vehicles, you will spend a lot of time and money to repair and perfect them.
2001 PT Cruiser
This model has had common complaints about inside accessories and the wheels and electrical system.
The most common 2001 PT Cruiser problem is a cracked dashboard. As part of a broad recall, the dashboard was replaced.
Radio LED malfunctions were also quite common this year, and they even stopped working after changing the battery.
This model also had several electrical issues, such as a defective horn and a broken powertrain module. There was also a lot of hesitation and backfiring.
Its rims had been extensively ripped away, allowing air to seep from the tires. Many consumers also reported grinding noise and sound from the rear hubs.
2002 PT Cruiser
2002 PT Cruiser common problems are with the electrical system.
Aside from the 30 electrical complaints, tire and hub troubles, cooling system issues, engine starting issues, and gearbox failures were all usually reported.
Many buyers complained about cranking issues with the car. The battery would constantly drain, and the horn would cease working. Cruise control and auto-locking issues were also prevalent.
2004 PT Cruiser
Engine failures plagued this year’s PT Cruisers. The most common was the check engine light remaining on most of the time.
As per some consumer reports, replacing the cables or plugs resolved the issue.
This problem was also caused by a damaged fuel injector or faulty oxygen sensors. Some customers had to replace the entire engine.
It also had a terrible reputation for dying in the middle of a journey. If this occurred, replacing the fuel pump, oxygen sensor, or fuel filter would do.
Aside from the various engine problems, there were also concerns with the wheels, such as wheel bearing failure.
2006 PT Cruiser
This year’s PT Cruiser is the Chrysler company’s worst. With 52 reports, the engine was one of the most common 2006 PT Cruiser problems.
Faulty components, such as the spark plugs and ignitor, may need to be replaced. The automobile began to shake while driving and would finally stall after a while.
Many Cruiser users were forced to diagnose the problem and replace the battery or engine. Low fuel pressure or a damaged fuel pump could trigger the base engine to stall.
Customers were disappointed with a sudden power surge or complete power outage. Its burning odor of coolant, as well as the blue smoke from the tailpipe, dissatisfied them a lot as well.
Other 2006 PT Cruiser issues are rough idle when you turn on the air conditioning system, windshield wipers that did not respond, and seat control panels that broke due to pressure.
2007 PT Cruiser
This year received many consumer complaints about its engine problems.
A major oil spill affected a large number of people. The replacement of the crankshaft and bearings could be a problem for some, too. Sometimes, the engine block needed to be replaced.
Suspension concerns, seat belt problems, issues with wheels, the clutch refusing to release, glass cracking, and other flaws were also detected.
Some users realized the heater core had blown after only three months of driving.
Most Common Issues Of PT Cruiser
Engine Problems
The engine is one of the most prevalent issues with the PT Cruiser. Its 4-cylinder engine is akin to several other Chrysler cars.
This is one of the 2005 PT Cruiser common problems, occasionally known to burn oil.
Rough idling or a defective “check engine” light also occurs in some instances. Other concerns include stalling and difficulties starting.
While some of these concerns may be covered by a powertrain warranty, engine repairs can be expensive.
Starting Problems
Another set of common PT Cruiser issues revolves around the electrical system. Many users struggled to start the car, and the car even stalled midway.
The main cause, as mentioned above, is that its electrical system does not provide enough electricity to start the vehicle. It can come from a faulty battery, alternator, or other parts.
Rattling Noise
Rattling noise inside the car is a matter of concern. This is one of the 2009 PT Cruiser problems, but it’s not very popular because the manufacturer has improved it.
This sound could signify loosely connected parts or broken parts in the engine. To find the reason, drivers had to check the vehicle as a whole, which was very time-consuming and costly.
Clutch Failure
This part separates the car engine from the transmission in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine (ICE) and a gearbox.
It allows the car to change gears and stop the vehicle. This shows that it plays an important role in operation and safety.
Of the few 2010 PT Cruiser problems, this one appeared. Experienced drivers had to check the fluid levels and operating status regularly.
The company also recalled some models due to this problem.
Safety And Mechanical Recalls
A recall in 2008 that affected approximately 7,000 automobiles was meant to fix faulty ball joints.
The manufacturer also recalled more than 438,000 vehicles in 2004 due to the wrong location of a power steering pipe, which might result in a power steering fluid leak.
Another recall in 2004 addressed a known problem with the anti-lock brakes on more than 100 cars.
In 2009, they recalled more than 16,000 automobiles because of visibility concerns with some turn signals.
A 2007 recall involving 38,000 automobiles was designed to fix glass power windows that had been at risk of separating from the vehicle while driving.
FAQs
Which PT Cruiser Year To Buy?
Are PT Cruisers good? We can’t deny this because even though there are cars with many errors that should be avoided, it still has quite stable quality cars and is worth considering.
The best year for PT Cruiser you can consider include:
- 2008: It finally eliminated the engine light issue that plagued most of their vehicles. This model is an excellent option for a convertible vehicle with four seats.
- 2009: In terms of exterior design and more comfortable ride, 2009 is an advance over previous models.
- 2010: This is the greatest Chrysler model to buy. This one offers a flexible cabin and a smooth ride with fuel economy.
Are PT Cruiser Cars Worth Buying?
PT Cruiser reliability is difficult to define because it includes early base models with many common symptoms to avoid and later models that have been significantly improved.
They had increased fuel efficiency and received fewer negative reviews.
As mentioned above, there are cars you should buy and consider carefully before paying.
Therefore, if you like this model, you can consider the 2010 one, which provides you with a smooth drive and high fuel efficiency. You can easily find many better-quality ones in the same price range.
How Many Miles Can A PT Cruiser Last?
A PT Cruiser will typically survive roughly 210,000 miles, giving it a 14-year life expectancy with an average distance of 13,500 miles each year.
However, should you find many PT cruiser problems, fix them as soon as possible to prolong the life of your vehicle. They cause the car to break down faster and spread the damage to other parts.
Are PT Cruiser Cars Expensive To Repair?
The overall annual maintenance cost for the Chrysler PT Cruiser is $641. It’s not that expensive to fix the PT Cruiser problems.
Some surveys also show that this fee is below the average vehicle maintenance fee.
Repair costs depend on the part, the damage condition, and your chosen service center. In general, it will still be average like other popular models.
Conclusion
In short, the list of PT Cruiser years to avoid includes 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2007, with some problems related to engine, clutch, noise, and safety.
If you are considering choosing a product from this brand, 2009 and 2010 are the models worth considering and choosing.