2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine problems

Owners reported engine problems in 86 complaints for the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 17% of the complaints on file. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.

Complaints: 86 17% of this year's complaints
Typical mileage: 62,000 miles 75 complaints with mileage
Crashes and fires: 4 and 1
Injuries and deaths: 0 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

When engine problems show up

Based on 75 complaints that include mileage. 45% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.

View the numbers

Mileage	Complaints
0k to 20k miles	9
20k to 40k miles	13
40k to 60k miles	12
60k to 80k miles	21
80k to 100k miles	4
100k to 120k miles	8
120k to 140k miles	5
140k to 160k miles	2
160k to 180k miles	1
180k to 200k miles	0
200k+ miles	0

What the data shows

Of the 75 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 62,000 miles, and 45% were reported before 60,000 miles.

These complaints mention 4 crashes, 1 fire.

What owners wrote

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chrysler pt cruiser. While the engine was turned on and the air conditioner was activated, the vehicle would overheat. He noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The dealer inspected the vehicle and found no failures. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was approximately 30,000 and failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

Reported at 29,000 miles, September 2008 Fire

New 2006 pt cruiser with 6700 miles started dripping oil at first, and then large puddles started to appear. Took the car to dealer where after a day I was told that the main crank seal was leaking and both cam shaft seals were found to be wet with oil. Dealer replaced crankshaft seal and cam seals. Picked up the car and the following day the car started to leak puddles of oil again.

Reported at 6,735 miles, February 2007

Engine problems in other years

Engine problems across all Chrysler models