2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls and problems

The 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser has 5 safety recalls and 618 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chrysler dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
618
Crashes / fires
36 / 17
Injuries / deaths
36 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls

Recall 04V-268: Steering

Reported Jun 3, 2004 · 438,391 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4l non-turbocharged engines and automatic transaxles, the power steering pressure hose may contact the automatic transaxle differential cover, potentially damaging the hose.

Risk: Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and relocate, or replace as necessary, the power steering hose and confirm torque of the hose fastener at the steering gear end. The recall began on september 20, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Recall 02V-214: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Aug 8, 2002 · 97,779 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel supply line could contact the air-conditioning tube service port. This can cause chafing of the line resulting in a fuel leakage.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel line for abrasion and install a clip to ensure isolation. In cases with evidence of fuel line abrasion, the fuel line will be replaced. Owner notification began august 12, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Recall 02V-215: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Aug 8, 2002 · 345,436 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump module mounting flange could leak fuel if the vehicle is involved in a rollover crash.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will install a secondary seal over the fuel pump module. Owner notification began august 12, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Recall 02V-162: Seats

Reported Jun 14, 2002 · 77,000 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the right rear "65%" seat center lower anchor was manufactured with a wire diameter that is greater than the maximum allowable dimension as specified in the standard.

Risk: If the connector for a latch-type child restraint is not attached correctly to the anchorage points, the restraint will not properly protect a child in the event of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the right rear seat center anchor and, if necessary, resize the anchor to meet the diameter specified within the standard. Owner notification began november 4, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Recall 00V-366: Child Seat

Reported Nov 9, 2000 · 1,211,756 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions that provide a step-by-step procedure, including diagrams, for properly attaching a child restraint system's tether strap to the tether anchorage.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.

Fix: Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owner's manuals.

2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System82
Engine and Engine Cooling72
Suspension69
Structure67
Steering64
Wheels62
Exterior Lighting55
Power Train50
Fuel System, Gasoline47
Air Bags45
Service Brakes, Hydraulic35
Unknown or Other29

Most reported parts

  • Wheels › Rim — 35
  • Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm — 20
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 18
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 17
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery — 16
  • Exterior Lighting › Fog Lights › Switch — 12
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 11
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections — 10

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 57,559 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Jul 13, 2022
The electrical system is malfunctioning the fans do not kick on at all,even after reaching temperature.Even when the "Air" condition is turned on full blast or the "Heater" it doesn't matter which one is used it still doesn't engage the "Fan".
Engine · at 85 miles · reported Sep 1, 2019
Car has problem with overheating (Also found out this is common with this model and make). This is a safety issue as you can break down on road which can either cause an accident or cause road blockage.
Air Bags · at 171,000 miles · reported Jul 16, 2019
The contact owned a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that while slowing down to make a right turn, the vehicle was struck in the rear by another vehicle. The vehicle went airborne, was turned around 180 degrees and then struck again in the front of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained whiplash and several bruises and contusions and sore ribs. The vehicle was towed to the towing facility. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither a dealer nor the manufacturer were contacted. The approximate failure…
Engine · at 159,245 miles · reported Aug 7, 2018
Engine fan does not turn on causing car to overheat. I have spoken to other owner that have a pt cruiser (Different years) and they also have the same problem with the fan. I called the chrysler dealer which did not have enough complaints about this so they are not issuing any recalls yet. I took this car to my mechanic and he could not determine what is causing this but he did not have the equipment to check the car computer. Another place has the equipment but wants $200. To see if it is a problem with the computer. I feel that chrysler should cover this since it does not just effect my…
Electrical System · at 127,000 miles · reported Sep 18, 2017
The contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact, a certified mechanic, replaced all of the sensors on the vehicle, the relays, and the electrical fuses; however, the vehicle would not start when prompted. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

Other Chrysler PT Cruiser years

Compare all Chrysler PT Cruiser years · All Chrysler models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser: 04V-268 (steering), 02V-214 (fuel system, gasoline), 02V-215 (fuel system, gasoline), 02V-162 (seats), 00V-366 (child seat). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (82 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (72). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 57,559 miles.

Are Chrysler recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chrysler dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.