NHTSA vehicle safety data
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 618 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Chrysler dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser owner complaints
Owners have filed 618 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, describing incidents dated March 3, 2000 to November 9, 2024.
Most-cited components
- Electrical System 77 complaints
- Engine 73 complaints
- Structure 67 complaints
- Suspension 66 complaints
- Steering 61 complaints
- Wheels 61 complaints
Of the 618 complaints on file, 36 report a crash and 17 a fire; across all 618 complaints, owners report 36 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11642120 · Filed
See attached document for complaint.
ODI #11473780 · Filed
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".
ODI #11271661 · Filed
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING..... STOPPED OR MOVING
Owner-reported
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser mileage at failure
382 of the 618 complaints on file for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.
| Component | Median | Middle half | Based on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | Median 65,000 miles | Middle half 40,000–85,000 miles | Based on 50 complaints |
| Structure | Median 75,000 miles | Middle half 55,000–100,000 miles | Based on 37 complaints |
| Suspension | Median 55,000 miles | Middle half 35,000–70,000 miles | Based on 49 complaints |
| Steering | Median 60,000 miles | Middle half 35,000–100,000 miles | Based on 44 complaints |
| Wheels | Median 45,000 miles | Middle half 35,000–65,000 miles | Based on 34 complaints |
A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.
Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.
These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.
Complaints received before December 15, 2002 rarely give a mileage, so they aren't counted here.
Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser in 3 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Preliminary Evaluation PE04-028: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Closed June 18, 2004
- Preliminary Evaluation PE02-082: SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
Closed April 23, 2003
- Preliminary Evaluation PE02-058: FUEL HOSE ABRASION
Closed October 4, 2002
FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS
NHTSA #09E012000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice
Reported April 7, 2009 · SABERSPORT
Potentially affected: 16,270 vehicles
Owners notified May 11, 2009
Defect description
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Safety consequence
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Notes
THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY SABERSPORT.THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES
NHTSA #08E033000 · Suspension · NHTSA notice
Reported April 14, 2008 · FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS
Potentially affected: 6,903 vehicles
Owners notified May 22, 2008
Defect description
FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
Safety consequence
THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
Notes
THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER/POWER STEERING HOSE ASSEMBLY
NHTSA #04V268000 · Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist — Hose, Piping, and Connections · NHTSA notice
Reported June 3, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Potentially affected: 438,391 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign D18 · Owners notified September 20, 2004 · Vehicles built January 17, 2000 – April 26, 2004 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. D18.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FUEL PUMP MODULE MOUNTING FLANGE
NHTSA #02V215000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery · NHTSA notice
Reported August 8, 2002 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Potentially affected: 345,436 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign B23 · Owners notified August 12, 2002 · Vehicles built October 4, 1999 – June 30, 2002 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP MODULE MOUNTING FLANGE COULD LEAK FUEL IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER CRASH.
Safety consequence
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO.B23.ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FUEL SUPPLY LINE
NHTSA #02V214000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice
Reported August 8, 2002 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Potentially affected: 97,779 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign B16 · Owners notified August 12, 2002 · Vehicles built May 15, 2000 – January 23, 2001 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO.B16. ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FMVSS 225/REAR CHILD SEAT ANCHOR
NHTSA #02V162000 · Seats — Front Assembly — Recliner · NHTSA notice
Reported June 14, 2002 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Potentially affected: 77,000 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign B21 · Owners notified November 4, 2002 · Vehicles built August 1, 1999 – October 24, 2000 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. B21.ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FMVSS 225/CHILD SEAT ANCHOR
NHTSA #00V366000 · Child Seat · NHTSA notice
Reported November 9, 2000 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Potentially affected: 1,211,756 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 957 · Owners notified November 12, 2000 · Vehicles built June 15, 1999 – October 31, 2000 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Manufacturer remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 12, 2000.OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE OWNER'S MANUAL ADDENDUM WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Other Chrysler PT Cruiser model years
Check your 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Chrysler PT Cruiser at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check a Chrysler VIN