2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Suspension, Wheels & Tires leads by volume: 143 of 618 complaints (23%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (20) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | vs. 2001 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,100 | 2,850–3,100 | 2,850–4,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 20 | 20–22 | 19–22 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17–18 / 23–24 | 17–19 / 23–27 | 17–19 / 23–26 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 444 | 404–444 | 404–468 | |
| Complaints filed | 618 | 511 | 258 | |
| Recalls issued | 7 | 5 | 4 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 36 | 40 | 22 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 17 | 34 | 15 | |
| Injuries reported | 36 | 50 | 20 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2 | 1 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Suspension, Wheels & Tires: 143 of 618 NHTSA complaints (23%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser get?
EPA rates it 20 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
EPA estimates $3,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 17 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 18 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (high) | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 74 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 47 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 52 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical | 80 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 39 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 61 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 143 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 55 | 20 | 1 | 20 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 78 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 62 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Other | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (7)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009
Defect: 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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
SUSPENSION · Campaign 08E033000 · Apr 17, 2008
Defect: 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.
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.
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.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS · Campaign 04V268000 · Jun 3, 2004
Defect: 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.
Consequence: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY · Campaign 02V215000 · Aug 12, 2002
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP MODULE MOUNTING FLANGE COULD LEAK FUEL IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER CRASH.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 02V214000 · Aug 12, 2002
Defect: 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.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
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.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER · Campaign 02V162000 · Jun 26, 2002
Defect: 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.
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.
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.
CHILD SEAT · Campaign 00V366000 · Nov 15, 2000
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.