2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Conv problems & reliability
24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Conv. Last verified Aug 9, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several components.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System → | 13 | 54% |
| Engine | 6 | 25% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | 21% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 13% |
| Steering | 3 | 13% |
| Power Train | 2 | 8% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 8% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 4% |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | 4% |
| Trailer Hitches | 1 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 12 reported components →Mileage when problems occurred
Among the 22 complaints that included a usable odometer reading, the median reported incident mileage was 49,500 miles (middle 50% between 32,767 and 73,049 miles).
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Pt cruiser pcm failure. I bought this used 2/18. Car losing its turbo power, gas consumption and milage horrible. 5miles/gallon. O2 sensors replaced 6/18. Replaced battery 7/18. Car had been and continued to have hard starting since 6/18. Often it would take 2 attempts to start ignition. No warning lights or failure…”
Power Train · filed Oct 29, 2018
“Power steering leaking, took to chrysler dealer . The dealer did not tell me there was a recall on the power steering . The dealer told me to buy another chrysler.”
Steering · filed Mar 21, 2016
“Just like many other complaints on here, my vehicle starts acting crazy with lights flashing, and feels like it won't shift and go above 40mph. I brought the car to dealer and they replaced the ignition switch, and pcm. This cost me $1200. It stopped for a bit, then started again a month or two later when they told me…”
Electrical System · filed Dec 14, 2015
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
29 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Conv. The 10 most recent:
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020
Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
23-015-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 30, 2020
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery…
08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 22, 2020
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100619 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
31-005-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-003-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-006-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Wiper If Mopar OE wipers are unavailable, the below alternatives can be offered instead. 05066964A$ = WBRW0011A$ 05066973A$ = WB000019A$ or WBF00019A$ 05096134A$ = WB000027A$ or WBF00028A$ 55154762A$ = WB000013A$…
9003623 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 16, 2016
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Conv in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Conv?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Among complaints with usable mileage, the median reported incident mileage was 49,500 miles. This does not predict when a particular vehicle will develop a problem.