2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems & reliability
22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Last verified Aug 7, 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 vehicles.
1 complaint report injuries (1 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles were involved in 6 fatal crashes with 5 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5 | 23% |
| Seats | 4 | 18% |
| Air Bags | 3 | 14% |
| Electrical System | 3 | 14% |
| Steering | 3 | 14% |
| Suspension | 3 | 14% |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 9% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 5% |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 5% |
| Structure | 1 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 25,229 miles (middle 50% between 14,250 and 49,500 miles), based on 20 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The engine blew up! Under 70,000 mileage but after 10 years. Mechanics can’t figure out what’s wrong with it. The try this and that. The catalytic converter, spark plugs… everything you can imagine. Just started to cost more than it was worth.”
Engine · filed Mar 22, 2025
“The contact owns a 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side seat inadvertently moved forward toward the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic was able to adjust the front driver's seatback to its original…”
Seats · filed Dec 28, 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2010 chrysler pt cruiser. While depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle began to make an abnormal noise. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her that the timing belt needed to be replaced. The contact was given an…”
Engine · filed Oct 31, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
52 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The 10 most recent:
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service…
9100226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 15, 2023
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service…
9100226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 15, 2023
Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used
9100196 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 27, 2023
If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
S2209000004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 2, 2022
Oil Filter If a Mopar Oil Filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils. Recommended Brands: Wix, Purolator, and NapaGold
9004509 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 30, 2022
Oil Filter If a Mopar Oil Filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils. Recommended Brands: Wix, Purolator, and NapaGold
9004509 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 30, 2022
Oil Filter If a Mopar Oil Filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils. Recommended Brands: Wix, Purolator, and NapaGold
9004509 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 30, 2022
Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number…
9004009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 7, 2021
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
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 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser 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 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
- · 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.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 25,229 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.