With 4 recalls and 630 complaints, the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser rates as elevated on the safety concern scale. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool before signing.

Recalls

630

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

02V1620002002-14-06

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

02V2150002002-08-08

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP MODULE MOUNTING FLANGE COULD LEAK FUEL IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER CRASH.

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

View at NHTSA

02V2140002002-08-08

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

View at NHTSA

View all 4 recalls

04V2680002004-03-06

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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.

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

The 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser's biggest weak point? STRUCTURE. It leads 630 total complaints spanning 1 years. Budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially in that area.

01Structure59

02Wheels52

03Suspension50

04Steering41

05Electrical System41

630 total across 1 model years (2001–2001)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Chrysler PT Cruiser Fuel Economy

20mpg combined

17-18city

23-24hwy

$2,200/yr

The 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser delivers 20 MPG combined, consistent across 2 configurations. Straightforward efficiency.

By Trim

PT Cruiser - Automatic 4-spd

20mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

17 city23 hwy~$2,200/yr-1/10 Poor

PT Cruiser - Manual 5-spd

20mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

18 city24 hwy~$2,200/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser

27States

24%in top 3

The biggest cluster of inventory is in Michigan (9%), but the remaining listings are spread across 26 other states nationwide.

MIMichigan

99%

NVNevada

88%

MOMissouri

77%

WAWashington

77%

TXTexas

66%

FLFlorida

66%

CACalifornia

66%

DEDelaware

55%

MNMinnesota

44%

AZArizona

44%

OHOhio

44%

PAPennsylvania

44%

ILIllinois

33%

VAVirginia

33%

WIWisconsin

33%

GAGeorgia

33%

OROregon

33%

DCWashington DC

33%

UTUtah

22%

COColorado

22%

ID1

IN1

AL1

NC1

NE1

VT1

NY1

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2001.

2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Buyer FAQ

What to know before you buy

Is the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser a good car to buy?

Here's the short version on the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. There are 4 recalls to verify before purchase. Dig into the safety overview and pricing trends for recall-by-recall detail.

Are there recalls on the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

NHTSA shows 4 recall campaigns for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Before buying, verify all recalls are complete. The dealer must fix them at no charge. See the safety section for the full list.

What's the gas mileage of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

The 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser is EPA-rated at 20 MPG combined, consistent regardless of trim. See the fuel economy breakdown for city and highway splits.

What are common problems with the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

STRUCTURE problems top the list with 630 total complaints filed. Not every car is affected, but it's worth asking about and inspecting. Full details in the known issues section.