2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2009 PT Cruiser has a complaint index of 20, the second-lowest of the six model years with data, and ranks 5th worst out of 6. It carries a Good verdict, though that verdict is capped because 2005-2009 complaint records are less complete.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 20/100
- #5 of 6 PT Cruiser years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 97
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System63 (65%)
- Engine40 (41%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (8%)
- Airbags7 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain7 (7%)
- Brakes6 (6%)
- Steering6 (6%)
- Structure & Body5 (5%)
- Other4 (4%)
- Seat Belts3 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in side-impact and spin-out crashes, sometimes with the vehicle later catching fire in storage.
- Owners describe cruise control causing unintended acceleration, with the car surpassing the set speed or surging suddenly.
- Some drivers report the vehicle failed to slow when brakes were applied, leading to collisions.
- The horn was reported to stick on and require forceful pounding on the steering wheel to release, tied to a weak airbag spring in the switch.
- Brake pedals reportedly sank to the floor, with pads and rotors replaced multiple times.
- Owners noted aluminum valve stems on tire pressure sensors leaking air rapidly, risking sudden tire pressure loss.
2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other PT Cruiser years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 PT Cruiser has a complaint index of 20, among the lowest of the six model years tracked, and earns a Good verdict.
- What is the top problem area for the 2009 PT Cruiser?
- Electrical System complaints make up 65% of reported issues, followed by Engine complaints at 41%.
- Does the 2009 PT Cruiser have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 PT Cruiser.
- Why isn't the 2009 PT Cruiser rated Best?
- Its verdict is capped at Good because NHTSA complaint records for the 2005-2009 model years are less complete, not because of a high complaint count.
- How does the 2009 PT Cruiser compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 20 and rank of 5th worst out of 6 years, it fares better than the 2005 (60), 2006 (100), and 2007 (80) model years, but the 2010 model, rated Best with an index of 0, has fewer reported problems.