Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 512 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median PT Cruiser year — the 2006 model ranks #3 of 10 PT Cruiser years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 33 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 159 reports (31% of the total).
512
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
55
Crash-involved
6
Fires reported
33
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 159 | 31% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 92 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 50 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 35 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 28 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 24 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 18 | 4% | — flat |
| Brakes | 17 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Other | 16 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 15 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 14 | 3% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 10 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 10 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 7 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 7 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 5 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 3 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 0% | ▲ up |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR QUARTER GLASS ATTACHING FASTENERS MAY PULL THROUGH THEIR MOUNTS AND ALLOW THE GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Consequence
IF THE GLASS SEPARATES WHILE DRIVING, IT COULD STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE OR INJURE A PEDESTRIAN.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR QUARTER GLASS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER WITH SEVERAL SAFETY ISSUES. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AND ACCIDENT WITH EVERYTHING IN THE VEHICLE LOCKED INCLUDING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE KEPT MOVING AND ONLY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *KB PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER PROBLEMS WITH…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED ON AND THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD OVERHEAT. HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND NO FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE…”
“2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER WITH SEVERAL SAFETY ISSUES. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AND ACCIDENT WITH EVERYTHING IN THE VEHICLE LOCKED INCLUDING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE KEPT MOVING AND ONLY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *KB PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER PROBLEMS WITH…”
“ON OCT. 19,2007,I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION AT A SPEED OF 30MPH. I STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH CAUSED ME NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN ALONG WITH SOME BRUISING. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS WITH OVER $10,000 IN DAMAGES AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THAT DOES NOT…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DOWNSHIFT FROM FOURTH TO THIRD GEAR. THE STICK WENT FORWARD, BUT THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND CRASHED INTO A SIGN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 512 complaints put the 2006 model at #3 of 10 PT Cruiser years. It is one of the PT Cruiser years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (159 complaints), engine (92 complaints), visibility & wipers (50 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the PT Cruiser years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 2006. The cleanest record among PT Cruiser years belongs to 2010.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.