2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser is among the quieter years of the PT Cruiser on NHTSA's books: 158 complaints (41% below the model's median year), no recalls, and no open investigations.
The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 41% of all reports (65 of 158), far ahead of engine at 30.
158
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2009 compare to other PT Cruiser years?
What are the most common 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 65 | 41% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 30 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 14 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 7 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 7 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 6 | 4% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 4% | — flat |
| Seats | 5 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Other | 4 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 4 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MALFUNCTIONED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED THREE TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE…”
“DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, ALL GAUGES GO CRAZY, ALL DASH WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND OFF, VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND STALLS, VERY DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING. DEALER UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM DESPITE NUMEROUS REPAIRS AND HAVING THE CAR FOR WEEKS AT A TIME. I CANNOT EXPRESS HOW UNSAFE THIS IS.SEEMS TO BE A…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE…”
2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser — common questions
Is the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 158 NHTSA complaints, below the typical PT Cruiser year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2009 PT Cruiser problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (65 complaints), engine (30 complaints), speed control (14 complaints).
Does the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Which Chrysler PT Cruiser years should you avoid?
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.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.