Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 349 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, and it carries 1 recall. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 75 | 21% |
| Visibility | 26 | 7% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 25 | 7% |
| Air bags | 23 | 7% |
| Engine | 16 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 13 | 4% |
| Power train | 12 | 3% |
| Steering | 11 | 3% |
| Structure | 6 | 2% |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I heard a strange noise, so I looked under the front end of the car. Saw all that missing. This has happened in the last two weeks. I do not drive in bad weather.
NHTSA complaint: Structure
all of the dash board instrument cluster lights turn on breifly,car speed starts to drop, lights on dash turn back off,[ all except seat belt lights] then car seems to restart itself and will reaccelerate.all this happen
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
FUEL ODOR IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT INVESTIGATED AND FUEL LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS FOUND. THE LEAK IS AT THE CONNECTION FROM THE FUEL TANK TO THE FUEL RAIL CONNECTION. THE CONNECTION IS ON THE VEHICLE RIGHT/PAS
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED TO SECOND GEAR INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE P
NHTSA complaint: Power train
THE CAR HAS BEEN OVERHEATING AT IDLE. WHEN DRIVING, IT MAINTAINS THE CORRECT TEMPERATURE AND RETURNS TO IT EVEN IF IT HAS GONE UP. IDLING AT A DRIVE THRU IS ENOUGH TO CAUSE A FULL OVERHEAT WITH SMOKE. WHEN THE CAR IS TUR
NHTSA complaint: Power train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A SHARP LEFT TURN INTO HER GARAGE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING
NHTSA complaint: Steering
I HAVE A PROBLEM WHIT MY STEERING WHEEL PUMP ON MY 06 PT. CRUISER AND FOR WHAT I HAVE. READ ON THE INTERNET THERE'S IS OTHER YEARS LIKE 03 04 05 THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND IS BEEN FIX BY DEALER BUT NOT ON THE 06 WHI
NHTSA complaint: Steering
ON 12/21/2018 I TOOK MY CAR TO THE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY TO HAVE IT INSPECTED SO I COULD GET MY NEW TAGS. I HAD PASSED EVERY TWO YEARS BUT NOT THIS TIME. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A NEW LAW THAT REQUIRED
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR QUARTER GLASS ATTACHING FASTENERS MAY PULL THROUGH THEIR MOUNTS AND ALLOW THE GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Risk: IF THE GLASS SEPARATES WHILE DRIVING, IT COULD STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE OR INJURE A PEDESTRIAN.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR QUARTER GLASS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
| Reliability raw | 78 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 71 | good |
| Maintenance | 73 | good |
| Depreciation | 62 | average |
| Performance | 56 | average |
| Efficiency | 34 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 349 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and electrical system is the most reported area with 75 of them (21%). There is 1 recall on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 78/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 71/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2006 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 67/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.