2010 Chrysler PT CRUISER
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2010 Chrysler PT CRUISER has 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 30. The most common issue is engine problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: on saturday morning, at about 11:40 am, the temperature was 31 degrees f, and i'd noticed the dew point was at 33 degrees, according to accu-weather. it was somewhat sunny, and there was very little frozen precipitation floating through the air. we had just left home and drove two miles through sto. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.
30
Total Complaints
0
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
6 complaints- • ON SATURDAY MORNING, AT ABOUT 11:40 AM, THE TEMPERATURE WAS 31 DEGREES F, AND I'D NOTICED THE DEW POINT WAS AT 33 DEGREES, ACCORDING TO ACCU-WEATHER. IT WAS SOMEWHAT SUNNY, AND THERE WAS VERY LITTLE FROZEN PRECIPITATION FLOATING THROUGH THE AIR. WE HAD JUST LEFT HOME AND DROVE TWO MILES THROUGH STO
- • CAR USING ABOUT 1 QUART OF OIL PER 1000 MILES OF OPERATION. HEAD GASKET LEAKING. HEAD GASKET REPLACED BY DEALER. NOW USES 1 QUART OF OIL PER 880 MILES OF OPERATION. *TR
- • I DROVE 15 MILES AN PULLED AT 55 MPH INTO OSKALOOSA IA REDUCED SPEED TO 35 DOWN TO 25 AN THOUGHT I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING LIKE WIRES AN ANTIFREEZE ,BLACK SMOKE ROLLED OUT FROM UNDER NEATH MY HOOD ON PASSENGER SIDE PUT IN PARK POPPED HOOD OPENED HOOD FLAMES COMING FROM UNDERNEATH ENGINE IN FRONT
“ON SATURDAY MORNING, AT ABOUT 11:40 AM, THE TEMPERATURE WAS 31 DEGREES F, AND I'D NOTICED THE DEW POINT WAS AT 33 DEGREES, ACCORDING TO ACCU-WEATHER. IT WAS SOMEWHAT SUNNY, AND THERE WAS VERY LITTLE FROZEN PRECIPITATION FLOATING THROUGH THE AIR. WE HAD JUST LEFT HOME AND DROVE TWO MILES THROUGH STO”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2010 Chrysler PT CRUISER
Based on 28 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 30K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Chrysler PT CRUISER
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Chrysler PT CRUISER
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Chrysler New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Chrysler. If you're buying a used 2010 PT CRUISER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chrysler dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 30 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: ON SATURDAY MORNING, AT ABOUT 11:40 AM, THE TEMPERATURE WAS 31 DEGREES F, AND I'D NOTICED THE DEW POINT WAS AT 33 DEGREES, ACCORDING TO ACCU-WEATHER. IT WAS SOMEWHAT SUNNY, AND THERE WAS VERY LITTLE FROZEN PRECIPITATION FLOATING THROUGH THE AIR. WE HAD JUST LEFT HOME AND DROVE TWO MILES THROUGH STO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SEATS/RESTRAINTS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SEAT CONTROL BROKE AND AS A RESULT SHE COULD NOT ADJUST THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED FOUR TIMES THAT IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐STEERING: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT HAD TO APPLY MORE PRESSURE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ONCE STOPPED, THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SUSPENSION: FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED, MAKING LOUD GROWLING NOISE, ESPECIALLY WITH STEERING WHEEL TURNED ON INTERSTATE CLOVER LEAF EXIT/ENTRANCE RAMPS. INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH PT CRUISERS. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Chrysler PT CRUISER — Year Comparison
How does 2010 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 30
- Recalls
- 0
- Fire reports
- 4
- Crash reports
- 1
- Injury reports
- 1
- Segment avg
- 30
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2010 Chrysler PT CRUISER