IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser

The PT Cruiser arrived in the UK in July 2000 with the 2.0-litre Neon-derived petrol engine, offering retro American styling at a budget price. Early UK models had chronic supply issues that pushed prices artificially high, but values have since normalised. The engine is underpowered and the interior feels cheap by modern standards.

What changed for 2000

  • •UK launch with 2.0-litre 139bhp petrol engine
  • •Retro 1940s styling
  • •Classic, Touring and Limited trims
  • •Manual gearbox more popular than automatic

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front suspension bush and ball-joint wear
  • !Cooling system leaks from radiator and hoses
  • !Electrical sensor faults causing warning lights
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Cooling-system leaks and overheating

SeriousCooling System

Radiators, hoses and thermostat housings can age badly, and a PT Cruiser that has overheated even once is a much riskier proposition than the price suggests.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£900
Warning Signs:

Coolant smell, Temperature rises in traffic, Low coolant level, Heater performance fluctuates

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect radiator and hose joints
  • Let it idle until fully warm
  • Avoid any car with unexplained coolant top-ups
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Front suspension bush and ball-joint wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The PT Cruiser is heavy for its size and wears front suspension parts regularly, which creates knocks, vague steering and repeat MOT advisories.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£500
Warning Signs:

Clonks over bumps, Loose steering feel, Uneven front tyre wear

What to Inspect:
  • Drive it on rough roads
  • Inspect tyres and MOT history
  • Check for recent lower-arm or ball-joint invoices
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Body-control and crank-sensor electrical faults

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Older PT Cruisers can suffer from random non-starts, warning lights and accessory failures caused by sensors, wiring or body-control-module faults.

Est. Repair Cost: £80–£500
Warning Signs:

Cranks but will not start, Random warning lights, Windows or central locking fail intermittently

What to Inspect:
  • Do repeated start cycles hot and cold
  • Test all windows and locking
  • Look for evidence of sensor or BCM replacement
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser

  • The 2.0-litre engine is lethargic — test it thoroughly on motorway gradients
  • Check for any sign of overheating or coolant loss
  • The manual gearbox is more reliable than the automatic
2001–2005
Check a 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser by Registration