IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser

The 2005/2006 facelift brought revised headlamps, bumpers and a significantly improved interior with body-coloured dash panels. The 2.2-litre Mercedes-sourced CRD diesel was already available and remains the pick of the engines for its torque and reliability.

What changed for 2006

  • •Major facelift with new headlamps and bumpers
  • •Improved interior with body-coloured dash panels
  • •Route 66 special edition launched
  • •Right-hand drive Convertible models arrived in 2006

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Cooling system issues persist across the range
  • !Front suspension wear remains common
  • !Electrical gremlins with body-control modules
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 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser

  • ✓The 2.2 CRD diesel with timing chain is the best engine choice — tractable and reliable
  • ✓The 2.4-litre petrol is better than the old 2.0 but still not quick
  • ✓Check that the cambelt has been changed on time — this is an expensive job
2001–20052007–2010
Check a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser by Registration