Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2010 Chrysler PT CruiserRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints for the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Most complaints involve engine (5) and seats (4). The EPA rates it 21 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
21mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
22
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
22 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2010 – Mar 2025
- Engine5
- Seats4
- Air bags3
- Electrical system3
- Steering3
- Suspension3
- Exterior lighting2
- Vehicle speed control1
- Service brakes1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
5 reports1 fire
“The engine blew up! Under 70,000 mileage but after 10 years. Mechanics can’t figure out what’s wrong with it. The try this and that. The catalytic converter, spark plugs… everything you can imagine. Just started to cost more than it was worth.”
Seats
4 reports
“The contact owns a 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side seat inadvertently moved forward toward the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic was able to adjust the front driver's seatback to its original position; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.”
Air bags
3 reports1 crash
“DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND IT MAKES A DING NOISE AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE DRIVERS AIRBAG IS BAD.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT Cruiser Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
- 21mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 5859
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2010 PT Cruiser questions
How many recalls does the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.
What are the most common 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems?
Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (5), seats (4), air bags (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser at 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026