Model year guide

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 284 on record.

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints349
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$2,385

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls 1

Visibility:glass, Side/rear NHTSA Campaign #07V149000 · 04/04/2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR QUARTER GLASS ATTACHING FASTENERS MAY PULL THROUGH THEIR MOUNTS AND ALLOW THE GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR QUARTER GLASS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 349 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,338

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser worth?

Low
$1,000
Typical price
$2,385
High
$3,995

From 275 comparable 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,690
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,250
Total$17,940
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($2,385) with the same model 4 model-years older ($1,381), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser trims & engines on record

Trims
Touring · Base · Limited · GT · Base/Classic · Cabrio Touring
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles on record

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring3A4FY58B86T350746 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited3A8FY68B26T321294 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT3A8FY78G16T372822 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3C3JY45X86T311086 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring3A4FY58B26T245510 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring3A4FY58B06T331379 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT3C3HY75S36T259886 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3A4FY48B76T309535 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring3A4FY58B36T254880 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3A4FY48BX6T224107 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3C3JY45X16T358489 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT3A8FY78G46T342259 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring3A4FY58B96T341814 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3A4FY48B46T340158 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3A4FY48B26T349800 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3A4FY48B36T265114 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring3A4FY58B86T374982 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited3A8FY68816T311490 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited3A8FY68806T300027 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring3A4FY58B26T260413 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3A4FY48B46T335557 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring3A4FY58B56T354611 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited3A8FY68856T359560 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited3A8FY68BX6T301486

Other Chrysler PT Cruiser model years

2010 2009 2008 2007 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser — frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Based on 349 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, fuel/propulsion system, power train.

What is the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser crash-test ratings of frontal 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser at about 21 mpg combined (19 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser worth?

Comparable 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser listings run roughly $1,000–$3,995, typically around $2,385 (from 275 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.