2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: What gas mileage does the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser at about 21 mpg combined (19 city / 24 highway).

Q: How much is a 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser worth?

Comparable 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser listings run roughly $1,700–$7,000, typically around $5,007 (from 35 vehicles).

2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser at a glance

Safety recallsNone

Owner complaints22

Combined21 mpg

Typical price$5,007

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

2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

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.

2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

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.

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.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Suspension

Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

Seats

Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Exterior Lighting

Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg

City19 mpg

Highway24 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$2,950

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

What's a 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser worth?

Low

$1,700

Typical price

$5,007

High

$7,000

From 35 comparable 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,750

Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,850

Total$17,600

Per mile$0.23

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 ($5,007) with the same model 5 model-years older ($2,162), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.