2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser

The 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a quirky, retro-styled wagon that offers a surprising amount of interior space and practicality. The base engine is a 2.4L naturally aspirated inline-4 producing 150 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 2.4L inline-4, making 180 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque, was also available. The 2.4L turbo engine was standard on the GT trim. Both engines were offered with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the PT Cruiser’s distinctive look and versatility, but it’s often criticized for its lackluster fuel economy, dated interior, and some reliability concerns.

Engine

2.4L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks commonly occur around the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and crankshaft seals. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ depending on the location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires can be caused by worn spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, or vacuum leaks. Symptoms include rough idling, poor acceleration, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs, ignition coils, or repair vacuum leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $400+ depending on the cause and parts replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger can fail due to oil starvation or excessive wear. Symptoms include loss of power, whistling noise from the turbocharger, and excessive smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Same as the naturally aspirated engine, leaks can occur around the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and crankshaft seals.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ depending on the location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The 4-speed automatic transmission can exhibit harsh or erratic shifting, particularly between gears.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid flush and filter change can improve shifting. However, more severe cases may require valve body repair or replacement, or a full transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid flush) to $2500+ (transmission rebuild).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping occurs when the transmission fails to properly engage a gear, resulting in a loss of power and delayed acceleration.
  • Solution: Often caused by worn clutch packs or low transmission fluid. Fluid flush or replacement may help. A full transmission rebuild may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid flush) to $2500+ (transmission rebuild).
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

No Issues Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts and Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: The struts and shocks can wear out over time, leading to a bouncy ride, poor handling, and increased stopping distances.
  • Solution: Replace the worn struts and shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ for a complete replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Control arm bushings degrade over time, causing clunking noises, loose steering, and poor alignment.
  • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows can fail to operate properly, often due to faulty window motors or switches.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty window motor or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Central Locking Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The central locking system may fail to lock or unlock the doors, often due to a faulty door lock actuator.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster can experience issues such as flickering lights, inaccurate readings, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Lower Body Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can develop on the lower body panels, particularly around the rocker panels and wheel wells.
  • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ depending on the severity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner can sag or detach from the roof due to failing adhesive.
  • Solution: Replace the headliner or re-glue the existing headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser can suffer from a range of issues, some more severe than others. Engine and transmission issues, particularly with the automatic transmission and turbocharged engine, can be costly to repair. Suspension and electrical problems are also relatively common. Rust on the lower body panels is a concern in areas with harsh winters. Overall, while the PT Cruiser offers a unique style and practicality, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor in potential repair costs. The issues range in severity from minor annoyances to major mechanical failures, with repair costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. A thorough inspection is recommended before purchasing a used 2007 PT Cruiser.