6.9
fairly significantTypical Repair Cost:
no data
Average Mileage:
94,858 miles
Total Complaints:
18 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (14 reports)
- replace under mass recall as this is a common defect in 2001 (4 reports)
accessories - interior problem
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- Coverlay - This is a viable solution for the PT Cruiser's cracked dash problem.....It's a do-it-yourself project which looks to be very easy, just be sure to watch the video......and it beats the high dealer replacement cost.
2009Jul 15
PT Cruiser Limited Touring
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
I bought my PT used, at about 70,000 miles. The dash was minimally cracked at the center, a hairline from the defrost grill to the window. Since then, I'm up to 118,000 miles, and the dash top is almost completely cracked down the center, and there is a big hole in the defrost grill where things occasionally fall in (if I've left them rolling around on the dash).
I think this problem is due to an extra-hot defrost setting, a too-small defrost vent for the air (it's just that small oval in the center - why not more coverage?) ... and the hot air bakes the dash from the underside. I have noticed cracking and popping sounds while using the defrost, and this is what clued me in to what was happening. I don't believe it's primarily from the sun, though in very hot climates, it could also be a factor. The heat that builds up under the plastic expands the dash and it bows up, causing the cracks.
I honestly don't see how this ISN'T Chrysler's poor design, and we should have a recall and replacement for this part. It's ridiculous. I need to sell my car, and I feel that it's not worth it to try with the dash looking like crap. It's disappointing.
2010Jan 01
PT Cruiser Limited Edition 2.4L
- Manual transmission
- 85,000 miles
I also have a cracked dashboard. I suspect most of our cracked dashboards have cracked due to 2 reasons; 1) the dash material is thin, and that allows for 2) the sun to do its dirty work. The sun is responsible for most of these types of problems. I tried using sun screens, but I guess after a number of years the solar radiation (heat) also helps dry out the plastic. I can only fault Chrysler for the thinness of the material.
What I am really interested in is: what type of overlay looks the best? Carpet or velour sounds cheap-looking. Has anyone tried the form-fittng molded dash covers? How do the edges that are closest to the driver and passenger look? Any shrinkage problems with age? What about where the speakers and vents are? Are there gaps between the original and the overlay in those spots? Does the adhesive hold well?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Sep 29
PT Cruiser
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
we also have a pt (in excellent condition, except for a big crack from the fan vent to the drivers window. we only have 64000 miles on the car and i don't see this dashboard lasting much longer. we have treated it every year with sun protector. i have seen many pt's and they also have cracks in the dashboard. this seems to be a Chrysler problem and they should take care of it, with a recall. this is not just a couple of cars. Chrysler, do the right thing and repair this defect in the pt's. make us proud for buying American cars!
2002Jan 01
PT Cruiser Limited Edition 2.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 36,000 miles
When it comes to the dash cover in the 2001 PT Cruiser, they crack really bad. I have cracks in several places. Chrysler will not do anything about. This should be a recall. I have seen too many of these cars with the same problem. I have always bought Chrysler's cars throughout my whole life. This is the first and greatest disappointment. I will rethink on my next vehicle purchase.
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2011May 09
PT Cruiser Limited Edition 2.4L 4 cyl
- Manual transmission
- 99,581 miles
I love my 2001 PT Cruiser and I intend to dive it until one of us dies! The cracked dash board is horrid and I have to get it fixed. I was hoping that even though my car is 10 years old that this is a recall item and that Chrysler might fix it for me.
Has anyone tried the snap over replacement dashes that I've seen online for about one hundred bucks?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2002Mar 02
PT Cruiser Limited 2.4L 4
- Automatic transmission
- 29,355 miles
click to see larger images
Every PT Cruiser 2001 has the dash cracked and usually in several places like mine and dealer tries to say to many miles yet dash does not drive or have any mileage related issues and original owner listed it as cracked before warranty ended and said dealer said not covered as it must have been banged on. Way to many ones I have seen just the same way cracked in exact spots and many listed on net the same way. This is a defective material issue and not user abuse. This should be covered by Chrysler and found also many 01 models with same tape marks on bumpers where shipping tape has discolored the bumpers and dealer refuses that also. Chrysler has really bad service. Timing belt per owners manual stats replace at 120,000 miles and ours broke at 77,000 miles ruining engine ($4000) and we tried to get it changed at 65,000 miles and service said to wait til manual 120,000 miles and refused to replace as they were to busy to do work not needed. I would think they should do what customer wants that is paying not what they want and then when it costs me $4000 they say fluke and that is way things go and I said it would not have happened had they followed my instructions and replaced at 65000 miles. Poor customer service is what ruins a company and Chrysler is becoming an example of that.
2008Jan 08
PT Cruiser Limited Edition
- Manual transmission
- 78,000 miles
Wanted Chrysler to see that the dashboard is cheap
2009Jul 01
PT Cruiser
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Same complaint as other readers. Dash has cracked in several places near the middle....from windshield back toward passenger area. Looks like crapola and I'd like to have a fix that doesn't involve having to buy a new dash. But since I don't know what dash caps look like, I'm having a repair specialist take a look. I understand it can be glued and painted but I suspect that may not look too swift. At any rate, I won't do anything without first checking out a similar repair on another car. Any good suggestions?
2010Aug 10
PT Cruiser Limited
- Automatic transmission
- 140,000 miles
This really stinks! We can't find a dashboard cover to cover it and it looks terrible. Why the cheap dashboard on such a otherwise nice auto. We also had problems when turning left it would pop out of power steering and drive like a truck. We had to pay several hundred dollars to fix that little item. Phooey!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Jan 14
PT Cruiser Limited Edition 4 cyl
- Manual transmission
- 115,000 miles
It is hard enough trying to maintain the maintance work needed for your car to stay running, but to have to turn around and invest money into a problem that is apparently well known, is really a pain in the ass. I do not understand why maufactures make such cheap parts , and over charge us to fix the problem. I am really glad that they stop making this car, because all we were really paying for is the opputunity to pay for other stuff that might break down. GREAT JOB CHRYSLER!!, on B.S ing your clients.
Angry and Pissed in South Carolina
2010Jan 15
PT Cruiser Limited 2.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
Keep in mind I do take care of this automobile. Meticulously. While crossing railroad tracks the defroster bezel (dash center) cracked and a small portion flew up hit the windshield then bounced onto the floor. The outer rim of the bezel, closest to the windshield, cracked completely. Then suddenly I heard a "snap" and noticed a crack from the right corner of the broken bezel toward the windshield. About a week later I noticed another crack from the left side of the broken bezel to the windshield. A couple drops of superglue held it in place for a short time but now I have this hideous gaping hole in the center of my dash! Cheap, cheap, Chrysler crap!
2010Feb 05
PT Cruiser Limited 2.4L
- Manual transmission
- 92,500 miles
Like the other reports of this problem there is no real reason for this to happen. The dashboard just cracked and also the defroster grill. Why?
I don't have a fix yet but it's ugly.
2010Jan 01
PT Cruiser
- Manual transmission
- 72,000 miles
Well like most other owners with this problem I was surprised to say the least, because i've torn up three different window screens/shades to prevent this problem (and it still occurred); starting @ the vent in the center then running towards the steering. I simply bought a custom fit carpet cover so i don't' have to stare at a cracked up dash.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2004Dec 15
PT Cruiser Limited 2.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 154,000 miles
What is causing the cracking of the dash board, the crack goes right across the middle of the dash from the front to the back. Its a horrible looking eye sore!
2009Oct 07
PT Cruiser Limited 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 135,000 miles
Hello, i bought my girlfriend a '01 PT about 3 months ago. It already had the crack on the dash. i ready didn't care to much about it. What worried me was the idea that the dash was damaged because of the airbags, which later i found out was not the case. Anyways, my girlfriend and i went to a local flea market and found some guy that makes dashcovers for $15. We ordered it and picked it up the next day. Eazy fix. We no longer have the PT due to a real bad hail storm 3 weeks ago. Other than that it was a real good car.
2005Aug 01
PT Cruiser Limited Edition
- Automatic transmission
- 112,000 miles
All PT cruiser owners if you have a cracked dash we must report the problem to Chrysler if they get over 5000 complaint then them will recall the dash boards please call 1-800-992-1997 or email them at http://www.chrysler.com/en/ then select contact us at the bottom right hand side of the screen. I called and with labor and parts its $789.00. Why should I pay this amount when i did not crack it .
2008Jul 07
PT Cruiser LD
- Automatic transmission
- 160,000 miles
I noticed that there was a crack on the air vent on the top with a small crack. Then gradually over the next couple of days the crack lengthen at an angle towards the steering wheel from the right side of the air vent. I always use my window shade, and it hasn't been
exposed to any trauma at all. Interestingly enough we were in Salinas and Carmel a couple of weeks ago for a wedding and I saw two PT cruiser that were cracked in the same
spot as mine was. I love my car, and besides having a right caliper fail five years ago we have had great luck and my car has over 160,000 miles on it. I am interested to see that this is a common complaint. I have not called Chrysler yet to get there input.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Sep 17
PT Cruiser Limited 2.4L
The dash material is too darn thin. What was chrysler thinking?? Its like they were in a hurry to release this model. I haventr had huge problems but i would never buy another one
Cheri C.
Galesburg, Michigan, USA
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