Sell your 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser for cash

The 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a SUV that came with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine. At 25 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser at a glance

Body styleSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Engines2.4L 4-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd
DriveFront-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline
Fuel economy17–18 city / 23–24 highway / 20 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$3,350 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂444 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA2 configurations
Age25 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 25 years old, most of a 2001 PT Cruiser's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a SUV, it's heavier than a typical car, and scrap weight is a big part of any junk offer. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Recalls: NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2001 PT Cruiser. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the structure, typically around 69,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls covering the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.

SteeringJun 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V268000

On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4l non-turbocharged engines and automatic transaxles, the power steering pressure hose may contact the automatic transaxle differential cover, potentially damaging the hose.

Risk: Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire.

Fuel System, GasolineAug 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V214000

On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel supply line could contact the air-conditioning tube service port. This can cause chafing of the line resulting in a fuel leakage.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fuel System, GasolineAug 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V215000

On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump module mounting flange could leak fuel if the vehicle is involved in a rollover crash.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

SeatsJun 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V162000

Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the right rear "65%" seat center lower anchor was manufactured with a wire diameter that is greater than the maximum allowable dimension as specified in the standard.

Risk: If the connector for a latch-type child restraint is not attached correctly to the anchorage points, the restraint will not properly protect a child in the event of a crash.

Child SeatNov 2000 · NHTSA campaign 00V366000

Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions that provide a step-by-step procedure, including diagrams, for properly attaching…

Risk: In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.

Common 2001 PT Cruiser problems

Owners have filed 618 complaints about the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser with NHTSA. 36 reports involved a crash and 17 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 36 injuries.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Structure53
  • Electrical System45
  • Wheels35
  • Unknown or Other29
  • Wheels25
  • Air Bags23

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Structure69,000 mi
  • Electrical System79,000 mi
  • Wheels42,000 mi
  • Unknown or Other64,000 mi
  • Wheels50,000 mi
  • Air Bags57,000 mi

2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 90 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Electrical System11
  • Equipment7
  • Structure7
  • Equipment6
  • Unknown or Other6
  • Engine and Engine Cooling5

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 2020 · 9004275

    KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 2020 · 9004275

    KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2020 · 23-015-20

    Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2020 · 08-049-20

    Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging system

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA opened 3 defect investigations covering the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

SteeringPE04028 · opened Mar 2004, closed Jun 2004Led to recall 04V268000

Engine compartment fires

Pe04-028 was opened to investigate seven complaints alleging that the engine compartment caught fire on my 2002 PT Cruiser vehicles.on june 3, 2004, daimlerchrysler (dcc) notified NHTSA of a safety defect in my 2001-2005 PT Cruiser vehicles equipped with naturally aspirated 2.4l engines and automatic transaxles (recall

Seat BeltsPE02082 · opened Nov 2002, closed Apr 2003

Safety belt cinching latch plate

There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations. A

Vehicle Speed ControlPE02058 · opened Jul 2002, closed Oct 2002Led to recall 02V214000

Fuel hose abrasion

Selling a 2001 PT Cruiser: questions

How much is a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 2001 PT Cruiser that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 2001 PT Cruisers that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

Can I sell a 2001 PT Cruiser with open recalls?

Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 2001 PT Cruiser?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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