DecodedCars2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- Classic 4dr Wagon FWD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 168.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,146 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints9 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 51 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- No AWD or 4WDTwo-wheel drive only, unusual for a SUV -.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a SUV - offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 169 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,146 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 24 highway), 1% better than the 2010 SUV - average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2010
- Engine dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG down from 23 to 21
- Lightest version 157 lb lighter
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 PT Cruiser →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic 4dr Wagon FWD | 168.9 in | 67.3 in | 63 in | 103.1 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 3,146 lb | 63/37 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT Cruiser | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +1% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2010 Honda CR-V | 24 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2010 Hyundai Tucson | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Kia Sportage | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Ford Escape | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser | 19 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 46,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other PT Cruiser years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 PT Cruiser | 23 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 35 |
| 2008 PT Cruiser | 23 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 41 |
| 2007 PT Cruiser | 22 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 56 |
| 2006 PT Cruiser | 22 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 114 |
| 2005 PT Cruiser | 22 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 44 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chrysler. How we calculate this →