2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs 2001 Ford Explorer
Complaints, recalls, TSBs, investigations and safety ratings side by side, from official federal data. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Raw complaint counts are not adjusted for sales volume.
| Metric | 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 2001 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA complaints | 618 | 375 |
| Recall campaigns | 5 | 6 |
| Service bulletins (TSBs) | 90 | 115 |
| Investigations | 3 | 2 |
| Crash reports | 36 | 64 |
| Fire reports | 17 | 21 |
| NCAP overall rating | — | — |
| EPA MPG (combined) | 20 | 15–18 |
| Median reported incident mileage | 58,000 mi | 90,500 mi |
Reported problems side by side
| Component | Chrysler PT Cruiser | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 66 | 43 |
| Electrical System | 78 | 29 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 62 | 39 |
| Structure | 67 | 29 |
| Power Train | 47 | 42 |
| Tires | 23 | 62 |
| Steering | 61 | 21 |
| Wheels | 61 | 10 |
Symptoms owners describe
| Stalling | 39 | 21 |
| Rust / corrosion | 28 | 5 |
| Vibration / shaking | 20 | 19 |
| Clunking / rattling | 19 | 7 |
| Electrical failures | 17 | 5 |
| Airbag warning light | 17 | 5 |
| Overheating | 15 | 0 |
| Steering problems | 9 | 0 |
2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
2001 Ford Explorer
Compare all Chrysler PT Cruiser vs Ford Explorer years →
Method. Complaints are unique NHTSA reports. A vehicle that sold more units will naturally accumulate more complaints — use shares and read the underlying reports before drawing conclusions.