The Chrysler Prowler spans 2001–2002 with 2 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2002, 2001 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2001, 2002. It delivers up to 19 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Chrysler Prowler is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2001 to 2002 across multiple generations.
How to read a Chrysler Prowler VIN — every digit explained
Every Chrysler Prowler carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Chrysler and the country it was built in (real Chrysler codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Prowler.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- Mexico3A3 · 3A4 · 3A7 · 3A8 · 3B4 · 3B5
- Canada2B1 · 2BA · 2V8 · 2XM
- GermanyWCD · WD6 · WDR · WDY
- USA1VH · WD2 · WD5
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Prowler, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Chrysler Prowler have?
The Chrysler Prowler has 2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2001–2002. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Chrysler Prowler
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 2 tracked years, the worst years are 2002, 2001 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2001, 2002.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 Prowler | — | Avoid | |
| 2002 Prowler | Suspension | Avoid |
What are the most common Chrysler Prowler problems?
The most-reported Chrysler Prowler problems are Seats (1 reports), Air Bags (1 reports) and Steering (1 reports) — out of 14 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Chrysler Prowler specifications & dimensions
The 2001–2002 Chrysler Prowler measures 165″ long on a 113″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,864 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Chrysler Prowler window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–2002 | 165″ | 76″ | 51″ | 113″ | 2,837 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Chrysler Prowler cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Prowler holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 105 cu ft of passenger volume and 17 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Chrysler Prowler tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Chrysler Prowler get?
The Chrysler Prowler returns up to 19 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,300/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2002 Chrysler Prowler (3.5L 6-cyl) gets 18 mpg combined and costs about $3,450/yr to fuel, emitting 494 g/mi CO₂ — about $6,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Prowler | 16 | 21 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2001 Prowler | 16 | 24 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 3.5L 6-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Prowler stacks up against the most fuel-efficient two-seaters, or calculate this Prowler's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Chrysler Prowler have? Power & range
The Chrysler Prowler is offered with 1 powertrain — 3.5L 6-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.5L · 6-cyl | Automatic (S4) | RWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Chrysler Prowler cost to own?
A Chrysler Prowler tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Prowler loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $16,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Prowler ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Chrysler Prowler safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Prowler yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Chrysler Prowler last?
A well-maintained Chrysler Prowler typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Chrysler Prowler’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Prowler’s VIN free →All Chrysler Prowler model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Chrysler Prowler — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Prowler | 1 recall | — | |
| 2001 Prowler | 1 recall | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Prowler?
By owner-complaint volume, 2002, 2001 drew the most reports. 2001, 2002 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Prowler have?
2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2001–2002. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Chrysler recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Prowler get?
Up to 19 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Prowler last?
A well-maintained Prowler typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Prowler reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Prowler is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Chrysler Prowler warranty?
New Chrysler models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Chrysler dealer.
Where is the Chrysler Prowler made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Prowler's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Chrysler may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a Prowler weigh?
The Prowler's curb weight is around 2,864 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Prowler have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.