2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Routine

Owners filed 187 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 5 times.

Not among the Chrysler PT Cruiser years to avoid. Which Chrysler PT Cruiser years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
59,000 milesMedian miles at failure

158 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems

27 of the 187 complaints (14%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System19
030
Steering11
010
Wheels9
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration9
102
Exterior Lighting · headlights9
020
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine8
000
Engine8
010
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear7
000
Power Train · transmission7
000
Air Bags · airbags7
6011

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Suspension08E033000
Filed Apr 14, 20086,903 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Chassis Products

Defect. FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Risk. THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear07V149000
Filed Apr 4, 200738,447 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR QUARTER GLASS ATTACHING FASTENERS MAY PULL THROUGH THEIR MOUNTS AND ALLOW THE GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Risk. IF THE GLASS SEPARATES WHILE DRIVING, IT COULD STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE OR INJURE A PEDESTRIAN.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR QUARTER GLASS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip04V481000
Filed Oct 8, 2004115 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS), 2.4L HIGH OUTPUT TURBOCHARGED ENGINE, AND 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSAXLE, MAY EXHIBIT INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE AND THE TRANSAXLE HOUSING.

Risk. CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE TUBE AND THE TRANSAXLE HOUSING OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO PERFORATION OF THE BRAKE TUBE, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF BRAKING FORCE IN THE LEFT FRONT/RIGHT REAR CIRCUIT OF VEHICLE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL REVISED BRAKE TUBES. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 25, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections04V268000
Filed Jun 3, 2004438,391 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. 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.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RELOCATE, OR REPLACE AS NECESSARY, THE POWER STEERING HOSE AND CONFIRM TORQUE OF THE HOSE FASTENER AT THE STEERING GEAR END. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Feb 20, 202671,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the contact was informed that the power steering fluid hose was leaking. The contact stated that at that time, it was a small leak; however, the power steering fluid hose then developed a severe leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected. The contact was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be performed. The contact declined to pay for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 19, 2025TX

Unknown went to get an inspection and I got a paper with information for how to search up if there was any recalls with my car and it has 5 recalls it said

Steering
Filed Oct 18, 2024NY

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking with and an abnormal odor emanating through the vents. Additionally, the steering wheel became firm. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering system needed to be repaired because the hose was disconnected. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage unknown.

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Oct 18, 2024194,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while the A/C defroster was activated, there was no air blowing through the vents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the blower motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 194,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 30, 2022IL

The car (manual 5-speed) has issues going into reverse and hits hard shifting into other gears. I see where online it shows this issue happened quite a bit with the 2002 PT Cruiser. I don't drive my care every day and I keep it maintained very well. I have not had any accidents in it so I believe this may also be a recall issue.

Steering
Filed Jun 30, 2021WA

I bought this car and seen online there was a safety recall for the power steering/hoses malfunctioning. This cars power steering is non-existent and WILL NOT HOLD any power steering fluid. I'd like to file for the recall. This makes my car dangerous to drive. It's my only transportation. Thanks! [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 24, 201978,000 milesFL

RECENTLY IN A ACCIDENT, TRAVELING AT SPEED THAT IMPACTED FOUR OTHER VEHICLES. THE AIRBAG S DID NOT GO OFF.*DT*JB

Air Bags
Filed Oct 8, 2019100,000 milesNV

WHETHER IN MOTION OR STANDING STILL, TILT STEERING WHEEL CLAMPING MECHANISM HAS WORN THROUGH WIRES CONNECTED TO THE AIR BAG AND ITS WARNING SYSTEM, CREATING INTERMITTENT (SHORT?) FAILURE OF AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT, PRESENTING POSSIBILITY OF SUDDEN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS OFF, HORN WILL NOT SOUND BUT VENTILATION FAN RUNS. WITH AIRBAG LIGHT ON, HORN WILL SOUND, BUT IF ACTIVATED, VENTILATION FAN STOPS RUNNING. MUST CONSTANTLY ADJUST STEERING WHEEEL TILT TO MAKE FAN RUN OR HONK HORN - CREATING A DISTRACTED DRIVING HAZARD.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 16, 2019145,000 milesOH

TL-THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. FUEL ODOR, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START FOR AN ADDITIONAL HOUR VEHICLE RESTARTED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE, FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED ALONG THE FIREWALL MANUFACTURER NOT CONTACTED, FIRE REPORT FILED, FIRE EXTINGUISHED BY FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT UPON START UP THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN RESTARTED ALMOST AN HOUR LATER. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED FIRE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE MARSHALL STATED THAT THE FIRE SEEMED TO HAVE ORIGINATED IN A WIRING HARNESS INSTALLED BEHIND THE FUEL LINES FOR THE FUEL INJECTORS. THERE WAS NO INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE RESIDENCE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PIIR = Y. AH *DT*JB

EngineFire
Filed Sep 4, 2018OK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES AFTER PARKING AND TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE ENGINE WAS LOCATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 27, 2018106,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ROOT OF THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY PULLED THE FOG LAMP SWITCH, WHICH DIFFUSED THE SMOKE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOG LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. AN UNKNOWN CHRYSLER DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 21, 201885,000 milesFL

CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING. SOMETIMES WONT START.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 3, 201839,000 milesFL

2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE FUEL LEAK LOCATION ON THE INLET NOZZLE FUEL TANK. *SMD THE DEALER STATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, CRACKED TRIM AROUND A/C UNIT, TRUNK WILL NOT STAY OPEN, FRONT BRAKES NEED REPLACING, AND REAR SHOCK NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 2, 2018200,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME STIFF. AFTER REMOVING PRESSURE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Steering
Filed Oct 17, 2017135,000 milesAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND OBSERVED FLUID LEAKING UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE LEAK ORIGINATED FROM THE RACK AND PINION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED OR MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 9, 2017120,000 milesNC

DRIVERS SIDE REAR QUARTER WINDOW CAME OFF WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 23, 201770,000 milesOR

PURGE CONTROL VALVE IS FAULTY, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL AFTER FUELING. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. THIS OCCURS BOTH AT THE PUMP IMMEDIATELY AFTER FUELING AS WELL AS WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION, PULLING INTO TRAFFIC FROM THE FUEL STATION. THE LATTER HAS CAUSED SAFETY HAZARDS & NEAR-ACCIDENTS COUNTLESS TIMES.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 1, 2017133,000 milesMO

STALLS OUT WHILE DRIVING, CAR COMPLETELY STOPS AND YOU CAN'T GO FORWARD, HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND BACK IN DRIVE MULTIPLE TIMES IN ORDER TO EVEN BE ABLE TO DRIVE... CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROAD...

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Apr 3, 2017161,580 milesMD

REAR QUARTER WINDOW IS POPPING OUT, IT IS LEAKING AND HAS A GAP ALIGN THE TOP I HAVE DUCT TAPED IT IN PLACE TO PREVENT IT FROM COMING OUT

Steering
Filed Mar 25, 201799,000 milesDC

THERE IS A CLICKING SOUND WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURN TO EITHER SIDE. I HAD THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE SWITCH REPLACE TWICE AND THE RACK AND PINION REPLACE AND THE CAR STILL MAKES A CLICKING SOUND WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURN. DEALERSHIP REPLACE THE PART AND AN INDIVIDUAL MECHANIC HAS REPLACE THE SAME SWITCH. TO NO AVIL , I'M HAVING THIS PROBLEM.

Steering
Filed Jan 8, 2017152,530 milesIN

THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM IN GENERAL IS FAULTY. WE HAVE PAID TO FIX THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE SWITCH & THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE & NOW THE PUMP ITSELF HAS GONE OUT. WOULD LOVE TO SEE THIS WHOLE LINE OF VEHICLES RECALLED. WE WERE DRIVING WHEN ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS PERSISTED & I KNOW THAT OUR VEHICLE ISN'T THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Power Train
Filed Nov 7, 2016156,000 milesWA

SHIFT LEVER GEAR CONTROL SNAPPED BACKING OUT STUCK IN STREET WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE VEHICLE IN MOTION

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fire
Filed Oct 5, 2016180,000 milesCA

MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 8, 201652,000 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 95 THE LEFT REAR QUARTER WINDOW SEPARATED FROM MY CAR. I VERY THANKFUL ANOTHER CAR WAS NOT FOLLOWING CLOSING. THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN UGLY. CHRYSLER HAD A PREVIOUS RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY SAID MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. REFERENCE: NHTSA IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 07V-149.

Steering
Filed Jan 21, 2016100,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE LINE FAILED AND CAUSED POWER STEERING FLUID TO SEEP INTO THE ENGINE, WHICH CAUSED THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 19, 2016OH

WINDOWS ON CAR WILL NOT WORK AFTER HAVING IT REPAIRED 8 MONTHS AGO 2ND. TIME IT HAS HAPPENED SINCE WE HAD IT.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 19, 2016OH

WINDOS DONT WORK FOR 2ND TIME IN 8 MONTHS. FIRST TIME THEY CLAIM BAD WIRING NOT SURE SECOND TME HAD NT TAKEN IT IN YET TAKING IN JAN.21,2016 TO DEALER.

Power Train
Filed Dec 5, 2015OH

IN JULY 2014 NOTICED BACK WINDOW ON PASSENGER WAS LOOSE, WINDOW FELL OUT WHILE DRIVING 11 2014... HAD TIMES WHEN CAR WAS ACTING LIKE IT WASN'T GETTING GAS WHILE DRIVING AND CHECK ENG. LIGHT CAME ON BUT WOULD GO OUT AFTER IT QUIT. FINALLY MADE IT TO AN AUTO REPAIR TO HAVE IT SCANNED AND PART REPLACED AFTER 9 MOS. SETTING. RAN GOOD FOR ONE WEEK THEN STARTED ACTING UP AGAIN DOING THE SAME THING. IN AUGUST OF 2015 I WAS APPROACHING MY HOME GOING DOWN A BIG HILL ON MY RD. WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 45 MPH WITH A SEMI RIGHT BEHIND ME. THE CARS SPEED WAS 45 THENWENT DOWN TO 20 IN A MATTER OF SECONDS FAST ENOUGH FOR THE TIRES TO SQUEAL. I HAD MY 2 YR. OLD GRANDSON IN THE BACK SEAT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I KNEW I COULDN'T MAKE IT IN MY DRIVEWAY SO I IMMEDIATELY TURNED ON MY 4WAYS AND PULLED IN MY NEIGHBORS HOUSE ACROSS THE STREET SO I DIDN'T GET RAN OVER BY THE SEMI TRUCK. ALSO WHEN I HAD THE CAR REPAIRED IN JUNE OF 1915 THE STEERING IN THE CAR WAS REAL STIFF AND STILL IS ONLY WHEN TURNING BUT HAS POWER STEERING FLUID. BOUGHT MY OWN SCANNER AND IT SAYS I NOW NEED TO REPLACE A TRANS. CONTROL UNIT PART # P0700 ALONG WITH THE PART THAT WAS JUST REPLACED. I'M AT WITS END, WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS ON ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS . PLEASE HELP ME BECAUSE I REALLY NEED MY CAR AND FEEL RIGHT NOW IT IS A DEATH TRAP AND DON'T KNOW WHERE ELSE TO TURN.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 11, 201594,000 milesMA

I LOST CONTROL OF THE PT CRUISER ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND COULD NOT CONTROL THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD TO RIDE THE BRAKE WITH BOTH FEET. THE ENGINE RPM WENT OVER 4000 RPM. WHEN I CAME HOME, I NEEDED ALL MY STRENGTH TO MOVE SHIFT INTO PARK WHILE KEEPING BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. I WAS ENTERING A ROTARY.

Air BagsCrash3 injured
Filed Sep 24, 201550,000 milesID

DRIVING DOWN RESIDENTIAL STREET AND AN SUV ACCELERATED FROM DRIVEWAY OR SIDE OF ROAD WITHOUT LOOKING AND CRUSHED THE PASSENGER DOOR AND PANEL. PASSENGER HAD TO BE EXTRICATED AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 21, 201553,700 milesPA

DASHBOARD LIGHTS GO OUT AT WILL AND ENGINE LIGHTS SHOW CODES EVEN AFTER REPLACING SENSORS NOW 02 SENSORS NOT WORKING .LOOK LIKE THIS HAD BEEN A ONGOING PROBLEM FOR YEARS NOW AND CHRYSLER FAILS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP MYSELF AND OTHER PT DRIVERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 27, 2015116,000 milesFL

ES UN PT CRUISER TOURING 2.4 L TURBO NO SILVE MPH GAS NO TIENE LUZ DE DENTRO NO SILVE EL CONVERTIBLE HAY QUE HACERLO MANUAL TIENES MONTONES DE DEFECTO UN CARRO 2005 PT CRUISER TOURING ESTAN SALIENDO DEFECTO FUI A DONDE UN MECANICO DIJO QUE QUE ERA LA COMPUTADORA SENSOL EXIJO MI AREGLO ATT SR CORDOVA O LO LLEVARE A LAS NOTICIAS

Wheels
Filed May 21, 2015WA

FRONT TIRES KEEP GOING FLAT AND I AM TOLD BECAUSE CAR HEAVY IN FRONT. I AIR THEM ONCE EVERY 2-4 WEEKS. FRONT LAMPS ARE NOT STRONG ENOUGH AND HARD SEEING AT NIGHT. CAR PURCHASED FROM BELLEVUE, WA FORD WHICH JUST BURNED DOWN FEW WEEKS AGO AS A USED CAR AND WAS NOT INFORMED OF THIS

Steering
Filed Apr 13, 201530,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Apr 7, 2015109,800 milesAL

WHILE DRIVING YESTERDAY, THE LEFT REAR QUARTER WINDOW FELL OUT. CHRYSLER HAD A RECALL NO. G01 FOR THIS PROBLEM, AND I WAS TOLD BY THE CHRYSLER REP THAT THE WINDOWS ON THIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL AND THEY COULD DO NOTHING FOR ME. THE REPAIR WAS NOT DONE PROPERLY OR THE WINDOW WOULD HAVE NOT SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE, AS VEHICLES SHOULD NOT HAVE WINDOWS FALLING OUT OF THEM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I FEEL THAT CHRYSLER DID NOT PROPERLY ADDRESS THIS SAFETY ISSUE. NOTE: I AM AN AGENT FOR THE VEHICLE OWNER, SHE IS AN ELDERLY PERSON RESIDING IN ASSISTED LIVING. HER NAME IS [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 2, 2015101,000 milesTX

FUEL LINE HAS BEGUN LEAKING FUEL EVERY TIME YOU START THE CAR. HAVE REPLACED FUEL LINE AND CONTINUES TO LEEK. SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND THERE IS NO REAL FIX AND CHRYSLER PLASTIC CONNECTION WAS A POOR BUILD MAKING THIS AN ISSUE FOR ALMOST EVERY PT CRUISER OUT THERE. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 14, 2014160,293 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND CAUSED THE SPEED TO INCREASE TO APPROXIMATELY 85 MPH. ALSO, THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,293.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 28, 201486,256 milesKS

WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH WHEN THE CAR SHUT DOWN AND WILL NOT RE START THE KEY IGNITION IN THE COLUMN WENT OUT I FEEL I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO REPLACE THIS SO EARLY IN THE CARS LIFE AT LOW MILES? *TR

Power Train
Filed Sep 21, 2014112,000 milesGA

THIS IS NOT THE FIRST INCIDENT. WHILE DRIVING THE VECHILE WILL SUDDENLY STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. THE TEMPERATURE GAGE GOES UP AND THE CAR SHUTS OFF. CAUSE ME AND MY FAMILY BODY TO JERK BACK AND FORTH. THE CAR IS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. WHEN THE CAR SHUTS OFF THERE IS NO WARNING, THEREFORE OTHER VECHILES ALMOST CRASHES INTO THE BACK OF THE PT CRUISER. MY CHILDREN AND I FEELS IN SAFE. *TR

Engine
Filed Sep 8, 201461,306 milesNY

FRONT CRANK SEAL IS PUSHING OUT, MASSIVE OIL LEAK. I HAVE HAD THIS REPAIRED 2X AND IT STILL LEAKING OIL. THE REPAIR SHOP HAS TOLD ME THAT IT IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND THAT THEY SHOULD FIX IT FOR ME. THEY SAID THAT IT IS NOT A MATTER OF IF IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN BUT WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN AND IT SHOULD BE FIXED BY MANUFACTURE FOR ME. WHEN IT LEAKS IT LEAKS ON TIMING BELT AND THAN THE ENGINE SLIPS. PLEASE HELP! *TR

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Sep 6, 201489,000 milesCA

I WAS ON THE FREEWAY, AND THE ROAD HAD A NATURAL "BUMP" IN IT, CAUSING A SLIGHT BIT OF LIFT WITH THE VEHICLE, AND THE VEHICLE SWAYED FROM SIDE TO SIDE, AND I HAD TO IMMEDIATELY SLOW DOWN, AND COUNTER STEER IN ORDER TO KEEP IT IN MY LANE. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC TODAY, AND THE RIGHT LOWER MOTOR MOUNT IS BROKEN. I JUST REPLACED THAT SAME MOUNT LESS THEN 6 MONTHS AGO. MY MECHANIC SAID THEY KNOW OF A CRUISER THAT HAD 8 FRONT RIGHT MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED. THERE IS AN ENTIRE SITE ON THE INTERNET DEDICATED TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD MAJOR ISSUES WITH MOTOR MOUNTS GOING OUT OVER AND OVER AGAIN ON THEIR CRUISERS. *TR

Service Brakes2 injured
Filed Aug 25, 201472,099 milesCA

I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ABOUT 3 MONTHS BACK. I WAS DRIVING FROM VEGAS BACK HOME TO LOS ANGELES ON THE I-15 FREEWAY. I WAS ON THE FAR LEFT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND JUST TOUCHED THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT WAS ROCK HARD. IT JUST WOULDN'T PRESS DOWN. I SOMEHOW MANAGED TO NOT GET INTO A COLLISION AT THAT SPEED AND MOVED OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, WAITED FOR THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN AND THEN STARTED PULLING THE EMERGENCY BRAKES SLOWLY. THE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND SINCE THE BRAKES WOULDN'T GET PRESSED I HAD TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE ON THE DRIVE MODE. I CALLED 911. THE STATE TROOPER THAT CAME CHECKED THE CAR, SAT ON THE DRIVER SEAT ND DROVE THE CAR A BIT. HE LOOKED AT ME AND SAID "I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU SURVIVED THIS. THERE ARE NO BRAKES IN THE CAR". HE CHECKED THE COOLANT, BRAKE FLUID, OIL AND EVERYTHING WAS GOOD. I CALLED AAA WHO TOWED MY CAR BACK TO VEGAS TO FIX IT. THAT COST ME $424. THE REPAIR GUY WHO FIXED THE CAR SAID HE HAS NEVER SEEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS. THE MANIFOLD FROM WHERE THE PIPES ARE CONNECTED TO THE BRAKES HAS A METAL ELBOW THAT CONNECTS THE PIPES TO THE MANIFOLD. THAT METAL ELBOW FELL OFF AND HE TRIED SETTING IT BACK ON BUT IT JUST WOULDN'T STAY. THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT SINCE THE METAL ELBOWS COMES WITH THE MANIFOLD AND THAT IS MADE AT THE CHRYSLER FACTORY. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND HE SAID THE SAME THING. I CALLED CHRYSLER AND THEY WOULDN'T HELP ME SINCE THERE WAS NO COLLISION AND THE PART IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I CHECKED ONLINE AND THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS AS WELL.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Aug 13, 2014102,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED OPERATING IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THE CONTACT CHANGED THE WIPER FUSE PER THE OWNER'S MANUAL; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING DUE TO THE RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

Engine
Filed Aug 7, 20141,250,015 milesMI

PLEASE HELP, THIS IS MY ONLY CAR AND MY SON AND I DEPEND ON IT FOR EVERYTHING. WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY MY VEHICLE BEGAN MISSING ( SHAKING ETC..) UNTIL IT FINALLY DIED ON THE EXPRESSWAY. IT STARTED WHEN I PULLED AWAY FROM A STOP LIGHT AND BEGAN TO PICK UP SPEED ACCELERATING TO BLEND IN WITH TRAFFIC FLOW. I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET OVER 40 MPH. 1. THE RPM GAGE JUMPS ALL OVER THE PLACE 2. THE CAR QUITS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD 3. THE QUITS WHILE RUNNING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC MOVING SLOW (MORE OFTEN ON HOT DAYS) 4. CAR DIES AT STOP LIGHTS (RANDOM) 5. CAR ENGINE DIES WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE (RANDOM) 6. CAR DIES NO RESPONSE FOR SECONDS THEN IT RESTARTS AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE EXPRESS WAY. I TOOK IT TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE THAT WILL DIAGNOSE PROBLEMS WITH CARS USING A TOOL THAT THEY HOOK UP TO THE CAR. THEY SAID IT WAS THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR, MY FATHER CONTACTED THE LOCAL SERVICE STATION AND THEY RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE TIMING CHAIN AS WELL. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ON GOING SINCE 2012, THOUGH I WOULD LOVE TO SELL IT I WOULD FEEL RESPONSIBLE IF SOMEONE WAS KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE PROBLEM WILL START I HAVE SPENT MORE MONEY THAT I SHOULD TRYING TO FIX THIS. IS THERE SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP SO MY CAR WILL BE SAFE FOR ME AND MY SON? *TR

Engine
Filed Aug 2, 2014113,000 milesOK

I WAS DRIVING FROM BLACKWELL OK TO PERRY OKLAHOMA ON 7/07/14 TO DROP OFF A FRIEND WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN THE MOTOR STARTING KNOCKING LIGHT THEN HARD AND THEN IT JUST QUIT ALL WITH IN FIVE MINUTES MY MOTOR BLEW UP I CALLED MY DA TO HAVE HIM COME AND CHECK IT OUT AS HE IS A MECHANIC HE LOOKED IT OVER AND SAID THE OIL COOLER LINE THAT RUNS UNDER THE OIL PAN BLEW THE LINE RIGHT AT THE CONNECTORS ON THE OIL COOLER LINE HE THEN LOADED IT UP ON THE TRAILER AND TOOK IT BACK TO MY HOUSE HAD ANOTHER MECHANIC COME CHECK IT OUT HE SAID THE SAME THING ABOUT IT WE JUST BOUGHT IT ON 06/07/2014 FROM PIONEER AUTO GROUP OUT OF PONCA CITY OKLAHOMA THE MOTOR COST IS 1400.00 TO 1800.00 TO REPLACE IT MY DAD GAVE 3800.00 FOR IT WHAT DO I DO NOW NO CAR. *TR

Wheels
Filed Jul 1, 201464,000 milesOR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THREE OF THE RIMS WERE CAUSING THE TIRES TO LEAK AIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. UPDATED 9/4/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED AS OF 8/18/2004 THE VEHICLE HAS NOT EXPERIENCED ANY CRASHES OR INJURIES. THE TIRE PRESSURE IS MAINTAINED ON A DAILY BASIS. UPDATED 09/15/2014 *JS

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear
Filed Jun 25, 201480,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE QUARTER GLASS BECAME SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 07V149000 (VISIBILITY).THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Engine
Filed Jun 18, 2014TN

WHILE GETTING ON INTERSTATE MY CAR WOULD NOT GO BUT ONLY 30 MPH THEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR DIED. GOT MY CAR STARTED AFTER WAITING A FEW MINUTES. TOOK IT TO ADVANCE AUTO AND THEY SAID IT WAS CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR; SO I REPLACED IT. 6 MONTHS LATER IT DID IT AGAIN. I REPLACED IT. NOW EVERY 2 TO 3 MONTHS THE SENSOR GOES BAD AND THE PEOPLE AT ADVANCE SAY SOMETHING HAS TO BE WRONG BECAUSE THE CAR SHOULDN'T BE GOING THROUGH THAT MANY SENSORS. I HAVE HAD MY CAR DIE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR. I AM SCARED THAT IT IS GOING TO DIE AND I WILL BE HIT. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 14, 201491,000 milesCA

WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT THE CAR JUST TURNED ITSELF OFF. RESTARTED AGAIN BY TURNING THE IGNITION. HAS DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES SINCE AND EVEN WILE RUNNING ON THE FREEWAY AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. HAVE TO MANAGE TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY AND WAIT A BIT TO RESTART VIA THE IGNITION SWITCH. ONE TIME A GENTLEMAN EVEN PUSHED THE CAR TO HELP BE GET IT OFF OF THE ROADWAY. HAVE TRIED NUMEROUS TIMES TO REPAIR AUTO BY CHANGING OUT THE VARIOUS SENSORS INDICATED BY THE CODE SHOWN IN THE MILEAGE/SPEEDOMETER GAUGE. NUMEROUS TECHNICIANS HAVE TRIED TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. WORKS FOR AWHILE, THEN REVERTS TO STALLING AGAIN AND AGAIN. *JS

Tires
Filed Jun 3, 201490,825 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR EAGLE LS TIRES, SIZE P205/55/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BUBBLE HAD DEVELOPED ON THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE TREAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TREAD BELT WAS SEPARATING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TWO FRONT TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,825.

Complaints 1-50 of 187, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2001
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201022010Routine
200997010Routine
2008115060Routine
2007150030Routine
2006349151Fatalities reported
2005 — this page1875120Routine
20042173153Fatalities reported
20032584151Fatalities reported
20025115342Fatalities reported
20016187170Above average

Compare every PT Cruiser year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 7, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.