Chrysler / PT Cruiser / 2003
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
Owners have filed 354 complaints about the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 14.1% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of power train at 10.5%.
Complaints354
Crashes30
Fires21
Injuries30
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 14.1% · 50
Power train 10.5% · 37
Suspension 9.9% · 35
Exterior lighting 9.9% · 35
Engine and engine cooling 9.3% · 33
Steering 8.2% · 29
Air bags 5.6% · 20
Service brakes, hydraulic 4.0% · 14
Severity
Of those complaints, 30 describe a crash, 21 describe a fire, 30 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 9 model years of the Chrysler PT Cruiser in this data, 2003 sits 4th by complaint volume. 2001 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 20 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 49,000 miles.
In owners' own words
On the street engine stopped, power steering inoperative, smoke appeared from under the hood. Turned the key off. Raised the hood, had fire beneath the battery area. Dealer stated that a misrouted cable between the battery and starter shorted out, causing the fire which ruined the cabling, battery and starter. Chrysler's extended warranty will not cover this damage because the battery cable was not covered. Electrical system · reported at 18,000 miles
Purchased 2003 PT Cruiser in oct 02. March 03- check engine light came on and engine idled very rough. Brought it in and they said it had a cracked spark plug. Fixed? No... June 03 check engine light came on and it idled very rough. Brought it in and they said it needed a new alternator. Fixed? No. Same thing is happening again. Check engine light is on and it is idling very rough. Electrical system
2003 Turbo PT Cruiser issue with engine over heating light coming on engine was not over heating. A week later running lights and foglamps started coming on while car is off and sitting. Checked a site that said it was a problem in the turbo 2003 and 2004 turbo cruisers and the issue will get worse. My car is not included in the recall. Electrical system · reported at 65,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…