VehicleVerdict

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser sits mid-pack among PT Cruiser years: 354 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 268, with 4 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 30 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (53), engine (43), and transmission (37), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

354

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

30

Crash-involved

21

Fires reported

30

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other PT Cruiser years?

PT Cruiser NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted799 complaints2001: 799 complaints2002: 658 complaints2003: 354 complaints2004: 291 complaints2005: 244 complaints2006: 512 complaints2007: 203 complaints2008: 171 complaints2009: 158 complaints2010: 30 complaints
PT Cruiser NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all PT Cruiser years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System5315%
Engine4312%
Transmission3710%
Lighting3610%
Suspension3510%
Steering298%
Tires & Wheels236%
Airbags206%
Brakes165%
Speed Control123%
Fuel System113%
Other93%
Body & Structure82%
Seat Belts72%
Seats62%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)41%
Latches & Locks31%
Visibility & Wipers21%

Does the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

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.

Consequence

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.

08E033000SuspensionApril 14, 2008 · 6,903 units

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.

Consequence

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.

04V268000SteeringJune 3, 2004 · 438,391 units

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.

Consequence

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.

03V076000TransmissionMarch 10, 2003 · 816 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODELS ONLY, A WELDED PIN INTERNAL TO THE DUAL-MASS FLYWHEEL (DMF) ASSEMBLY CAN UNSEAT AND BECOME LODGED BETWEEN THE FLYWHEEL AND THE CLUTCH DISC.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, THE CLUTCH MAY NOT DISENGAGE WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLYWHEEL AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLIES WITH THE UPDATED DESIGN PARTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THEN CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OR NOT. THE DETAILS OF WHO EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 2, 2015 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, SMOKE WAS PRESENT UNDER THE HOOD. AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE, THE DRIVER PULLED OVER, LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD, AND DISCOVERED FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE CAUSE OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 3, 2016 · fire

“2003 PT CRUISER GT PURCHASED BRAND NEW APRIL 29, 2003. CLUTCH HAS FAILED 3 TIMES OVER 10 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS. MARCH 8, 2004 MILEAGE ? 19,842: DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT ENTERED ONTO THE 60 FWY EAST THE CLUTCH GOES OUT ON THE FREEWAY IN TRAFFIC! HAVE TRUCK TOWED TO JAMMIN DODGE CHRYSLER THAT NIGHT. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 22, 2005 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 35-40 MPH, THE FRONT AMBER HEAD LAMPS FAILED, WHICH RESULTED IN A FRONT END PASSENGER COLLISION. THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE DURING THE CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GLOVE BOX FRACTURED AND SEPARATED UPON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · March 27, 2016 · crash

“I JUST FOUND A RECALL ON MY PT CRUISER ON THE WEB AND I HAVEN'T GOTTEN A NOTICE TO DATE. I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND I THINK THEY KNEW ABOUT THE RECALLS. MY PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR ARE PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE RECALL ISSUES. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 26, 2006 · crash

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser — common questions

Is the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?

It is close to typical for the PT Cruiser: 354 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2003 PT Cruiser problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (53 complaints), engine (43 complaints), transmission (37 complaints).

Does the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chrysler PT Cruiser years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the PT Cruiser years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 2006. The cleanest record among PT Cruiser years belongs to 2010.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.