2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser lighting problems

The 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser has 36 lighting complaints filed with NHTSA — 10% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

Lighting complaints

10%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Lighting complaints by year

PT Cruiser lighting complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many lighting complaints does the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?

NHTSA has 36 complaints about the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser lighting — 10% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser lighting?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the lighting: 09E012000.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.