VehicleVerdict

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a recall-heavy year with an otherwise ordinary complaint record: 5 NHTSA recall campaigns apply, yet its 244 owner complaints run below the PT Cruiser median. The recalls matter more than the complaint count here — verify every campaign was completed before buying. Complainants reported 19 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (35), electrical system (29), and visibility & wipers (23), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

244

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

2

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

17

Fires reported

19

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other PT Cruiser years?

PT Cruiser NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 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, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all PT Cruiser years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3514%
Electrical System2912%
Visibility & Wipers239%
Tires & Wheels208%
Suspension198%
Steering187%
Lighting177%
Fuel System167%
Transmission135%
Airbags104%
Brakes104%
Other104%
Speed Control104%
Body & Structure94%
Seat Belts21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)21%
Seats10%

Does the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser have recalls?

5 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.

07V149000Visibility & WipersApril 4, 2007 · 38,447 units

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.

Consequence

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.

04V481000BrakesOctober 8, 2004 · 115 units

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 30, 2018 · fire

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MOVING FROM A STOP SIGN AT 10 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, FIRE WAS NOTICED COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. THE CONTACT EVACUATED THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 7, 2006 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW DETACHED FROM THE SEAMING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · November 8, 2011

“WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN VEHICLE HYDRO PLANED, CRASHING INTO A BUS. WHEN EXPLAINING TO MANUFACTURER WHAT HAPPENED, SHE WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE HAD INCORRECT TIRES FOR THE RAIN.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 26, 2005 · crash

“CAR ONLY HAS APPX 55,000 MILES - BROUGHT CAR IN FOR OIL CHANGE AND TO FIX SLOW LEAK IN TIRE, WAS ADVISED THAT FRONT WHEEL BEARING HAS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A PART THAT SUPPOSEDLY SHOULD GET AT LEAST 85K WORTH OF USE BEFORE REPLACEMENT AND IS PART OF A COMPLETELY SEALED SYSTEM IN THE PT, SO THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 2, 2008

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser — common questions

Is the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?

It is close to typical for the PT Cruiser: 244 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2005 PT Cruiser problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (35 complaints), electrical system (29 complaints), visibility & wipers (23 complaints).

Does the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 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 2005 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.