NHTSA lists 258 complaints for the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 22 of them mention a crash and 15 mention a fire. 14 complaints mention an injury, with 20 injuries and 1 deaths reported.
Data build 2026-10-09.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as CHRYSLER PT CRUISER.
Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.
Recalls
See new recalls and investigations this week.
2 recalls.
Date: 2004-06-03. Systems: STEERING.
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.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Date: 2003-03-10. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
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.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Investigations
2 investigations; 0 open.
PE04028
Opened: 2004-03-15. Closed: 2004-06-18.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
PE04-028 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE SEVEN COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE ON MY 2002 PT CRUISER VEHICLES.ON JUNE 3, 2004, DAIMLERCHRYSLER (DCC) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN MY 2001-2005 PT CRUISER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH NATURALLY ASPIRATED 2.4L ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES (RECALL 04V-268).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED VARIATION OF THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEER
Systems: STEERING.
Linked campaign numbers: 04V268000.
PE02082
Opened: 2002-11-06. Closed: 2003-04-23.
SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS
Systems: SEAT BELTS.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
Manufacturer communications
74 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 15 |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14 |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 14 |
|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 13 |
|---|
| STRUCTURE | 7 |
|---|
| STEERING | 6 |
|---|
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 3 |
|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2 |
|---|
10221686
Date: 2020-07-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
10229256
Date: 2020-07-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
10175743
Date: 2020-04-30. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURE.
Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
10175735
Date: 2020-04-22. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT.
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
10169245
Date: 2019-11-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
10169247
Date: 2019-11-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
10169249
Date: 2019-11-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURE.
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
10220097
Date: 2019-11-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURE.
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
10220099
Date: 2019-11-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
10220101
Date: 2019-11-20. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.