2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Exterior Lighting (15) · Electrical System (15) · Steering (14)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Chrysler Pt Cruiser model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
189 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (74)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Structure 2020-04-30 · 23-015-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
disinfectant solution recommended for covid-19
Equipment 2020-04-22 · 08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Structure 2019-11-20 · 3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Structure 2019-11-20 · 3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Showing the 6 most recent of 74 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-06-28 · Seats · 🔥 fire“the front passenger seat heating system experienced a catastrophic electrical malfunction. while the vehicle was started and parked in our driveway, the front passenger seat suddenly developed an extreme hot spot and became engulfed in flames even though the heated seat switch was in the off position and had not been activated. the failed heated s…”
2024-09-15 · Electrical System“when the fog lights are engaged, smoke and burning smell appears to be coming inside the steering wheel on the left side.…”
2024-09-15 · Seat Belts“front seat belt doesn't engage after many attempts.…”
2024-08-30 · Vehicle Speed Control“the clutch will not disengage every time and never fully disengages. i noticed my car had a recall for this problem in the past, so before doing the work, i called a dealer for chrysler and was informed that the recall had already been performed. so i took it upon myself at my own expense to have the clutch replaced. it worked fine for a few months…”
2023-07-24 · Tires · 157,920 mi“the contact owns a 2003 chrysler equipped with douglas, tire line: dug xtra-trac ii, tire size: 205/55r/16 91t and dot number: n60fn11r. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the vehicle started to perform slowly when the front passenger side tire inadvertently exploded. no warning lights illuminate…”
2022-03-31 · Steering“on the way home from work my vehicle began smoking. the next exit off the freeway i80 was taken. as i exited my vehicle became hard to steer. i was able to get it to the closest auto repair shop which was firestone. the power steering hose had a leak which caused the smoke and my vehicle being hard to steer. after 3 attempts with firestone and…”
2022-01-06 · Seats · 🔥 fire“was warming my car up and drove 2 miles to my mom's house and turned it off. came out about 30 minutes later and the car was full of smoke. aired out the car and noticed a burnt hole in the middle of the passenger seat. the seat warmer had malfunction and started the seat on fire. even with the vehicle turned off.…”
2019-11-14 · Exterior Lighting · 96,000 mi“i replaced my vehicles battery 2 days ago(nov 12, 2019)(very old battery and with the cold in massachusetts it needed to be changed). now with a properly functioning battery the voltage regulator in pcm (not alternator) is signaling alternator to raise charging voltage intermittently to as high as 17.1volts, but has been frequently bouncing between…”
2019-03-10 · Unknown Or Other · 150,100 mi · 🔥 fire“there was an electrical fire where the radio cup holders and the shifter. car is undriveable due to the damage. my car was stationary at the time. the radio kept turn on and off. i heard cracking when i went into work. when i came out i say there was a whole lot of damage. i did get the car started and was able to get it home, but it's not driva…”
2019-03-04 · Suspension“my exterior front lights are very dull and aren't bright when turn them on.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.