2005 Chrysler Pt Cruiser problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Steering (12) · Electrical System (12) · Vehicle Speed Control (10)
🧭 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
158 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (66)
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.
Power Train 2021-04-07 · 9004009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
transmission kit with torque converter 1. all promaster (vf) 3.6l/62te equipped vehicles. if the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (part number 06511385a$) are one-time usage. vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires service kit p
Power Train 2021-03-31 · 9004009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
transmission kit with torque converter 1. all promaster (vf) 3.6l/62te equipped vehicles. if the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (part number 06511385a$) are one-time usage. vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires service kit p
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.
Showing the 6 most recent of 66 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-02-20 · Steering · 71,000 mi“the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the contact was informed that the power steering fluid hose was leaking. the contact stated that at that time, it was a small leak; however, the power steering fluid hose then developed a severe leak. the vehicle was t…”
2025-07-19 · Unknown Or Other“unknown went to get an inspection and i got a paper with information for how to search up if there was any recalls with my car and it has 5 recalls it said …”
2024-10-18 · Steering“the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact stated while driving 30 mph, the vehicle started shaking with and an abnormal odor emanating through the vents. additionally, the steering wheel became firm. the vehicle was steered to the side of the road. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power…”
2024-10-18 · Visibility:defroster/Defogger/Hvac System · 194,000 mi“the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact stated that while the a/c defroster was activated, there was no air blowing through the vents. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the blower motor needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the f…”
2022-07-30 · Unknown Or Other“the car (manual 5-speed) has issues going into reverse and hits hard shifting into other gears. i see where online it shows this issue happened quite a bit with the 2002 pt cruiser. i don't drive my care every day and i keep it maintained very well. i have not had any accidents in it so i believe this may also be a recall issue.…”
2021-06-30 · Steering“i bought this car and seen online there was a safety recall for the power steering/hoses malfunctioning. this cars power steering is non-existent and will not hold any power steering fluid. i'd like to file for the recall. this makes my car dangerous to drive. it's my only transportation. thanks! [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] parts of this document have be…”
2019-10-24 · Air Bags · 78,000 mi · 💥 crash“recently in a accident, traveling at speed that impacted four other vehicles. the airbag s did not go off.*dt*jb…”
2019-10-08 · Steering · 100,000 mi“whether in motion or standing still, tilt steering wheel clamping mechanism has worn through wires connected to the air bag and its warning system, creating intermittent (short?) failure of air bag warning light, presenting possibility of sudden airbag deployment without warning. when air bag warning light is off, horn will not sound but ventilati…”
2019-05-16 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 145,000 mi · 🔥 fire“tl-the contact owned a 2005 chrysler pt cruiser. started the vehicle and the vehicle stalled. fuel odor, vehicle would not start for an additional hour vehicle restarted and caught on fire, fire department stated that the fire started along the firewall manufacturer not contacted, fire report filed, fire extinguished by fire department …”
2018-09-04 · Engine · 🔥 fire“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 extinguished the fire. a fire report was filed at th…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.