2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 12%of 69 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, 12% of the 69 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car went completely dead at car wash at night leaving me and my young granddaughter stranded until we could get a jump. This happened several times with the battery not having any problems nor any lights being left on in interior. Happened to notice the other day the fog lamps were on but the switch was not turned on. It was draining the system. Had to pull the fuse to fog lamps in order to stop the drainage. This has left me stranded with small children forcing reliance upon strangers in order to restart the vehicle, on more than one occasion. …”
NHTSA complaint #10746283, filed 2015-08, 48,000 miles“We own a 2005 Pt Cruiser Convertible and have had problems for the past year with the multifunction switch located on the steering column. The fog lights come on by themselves and will drain the battery dead. There must be a short in the steering column which is causing this problem. We turn our left blinker on before we shut off the ignition and this seems to keep the fog lights off. With this being a short, it could result in a fire which may cause an accident while driving - resulting in possible death. …”
NHTSA complaint #10386331, filed 2011-03, 60,000 miles“2005 pt cruiser gt convertible with 50,000 miles.I looked out the window and noticed fog lights on. The fog lights cannot be turned on without the headlights being on. But here was the fog lights on and it drained my battery completely. The only way I could turn the fog lights off was to tape the universal switch, so that the fog light switch was forced to close. After see how many people have had the same problem for several years, I am wondering why the NHTSA doesn't do something about this.”
NHTSA complaint #10186136, filed 2007-03, 50,295 miles“I own a 2005 Pt Cruiser Convertible. I have had problems for the past year with the multifunction switch located on the steering column. The fog lights will not turn on as the switch is broken and sometimes there is visible smoke coming out of the column followed by the stench of burning rubber. I researched and found out this is a common problem with this make and model of car. The following link is a webpage devoted to the problem with the multifunction switch and will give you an idea of how many people this is effecting. Chrysler is aware of the problem as the part has been on back order. …”
NHTSA complaint #10314967, filed 2010-02, 82,000 miles“Pcm chip in 2005 Pt Cruiser Convertible identified by Chrysler dealership as being the problem. Pcm causes myriad of electrical & transmission problems which Chrysler won't admit to. When any engine light or other alarm indicator goes on in vehicle and I bring it to Chrysler-they simply say there's nothing wrong with vehicle. Then the troubles start. …”
NHTSA complaint #10300004, filed 2010-01, 82,400 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10130080Aug 22, 201605182535AD - Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 8 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible
19 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsTires
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology