2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 9%of 69 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,400miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, 9% of the 69 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,400 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.
“A hole was made in the power steering line. All the fluid dumped out. I was driving forward and suddenly it was very difficult to steer. The line should not be run like that. I attempted to put in more fluid and it all just poured right out!”
NHTSA complaint #11189967, filed 2019-03, 120,000 miles“I have been having trouble with my p.t. Cruiser with problem starting. It has gone on for many years. I was looking for information on any recalls. It was said it was the starter, but the problem continued sporadically. I still do not know what the problem is. The car wont start but there is connection with the battery. I have been told its the manufactures alarm having a kill switch, that it may be electrical, the fog lights do not turn off unless the fuse is pulled and it drains my battery. The dealer I bought it from went out of business. …”
NHTSA complaint #10510266, filed 2013-05, 15,000 miles“Took 2005 pt convertible for oil change, mechanic informed me I was very low on power steering fluid, he refilled it. Gradually began noticing whining/groaning sound when turning, the tighter the turn the worse the sound. Sound increasingly became more frequent. Returned to mechanic (a different one) and he said I was out of steering fluid. I informed him that it had been filled about a month ago. Going from memory here...he checked for leak and found none, and refilled. Problem continued to increase until the power steering stopped completely and I could barely turn the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10407380, filed 2011-06, 38,000 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 miles“In december 2007, while on an extended trip, the fog light on my 2005 pt cruiser activated themselves and could not be turned off. The entire control lever on the steering column had to be replaced when we returned home.”
NHTSA complaint #10238840, filed 2008-08Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 6 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible
19 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsTires
7 complaintsEngine cooling
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 Oct 31, 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