2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 48about this part
- Share
- 8%of 618 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,640miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 48 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 8% of the 618 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,640 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I bought a 2001 Pt Cruiser and within a couple of weeks the headlights stopped working. Replaced multi function switch but did not help. Had to re-wire the lights to make them work. Also it sounds like the passenger side front tire has something loose. Possibly bushings?? I've seen several complaints about the lights. What is it gonna take to get a recall in place? We got a ticket for it.”
NHTSA complaint #10485037, filed 2012-11, 230,000 miles“I am the original owner of this Pt Cruiser, purchased on november 22, 2000. My multi-switch will not turn on my fog lights and the indicator in the instrument cluster does not light. I have read many online articles from owners with the same problem. Why won't Chrysler fix this on going problem?”
NHTSA complaint #10427927, filed 2011-09, 69,896 miles“High beam headlamps went off while driving at night. This occurred last oct. 2009. I replaced multi-function switch. Then last week oct.3, 2010 same thing occurred. Almost got hit by another car while stopping without headlamps. I cannot see why Chrysler will not be held responsible for faulty switch. I will not drive at night until Chrysler comes up with a fix for its poor switch design.”
NHTSA complaint #10360343, filed 2010-10, 112,005 miles“I was driving home at 11:00 pm and just about to get on I 75, and my headlights went out. I had tail lights and I could use my flashers. I took it to the dealers next day and they found nothing wrong with it. I told them to put a new battery in it no matter what. I haven't driven it at night since. I'm afraid to drive it at night.”
NHTSA complaint #10072575, filed 2004-05, 8,036 miles“My 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser's fog lights will not go off even when the car is not running unless the left turn signal is turned on. If the turn signal switch is not turned on the fog lights drain the battery leaving me stranded and requires recharging or replacement of the battery. Multiple forums I've read lead me to believe this is a massive problem with the Pt Cruiser. It requires replacement of a multifunction switch at a cost of over $200.”
NHTSA complaint #10186680, filed 2007-04, 90,000 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | 9% |
| 2009 | 4 | 4% |
| 2008 | 7 | 6% |
| 2007 | 9 | 6% |
| 2006 | 21 | 6% |
| 2005 | 17 | 9% |
| 2004 | 23 | 11% |
| 2003 | 34 | 13% |
| 2002 | 55 | 11% |
| 2001 | 48 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
78 complaintsBody and structure
67 complaintsSuspension
66 complaintsEngine cooling
62 complaintsSteering
61 complaintsWheels
61 complaintsFuel system
52 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsAir bags
43 complaintsBrakes
39 complaintsOther or unknown
33 complaintsTires
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
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