2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 45about this part
- Share
- 17%of 258 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,356miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 45 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 17% of the 258 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,356 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I don't truly know what's happen to it n if it's been fixed but I do know that prior it would have uncontrollable speed control n steering problems n GPS n video n auto recording n radio frequencies.”
NHTSA complaint #11183323, filed 2019-03, 113 miles“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 drivable since the car died as I was pulling into my driveway. When I went to put it into park it was like park was not an option. Amd the car kept moving so I put the e break on.”
NHTSA complaint #11185656, filed 2019-03, 150,100 miles“Vehicle was parked. Turned off. Multifunction switch that had been replaced previoulsy malfunctioned again. Fog lights just came on out of nowhere luckily I turned around and noticed it. When I opened my car door I noticed the switch was smoking. After some quick thinking I pulled the fuse. If I had not thought of this I belive it would have caught my car on fire and the ones parked next to it. I have had the fuse pulled for a year. Flash forward to my current state in va and it's inspection time. I failed for a faulty function switch. …”
NHTSA complaint #11097568, filed 2018-05, 140,000 miles“I purchased a 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser in july 2008 in oct we noticed lights flickering headlight switch started burning fog lights came on didn't work before took it dodge new switch and 22 pin connector . New PCM reprogrammed it still same problem lights flicker and check engine light stays on.”
NHTSA complaint #10264883, filed 2009-04, 92,000 miles“The multi-function light switch on both the Pt Cruiser and srt-4 has been known to melt and/or catch fire. Dcx has known this has been a problem since the pt came out and now the srt-4 is suffering this same problem. I am now afraid to use my fog lights on my srt-4.”
NHTSA complaint #10167529, filed 2006-09, 45,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020KEY, 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…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020KEY, 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…
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
- 10121851Nov 23, 2016(X70) Reprogram Powertrain Control Module (PCM) - 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser (PT)
- 10130081Aug 23, 2016Return: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31…
- 10129044Aug 17, 20161NT30XDVAC - Inspect and Return: Panel - Instrument Panel You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect…
- 10129043Aug 17, 2016Inspect and Return: Solenoid Module - Transmission You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of…
- 10129041Aug 12, 2016P/N CBSZR068AA: Inspect & Return: Module Kit - Occupant Restraint You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return part…
- 10189392Jan 31, 2013MIL Illumination - DTC P1776 Solenoid Switch Valve Latched in LR Position
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 3 | 14% |
| 2009 | 60 | 62% |
| 2008 | 45 | 39% |
| 2007 | 23 | 15% |
| 2006 | 138 | 40% |
| 2005 | 27 | 14% |
| 2004 | 44 | 20% |
| 2003 | 45 | 17% |
| 2002 | 97 | 19% |
| 2001 | 78 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
35 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsExterior lighting
34 complaintsEngine cooling
29 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsTires
11 complaintsWheels
11 complaintsEngine
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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