2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 11%of 258 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,890miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 11% of the 258 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,890 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I am having overheating problems. I have talked with other owners of Pt Cruiser who have had the same issues. It overheats at idle and while driving. I have not found a solution to the problem yet. I have had it pressure tested and the thermostat changes and it is still overheating to dangerous levels.”
NHTSA complaint #10416948, filed 2011-08, 104,000 miles“Vehicle is a new 2003 pt-turbo gt w/auto stick, air, etc. Vehicle is the very first new vehicle that my wife has ever owned. I bought it for her as a xmas gift in dec., 2002. Since february 2003, the vehicle continues to overheat. It has had numerous parts replaced from theromstat/cooling fan and its theromstat switch, trans-cooler (turbo), water pump, etc. Vehicle has been in the shop for almost 11 weeks. Both the zone and the manufacturer has been contacted by dealership, and they responded on previous trips into the service bay. …”
NHTSA complaint #10033217, filed 2003-08, 1,765 miles“1/30/03,engine check light came on,started running rough. Problem was crank sensor, it was replaced,it took 3 days, no part in stock. 1/21/05, engine check light came on again. I called the dealer service center,was asked if light was flashing, if not you can drive, if flashes bring in. Im out of warranty this needs to be fixed, it makes no sense. What happens in 2 years? Will the same thing happen again? It will be in the shop on 1/23/05. I hope I don't have this problem again, we like to travel to florida, I don't need a break-down like this on my way down there. …”
NHTSA complaint #10107732, filed 2005-01, 48,780 miles“Lower front control arm bushings and front wheel bearings went bad at 38,000 miles. 2 water pumps went bad on the car and car only has 38,000 miles on it. Camshaft sensor went bad with only 25,000 miles on it. Oil pan on engine started leaking when car had 17,000 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10260879, filed 2009-03, 38,000 miles“Car stopped at red light. Engine died and smoke began to rise from engine compartment, then flames shot out. Driver could not get door open at first then after short time locks released and driver was able to escape. Fire department extinguished flames and said fire appeared to be started by fluid leakage. This model had been subject to recall due to fires. Car had recall fix on 9/23/04. It now appears the recall fixes were not permanent and the original problem can recur. It is potentially life threatening. Attempts to discuss the problem with Chrysler were unsuccessful. …”
NHTSA complaint #10733139, filed 2015-06, 85,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10229181Feb 12, 2015Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must…
- 10223602Feb 12, 2015Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 5% |
| 2009 | 4 | 4% |
| 2008 | 5 | 4% |
| 2007 | 27 | 18% |
| 2006 | 36 | 10% |
| 2005 | 24 | 13% |
| 2004 | 23 | 11% |
| 2003 | 29 | 11% |
| 2002 | 38 | 7% |
| 2001 | 62 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
45 complaintsSuspension
35 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsExterior lighting
34 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 27, 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