2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 4%of 258 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 101,050miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 4% of the 258 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,050 miles. 3 a fire, 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.
“Engine light came on, car shut down multiple times on freeway, terrifying.... We limped home before car quit entirely. I had owned it for one night. Drove it 100 miles total. (bought it used, 106,000 mi on it.).”
NHTSA complaint #10694988, filed 2015-03, 106,100 miles“My car caught fire under the hood while I was backing out a driveway and then the whole car just burned to total loss of it and it caught fire down in the bottom of the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10966627, filed 2017-03, 168,000 miles“Low voltage light came on, lost all power on the highway.I had to hit the shoulder quickly. I then tested code with key (3 clicks off/on) got code p0622 and p2403..towed to a shop, to find out the wires from alternator to the computer shorted out, it's a known problem, wiring harness runs along cv shaft and rubs against a bolt near the frame, thus shorting out the charging system and burning out the computer. So now the bill for repairs are almost $650.00 and lucky we got off the highway in time, almost got hit by a semi cause we lost power so quick. I am glad we didn't get killed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10564717, filed 2014-02, 156,263 miles“Engine runs rough at idle and shuts off while driving. Cannot restart. Replaced cam sensor, air intake, plugs, etc. Has happened 8-10 times in the 3 months we have owned the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10809832, filed 2015-12, 60,341 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. After starting the engine, smoke was present under the hood. After driving a short distance, the driver pulled over, looked under the hood, and discovered flames coming from the engine. The fire department extinguished the flames. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 85,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10872898, filed 2016-06, 85,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 5 | 23% |
| 2009 | 26 | 27% |
| 2008 | 15 | 13% |
| 2007 | 23 | 15% |
| 2006 | 55 | 16% |
| 2005 | 11 | 6% |
| 2004 | 14 | 6% |
| 2003 | 10 | 4% |
| 2002 | 22 | 4% |
| 2001 | 12 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
45 complaintsSuspension
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 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