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EquipmentPart report

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Equipment Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
3%of 258 total for the year
Median mileage
43,523miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the equipment of the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 3% of the 258 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,523 miles.

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.

“The local dealer thought that the sound from the engine was that the turbo was blown. After 2.5 weeks they then determined that the transmission pump had gone bad along with some sort of sensors. So then for the next 2 weeks plus they worked on that problem. Four days laterafter getting the car back, the front axle fell off the car!!!!! If I would have been on the freeway or traveling on a surface street, I or possibly others could have been killed and the manufacturer will only repair under warranty???!! …”

NHTSA complaint #10086501, filed 2004-08, 7,777 miles

“Air conditioner (A/C) compressor failed at 51,000 miles. Resulting in replacement of compressor, condenser, line orifice tube, map sensor, and drier. Total repair $1,600.”

NHTSA complaint #10190849, filed 2007-05, 51,720 miles

“The air conditioner began malfunctioning. The car, a 2003 Pt Cruiser with approximately 38,000 miles, was just out of warranty. It was the middle of the hot summer, and instead of taking the car across town to a dealer, I took the car to a local mechanic, who determined that the low speed on the fan relay had gone bad. He told me the part was on national back order, and they were replacing about 300 per week. This is a high number, plus this part shouldn't fail with this many miles in my opinion. I spend $500 total to replace it (labor, diagnostics, and part). …”

NHTSA complaint #10135763, filed 2005-09

“The contact owns a 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. After purchasing the vehicle the brakes began squeaking. The contact was told that the brakes would be replaced before she bought the vehicle. When she arrived to pick up the vehicle she was informed the dealer that the brakes were still squeaking. The dealer stated that it would take two to three days before the brakes would stop squeaking. However, the failure continued. A few days later the contact returned to the dealer the tires were removed and orange dust was found on the brakes. The dealer cleaned the brakes, but never replaced them. …”

NHTSA complaint #10188872, filed 2007-04, 35,326 miles

“Consumer called complaining about locking system problems. While vehicle is running, and if the consumer leaves the vehicle or stands out of the vehicle, the doors will automaticly lock. Manufacturer was not contacted at the time of this call.”

NHTSA complaint #10029903, filed 2003-07

Related service bulletins

Equipment: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200833%
200711%
200662%
200532%
200410%
200373%
2002112%
2001112%

Other parts of the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Electrical system
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 30, 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