2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 4%of 258 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 4% of the 258 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 miles. 1 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.
“Check engine light came on regularly, prompting visits to the dealer. Was told I wasn't clicking the gas cap enough times upon closing it. Number of times to be clicked started out at 3 and eventually moved up to 7, increasing with each return visit until I screamed in the middle of the service area and they actually fixed the problem by replacing the leak detection pump and the natural vacuum detector. Sunroof motor wouldn't run continuously, the switch would have to be pushed repeatedly to get the roof to close, moving a fraction of an inch at a time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10091251, filed 2004-09, 30 miles“Fuel line abrasion and leakage on fuel line from firewall to fuel rail. 2003 mpt cruiser with 5 speed and 146,000 miles fuel abraded thru fire wall insulation and rubbed while thru protective sleeve and fuel line fuel line sprayed fuel all over engine, converter and firewall driver noticed fuel smell and stopped car.”
NHTSA complaint #10275627, filed 2009-07, 146,000 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 miles“I smell strong fuel while driving. As far as I can recall, the smell occurs while the air conditioning is on. Since I live in texas, my air conditioning is almost always on, so the fuel smell is a constant reminder. I checkd if my air circulation knob is turned to interior only. That didn't matter. The smell of fuel is there whether air circulation is external or internal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10078811, filed 2004-06“The contact owns a 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. After the vehicle was started, the check engine and air bag warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic on multiple occasions where the catalytic converter, cpu, spark plugs, and fuel cap were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10949870, filed 2017-02, 151,000 milesFuel system: other model years
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 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 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