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Electrical systemPart report

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Electrical system Problems

Complaints
27about this part
Share
14%of 187 total for the year
Median mileage
53,700miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 14% of the 187 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,700 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have a 2005 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The fog lights come on unintentionally and drain the battery when the engine is turned off. I was left stranded in empty parking lots 3 times with my car battery dead. It seems the multi function switch is the culprit and this issue existed since 2001 models, Chrysler has done nothing to fix it for 10 years.”

NHTSA complaint #10328158, filed 2010-04, 112,000 miles

“My 2005 pt crusier bought used with 27000 miles on speedometer in june 2009. Recently the motor stubbles and shakes like it wants to stall. I have even had it just quit in the middle of traffic causing traffic to avoid me by near miss. I see that others have had the same problem isn't this a safety issue warranting a recall.”

NHTSA complaint #10339749, filed 2010-06, 33,000 miles

“Was driving at 45 MPH when the car shut down and will not re start the key ignition in the column went out I feel I should not have to pay to replace this so early in the cars life at low miles?”

NHTSA complaint #10639645, filed 2014-09, 86,256 miles

“While driving my turn signals and windshield wipers stop working. Took it in to the dealer and they said it was a blown fuse. They replaced the fuse and away we went. This has happened 3 times altogether within the last 2 months, and the dealer can't find the problem. What actions do I take next? This is a safety hazard when I have to turn signals or wipers especially when it is raining.”

NHTSA complaint #10160761, filed 2006-06, 23,000 miles

“I own a 2005 Pt Cruiser; I have 134,000 miles on the car, and keep it serviced regularly. I have had numerous issues with safety factors concerning this vehicle since october 2009. December 2009 my timing belt went out on interstate. I lost control of the vehicle as the vehicle was traveling 70 MPH. I had it repaired by a certified mechanic, which included a new water pump. I continued to have overheating issues, and continued to have diagnostics and nothing could be identified as the problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #10340305, filed 2010-06, 134,335 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2010314%
20096062%
20084539%
20072315%
200613840%
20052714%
20044420%
20034517%
20029719%
20017813%

Other parts of the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Engine cooling
24 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
22 complaints
Steering
18 complaints
Suspension
18 complaints
Exterior lighting
17 complaints
Fuel system
16 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
13 complaints
Engine
11 complaints
Wheels
11 complaints
Air bags
10 complaints
Brakes
10 complaints
Vehicle speed control
10 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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