2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 9%of 187 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,298miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 9% of the 187 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,298 miles. 3 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“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“The fog lights would not shut off. Technician at the dealership removed the fuse until we could schedule them to work on it. When we took it in to be fixed, they replaced the multifunction switch.”
NHTSA complaint #10234214, filed 2008-07, 39,300 miles“The fog lamps stay on even when the switch is in the off position. I have read many other owner's complaints of the same problem. This has resulted in my battery being drained twice.”
NHTSA complaint #10230215, filed 2008-06, 50,000 miles“Fog lights going on/off without activation by driver. After motor was shut off fog lights continue to stay on. Trying to control fog light function thru multi-function switch not successful. Had to pull fog light fuse from fuse panel. Pt cruiser websites confirm this is a common problem with multi-function switch on most model years of pt cruisers.”
NHTSA complaint #10464231, filed 2012-07, 39,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10130080Aug 22, 201605182535AD - Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | 9% |
| 2009 | 4 | 4% |
| 2008 | 7 | 6% |
| 2007 | 9 | 6% |
| 2006 | 21 | 6% |
| 2005 | 17 | 9% |
| 2004 | 23 | 11% |
| 2003 | 34 | 13% |
| 2002 | 55 | 11% |
| 2001 | 48 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
27 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
22 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsWheels
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsVehicle 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 31, 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