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ProblemsByVin File / 2005-CHRYSLER-PT-CRUISER
2005 · chrysler

chrysler PT Cruiser problems

2 safety recalls. 256 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
1
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
35 reports · avg $850
severe
engine
35 reports · avg $3,100
severe
suspension
29 reports · avg $900
moderate
steering
24 reports · avg $700
severe
visibility
22 reports · avg $350
moderate
lighting
16 reports · avg $250
severe
tires
15 reports · avg $150
severe
wheels
14 reports · avg $400
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2005 PT Cruiser · lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE FOG LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE SWITCH FOR THE FOG LIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE…
12/27/2011 · NHTSA ODI #10441354.0
2005 PT Cruiser · suspension
THUMPING NOISE FOLLOWED BY LOSS OF BRAKES IN A SHORT DISTANCE (30 MILES) WHEEL BEARING FAILURE WHICH DAMAGED AXEL AND DESTROYED BRAKES' BRAKES AND AXEL AND BEARING REPLACED ON DRIVERS SIDE - NOW PASSENGER SIDE IS DEFECTIVE TOO AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT - CAR HAS ONLY 30K MILES-…
12/27/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10372615.0
2005 PT Cruiser · steering Fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO TURN HER STEERING COLUMN. SHE ALSO SMELLED A STRONG BURNING ODOR EMANATING FROM HER VEHICLE. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION AND STEERING HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.…
12/26/2008 · NHTSA ODI #10252843.0
2005 PT Cruiser · fuel system Fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 CHEVROLET PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE COULD SMELL SMOKE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…
12/19/2011 · NHTSA ODI #10440451.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 04V268000 03/06/2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RELOCATE, OR REPLACE AS NECESSARY, THE POWER STEERING HOSE AND CONFIRM TORQUE OF THE HOSE FASTENER AT THE STEERING GEAR END. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
moderate NHTSA 04V481000 08/10/2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS), 2

CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE TUBE AND THE TRANSAXLE HOUSING OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO PERFORATION OF THE BRAKE TUBE, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF BRAKING FORCE IN THE LEFT FRONT/RIGHT REAR CIRCUIT OF VEHICLE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REVISED BRAKE TUBES. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 25, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Common questions

Is the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 256 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 35 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chrysler PT Cruiser has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 256 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 20 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with chrysler. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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