KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser electrical problems
severe 35 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
5fires
What stands out
Owners have filed 35 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 20 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Return: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31 July, 2016)of follow ing part numbers:68176457AF, 68176459AF. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 13 September, 2016.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Inspect and Return: Solenoid Module - Transmission You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of follow ing part numbers:52120000AA, 52119435AF, 05078709AB. See attachments for identifying suspect stock. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 07 September, 2016.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2005 PT Cruiser electrical system is plagued by interconnected failures that dealerships struggle to diagnose. The most chronic defect involves the multifunction switch controlling fog lights—it stays illuminated even with the ignition off, killing batteries repeatedly. Multiple owners report being stranded in parking lots, and one narrative documents 3,000+ replacement switch units back-ordered nationwide, suggesting Chrysler knew about the problem. One owner observed smoke coming from the steering column switch.
Check engine lights reappear within days of computer resets despite multiple dealership visits and software updates. Service departments cannot locate stored codes or replicate the fault. Meanwhile, several owners report sudden complete electrical shutdown while driving—engine and all systems go dead mid-traffic—then restart seconds or minutes later with no diagnosis possible. One owner nearly collided with oncoming vehicles.
Secondary failures compound the mess: windows fail to operate (especially problematic on convertible models), door locks become inoperative, turn signal and wiper fuses blow repeatedly, and stalling occurs without warning at traffic lights or highway speeds. Two separate fires broke out in wiring harnesses—one along the fuel injector lines, one in the battery cable—both destroying the vehicle. Air bag warning lights persist despite six repair attempts, with one dealership suggesting the entire vehicle wiring system is faulty but declining to investigate further.
Same Chrysler PT Cruiser electrical reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Fog lamp multifunction switch malfunction
Fog lights remain illuminated even when ignition is off, draining the battery. The defect originates in the multifunction control switch (turn signal/headlight/fog light lever) on the steering column. Owners report this as a widespread problem; one narrative mentions 3,000 units nationwide back-ordered for replacement parts. Smoke has been observed coming from the switch in multiple incidents.
When: Intermittent; occurs with engine off and ignition key removed
Symptoms owners cite: Fog lights stay on even when ignition is off; Battery drained repeatedly; Vehicle stranded in parking lots; Smoke coming from turn signal switch/steering column; Fuse repeatedly blown or fuse pulled as temporary workaround
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace fuse #8 (fog lamp fuse) as temporary measure; multifunction switch replacement attempted but parts chronically back-ordered nationwide. One owner reports multiple dealerships ordered 50+ replacement parts over 4 months with no delivery. Dealer suggests turning left turn signal on before turning off ignition as a workaround to keep fog lights off.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler aware of the problem—3,000+ replacement parts back-ordered nationwide. No recall issued. One owner notes dealership received used Cruiser with fuses already pulled due to same issue.
Check engine light recurrence
Check engine light comes on repeatedly despite multiple dealer resets and software updates. Service departments cannot locate stored diagnostic codes or replicate the problem. Light returns within days to a few weeks of each reset. This persists across multiple dealerships and model years.
When: Within 3 days to 1 month of computer reset; sometimes repeatedly between oil changes
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Light disappears and reappears intermittently; No stored diagnostic codes found by dealership scanners; Problem cannot be replicated by technicians
Repairs/costs cited: Computer reset performed multiple times (at least 6+ times per one owner). Software updates downloaded from Chrysler. O2 sensor replaced in one case. One dealer replaced entire computer module; light returned. Gas cap tightness checked but confirmed not the cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler provided software downloads. No root cause identified or repair issued. One owner speculates lemon-law case.
Total loss of electrical power while driving
Engine and all electrical systems suddenly shut down completely while the vehicle is in motion, with no warning. Engine restarts on its own or after restart attempts. This creates immediate safety hazard in traffic, including near-miss collisions. Occurs unpredictably on highways and city roads.
When: During normal driving on highways and city streets; duration 3+ minutes before power returns
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power; All electrical systems go dead (no brake lights, no hazard lights); Vehicle uncontrollable in traffic; Engine restarts without intervention after several minutes, 'as if nothing happened'
Repairs/costs cited: Two dealerships unable to identify problem after three separate visits and two documented failures. Entire onboard computer replaced without resolving issue. Multiple additional parts replaced (not specified). One vehicle kept at dealership for over two weeks without diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler customer service took information but did not follow up within over one week.
Intermittent no-start/stalling condition
Engine stalls or will not start intermittently. When stalling occurs while driving, it may be sudden or preceded by loss of RPM. Engine restarts after 'popping the clutch' or waiting. Dealers cannot diagnose or replicate. One owner suspects TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failure.
When: 3+ times per week; can occur immediately after starting or during normal driving at various speeds (5 mph to 45 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at stop lights and intersections; Engine surges before dying; Complete no-start condition; battery has power but starter silent; Sluggish start after jump-start; Loss of 1000–1500 RPM mid-drive
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced battery, starter, ignition switch, spark plugs and wires—all ineffective. Owners speculate TIPM defect. One owner treated at three different service facilities with no resolution. Dealership unable to diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership blamed alternator; two independent mechanics disagreed. No manufacturer response documented.
Electrical fire in wiring harness
Two separate fire incidents reported. First fire originated in wiring harness behind fuel injector lines along firewall after engine stall and abnormal fuel odor. Second fire started from short circuit in battery cable. Both resulted in total loss; fire department called in both cases.
When: Upon restart or during normal operation; one at 145,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls and does not restart for extended period; Abnormal fuel odor; Fire visible under hood on passenger side; Fire visible from under hood at 10 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Fire department extinguished in both cases. Both vehicles destroyed. One wiring harness issue identified by fire marshal as originating behind fuel injector fuel lines.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted in either case; neither dealership nor manufacturer diagnosed issue before fire.
Rear window automatic opening
Rear windows open and close on their own without operator input, occurring at random times and under different driving conditions. One window stayed open for nearly 40 minutes before closing itself. Usually happens upon first starting the car.
When: Intermittent, usually upon initial engine start
Symptoms owners cite: Rear windows open without user action; Windows remain open for extended periods before closing automatically; Occurs under various conditions and circumstances
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented in narratives.
Power window failure
Passenger-side windows or all rear windows stop operating (will not go up or down). For convertible models, this is especially problematic because windows must move slightly when doors open/close to seal the convertible top. Rain enters the gap when windows fail to seal.
When: Intermittent failure; some resolved then recurred within 8 months
Symptoms owners cite: Windows will not operate up or down; Convertible top cannot seal properly; Water leaks into interior around window/roof gap
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired once (wiring replaced per one owner), but failures recurred within 8 months. One owner states windows on 'second time it has happened since we had it.'
Fog light relay/switch remaining illuminated with key off
Fog light indicator light remains on even after ignition is turned off and key removed. This drains the battery. Temporary workaround is to position turn signal lever to left turn position before turning off ignition.
When: Intermittently and repeatedly after battery goes dead
Symptoms owners cite: Fog light indicator remains lit with ignition off; Fog lights physically on when ignition is off; Battery repeatedly dies
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse replaced (did not resolve). Workaround: position left turn signal before powering off ignition. One owner reported BCAA tech confirmed 'rampant problem with these cars.'
Door lock and window failure
Keyless entry and key unlock inoperative; doors cannot be opened from inside using handles or latches. Owner forced to climb through window to enter vehicle.
When: At 8,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key and keyless entry will not unlock vehicle; Door handles inoperative; Door latches inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacement of remote receiver and solenoids in both doors planned.
Air bag warning light persistent
Air bag light remains illuminated continuously, recurring after six repair attempts over 7 years. Dealerships repeatedly replace harness buckle apparatus without addressing root cause. One dealership suggested the underlying issue is the entire vehicle wiring system but did not pursue diagnosis. Owners warned vehicle is unsafe to drive with light illuminated.
When: Intermittent; recurs within days to weeks after each repair
Symptoms owners cite: Air bag warning light illuminates; Light does not turn off after being on
Repairs/costs cited: Harness buckle replacement performed six times by multiple dealerships (Napleton Lake Park, FL; another in Tallahassee, FL) with recurring failure. One dealership suggested full vehicle wiring system as root cause but did not investigate further.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler customer care authorized repairs through dealership but underlying cause never resolved.
Turn signal and windshield wiper fuse repeatedly blows
Turn signal and windshield wiper functions stop working due to blown fuse. Fuse has been replaced three times within two months. Dealer cannot locate the underlying electrical short.
When: Intermittent; fuse blows multiple times within 2-month period
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signals inoperative; Windshield wipers inoperative; Fuse repeatedly fails
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse #[unspecified] replaced three times in two months. Underlying short not found.
Flood warning light recurrence
Flood warning light illuminates sporadically. Owner must turn vehicle off and restart to clear light.
When: Sporadically; light recurs
Symptoms owners cite: Flood warning light illuminates without warning; Light disappears only after vehicle restart
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denied assistance with repairs.
Insufficient horn volume
Horn produces weak single-tone sound insufficient for warning other drivers. Dealership confirmed this is the vehicle's design—only low-tone horn installed, not dual-tone. Owner reports nearly caused accidents due to horn weakness.
When: Ongoing from purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Horn is very quiet; Single low tone only; Other drivers fail to hear warning
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available; this is factory design per dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership confirmed Chrysler did not install dual-tone horn on this vehicle.
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I have a complaint about the air conditioner in my 2005 pt cruiser touring edition. When I use the air or the heat or defrost I can smell sour smell coming from the vents. I took it to the dealer service department, they checked it and told me the air conditioner had moisture built up in it. They told me they would have to clean and deodorize it but they would have to order the cleaner and…
Had electrical trouble with your 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
It's a meaningful issue. 35 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 26 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 32,000 and 86,256 miles, with the median around 51,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 32,000; a quarter make it past 86,256. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Chrysler/PT Cruiser.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.