Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser electrical problems
moderate 21 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 21 electrical complaints filed for the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of Chrysler PT Cruiser we track for electrical problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (21).
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
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
Owners describe a pattern of intermittent electrical gremlins that persist across multiple repair attempts. The most serious issues involve engine stalls at highway speeds with all dashboard lights illuminating and gauges dropping to zero—yet diagnostic scans return no fault codes, leaving mechanics unable to duplicate or repair the problem. Some owners report this has happened six times or more.
The TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) is cited as a culprit in several complaints, causing wipers to stick mid-windshield, disabling the low-speed cooling fan, and causing engine stalls—even on vehicles with low mileage and claimed powertrain warranties that Chrysler refused to honor.
Specific electrical failures include ignition-switch fuse blowing repeatedly despite replacement, a complete electrical fire while parked (fire marshal confirmed defective wiring harness), the multi-function steering column switch failing twice and causing loss of headlights, wipers, and turn signals, and the hatchback latch opening randomly. Headlights dim or drop out when the turn signal engages—a pattern one owner reports seeing across multiple manufacturers.
Diagnostic challenges are universal: mechanics cannot retrieve codes, cannot duplicate failures, and tests of batteries and alternators show nothing wrong. Dealers have closed cases without resolution. One owner spent $900+ on repairs for underlying issues that persisted.
Same Chrysler PT Cruiser electrical reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Ignition switch fuse and thermal damage
Ignition switch fuse blown repeatedly over months, escalating to constant blowing. Dealer found melted wiring under dashboard. Problem persisted even after switch and wiring replacement. Diagnostic scans found no fault codes.
When: November 2007 onwards; became severe August 2009
Symptoms owners cite: Fuse blows every 3 months initially, then constantly; Melted wiring under dashboard; Problem recurs after parts replacement; Cooling fan also failed
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch and wiring replaced at Larry Miller Dodge; problem persisted. Dealership unable to resolve; case closed after technician was fired.
Engine stall with illuminated warning lights and gauge dropout
All dashboard lights come on, gauges drop to zero, engine shuts off without warning while driving at various speeds. Vehicle restarts normally but issue recurs unpredictably over weeks or months. Diagnostic scans show no fault codes. Reported as widespread issue among other PT Cruiser owners.
When: Mileage 50,000–78,000; incidents occurring over 1+ year
Symptoms owners cite: All engine warning lights illuminate; All gauges drop to zero; Engine dies without warning; Vehicle restarts without issue; Problem occurs at varying speeds (20–60 mph) and weather conditions; Happens both in city and highway driving
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic scans return no codes. Mechanics unable to retrieve fault codes or duplicate failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no resolution offered. Multiple owners discussing class-action suit.
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failure
TIPM sends faulty signals causing multiple failures. Wipers stick in mid-position, low-speed cooling fan won't activate (causing AC coolant overheating and evacuation), and engine stalls. Vehicle stops dead in traffic. Only 25,000 miles at time of failure.
When: Near 10 years old (purchased 2008); low mileage (~25,000)
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers stick in middle of windshield; Low-speed cooling fan does not activate; AC coolant overheating and system evacuation; Engine overheating; Vehicle stops dead in traffic; Engine stalls in snowing conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired due to cost. TIPM replacement needed but not performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Powertrain for life warranty claimed but Chrysler refused to replace TIPM.
Electrical fire hazard and wiring harness defect
Vehicle burst into intense flames while parked. Fire investigators determined electrical short caused fire. Fire marshal's report cited defective wiring harness as cause. Vehicle totaled. Chrysler denied responsibility under extended and certified-used warranties.
When: 55,000 miles; vehicle parked
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle caught intense flames spontaneously; Complete vehicle loss
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled. Fire marshal identified defective wiring harness in report.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler product defect division denied coverage under extended and certified-used car warranties despite fire marshal citing defective wiring harness.
Battery protection design flaw causing wiring harness failure
No protective plate on battery allows fluid to penetrate computer wiring harness, causing vehicle to shut off at highway speeds without warning.
When: 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off at 35 mph without warning; Fluid contamination of wiring harness
Repairs/costs cited: Battery failure; wiring harness damaged by fluid intrusion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer to be notified.
Multi-function switch steering column failure
Multi-function switch on steering column fails completely or intermittently, disabling headlights, tail lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and windshield spray. Replaced twice; same problem recurs. Makes vehicle unsafe to drive at night or in rain.
When: Multiple occurrences over vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Multi-function switch stops working or works intermittently; Loss of headlights; Loss of tail lights; Loss of turn signals; Loss of windshield wipers; Loss of windshield spray
Repairs/costs cited: Switch replaced twice; same failure pattern returns.
Headlight dropout when turn signal engaged
Headlight on engaged turn-signal side dims or goes out while driving lights are on. Owner reports seeing same issue on other Chryslers (300, 200), Jeep Cherokee, Chevy Camaro, and Volkswagen—all exhibit headlight dropout when turn signal activated. Safety hazard on dark, rainy roads.
When: Issue recently noticed but pattern ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight on turn-signal side goes out or dims when turn signal engaged; Happens with or without driving lights on; Occurs on dark, rainy nights
Repairs/costs cited: Owner disabled driving lights as workaround.
Post-electrical event (pop under hood) causing light and radio malfunction
After a pop under the hood, entire vehicle shut off briefly then restarted. Subsequently, interior and exterior lights blink continuously and radio operates erratically (works intermittently). Battery and alternator both replaced and tested multiple times; no fault found.
When: Incident at unknown mileage; ongoing intermittent issues
Symptoms owners cite: Pop sound under hood; Vehicle shut off momentarily then restarted; Continuous blinking of interior and exterior lights; Radio works intermittently without logic; Issue persists despite battery and alternator replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced; alternator replaced; tested multiple times by different mechanics with no diagnosis.
Turn signal failure (stuck illuminated, intermittent function)
Left front turn signal remains illuminated and will not blink or turn off, even with engine off. Left rear turn signal blinks faster than normal. Bulbs, fuses, and sockets replaced without resolving issue. Separate complaint of blinker working intermittently with battery light illumination and starter no-crank condition.
When: Unknown timing
Symptoms owners cite: Left front turn signal stays glowing, does not blink or turn off; Left rear turn signal blinks faster; Blinker works intermittently at times; Battery warning light came on while driving; Starter won't crank despite full battery charge
Repairs/costs cited: Bulbs, fuses, and sockets replaced on left front—issue persisted.
Hatchback latch random opening
Back hatchback opens randomly without user input while vehicle is off, parked and stationary, or driving. Occurs unpredictably regardless of vehicle state.
When: Ongoing, timing unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Hatchback opens randomly while parked and off; Hatchback opens randomly while parked and on; Hatchback opens randomly while driving; No pattern to failure
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Good morning, this may not be an emergency, or a severe safety hazard, but... I found that my 2007 Chrysler pt cruiser had an annoying flaw. When I had my headlights on with the driving lights, and I put on my turn signal, the headlight on that side would go out. Since nothing else was affected, I chose to keep my driving lights off. However, I have noticed is that other chryslers…
Back hatch comes open randomly on its own. Sitting still while off or on, driving down the road it doesn't matter, it triggers to open randomly.
We were coming to a stop and there was a pop under the hood the entire vehicle shut off, and then started right back up since that incident our lights contiunously blink inside and outside the car and our radio has a mind of itsd own it works when it wants to... We have replaced the battery and the posts we have also replaced the alternator... We have had it tested several different times and…
Had electrical trouble with your 2007 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 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 53,000 and 121,000 miles, with the median around 69,689. A quarter of owners report trouble before 53,000; a quarter make it past 121,000. 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/2007/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.