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2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 187 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, most often about the engine (19% of complaints, typically around 62,500 miles). It is 6th of 10 PT Cruiser model years by number of complaints and has 3 recalls.

Complaints187
Recalls3
Crashes reported11
Fires reported12
Injuries reported18

Most common 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems

  1. Engine

    35 complaints · 19%

    Half of these problems showed up before 62,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system, exhaust system.

    Tl contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle's temperature gauge dial would rise above the halfway mark. The fan had to be activated in order for the dial to return to its normal position. The dealer stated that the fan and thermostat failed and needed to be replaced. There…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 64,000 miles
    Front crank seal is pushing out, massive oil leak. I have had this repaired 2x and it still leaking oil. The repair shop has told me that it is a manufacturers defect and that they should fix it for me. They said that it is not a matter of if it will happen again but when it will happen and it should be fixed by…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 61,306 miles
  2. Electrical

    27 complaints · 14%

    Half of these problems showed up before 53,500 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, 12v/24v/48v battery.

    Dashboard lights go out at will and engine lights show codes even after replacing sensors now 02 sensors not working .look like this had been a ongoing problem for years now and Chrysler fails to address the problem. Please help myself and other pt drivers having the same problem.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 53,700 miles
    2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser touring ed. - purchased at dodge dealership, extended warranty contract purchased, and veh. Was a certified veh. At time of purchase, within the first 30 days veh. Was in for a new headgasket, less than 13k miles, replaced front brakes and shoes within the first 15k miles, now driving to work…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 73,630 miles
  3. Visibility and wipers

    22 complaints · 12%

    Half of these problems showed up before 68,000 miles. Parts named most often: glass, side/rear, windshield, sun/moon roof assembly, power window devices and controls.

    Tl contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact had 3-d crystal angel stickers on the corner panel of her windshield for decorative purposes. She received a recall notice from the manufacturer for the corner panel windshield, stating that it needed to be replaced. She took her vehicle to the dealer and they…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 68,000 miles
    I was driving on the highway 75 MPH, at some point the side rear window blew out , I heard the sound of a open window but could not figure out where it was coming from, I pulled over and noticed the window was gone. If there had been a motor cycle or another vehicle it could have caused an accident.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 62,421 miles
  4. Wheels and tires

    20 complaints · 11%

    Half of these problems showed up before 28,000 miles. Parts named most often: sidewall, tread/belt, rim, lugs/nuts/bolts/studs.

    The tire on my 2005 PT Cruiser was flat and when I went to get it fixed was told that the tire was fine but the finish was coming off the rim and this caused the tire to go flat. I went to a national automotive repair chain to get it fixed. I was told that they could put a type of sealant around the tire so it would…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 25,000 miles
    On december 2, 2007 my right front tire blew apart. After getting tire changed I went to walmart and bought a new tire. On july 22, 2008 the same kind of tire again had a problem with a defective belt and had to be replaced again. The tire was a goodyear viva 2 p195/65r15bw viva 2. Fortunately I was able to drive…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 31,291 miles
  5. Suspension

    18 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 50,500 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.

    My 2005 PT Cruiser Chrysler at 49,661 miles was in an accident right front end there was no problems before when car was returned it was making a noise that is coming from the right tire when I returned it to the insurance company progressive they had it looked at and stated the front bearing and hub was gone and that…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2009, at 49,661 miles
    Tl * the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving at approximately 40 MPH, the driver experienced vibration from the front end of the vehicle which was caused by defective control arm bushings. He experienced the failure on three different occasions and took the vehicle to the dealership three times to…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 51,000 miles
  6. Steering

    18 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 71,000 miles. Parts named most often: column, hydraulic power assist, linkages.

    The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the contact was informed that the power steering fluid hose was leaking. The contact stated that at that time, it was a small leak; however, the power steering fluid hose then developed a…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2026, at 71,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler t cruiser. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the power steering assist failed without warning. The steering the became hard to turn. The contact had to use extreme force in order to keep the steering under control the vehicle was towed to the contact's home and was not…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 68,000 miles
  7. Lights

    17 complaints · 9%

    Half of these problems showed up before 51,500 miles. Parts named most often: fog lights, brake lights, headlights.

    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.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 50,000 miles
    It was discovered that the rear lights were not on with the headlights and the brake lights(same bulbs) were not working. Upon investigation, both light bulbs had burst. When taking it to the parts store, they felt that the bulbs had broken because water had gotten into the housing with the bulbs. The housing was not…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 57,823 miles
  8. Fuel system

    16 complaints · 9%

    Half of these problems showed up before 35,500 miles. Parts named most often: fuel injection system.

    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 notified. The failure mileage was 32,000 and…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 32,000 miles
    2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Consumer writes in regards to the fuel leak location on the inlet nozzle fuel tank. The dealer stated check engine light on, cracked trim around A/C unit, trunk will not stay open, front brakes need replacing, and rear shock need to be replaced.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 39,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls

  1. Visibility and wipers: glass, side/rear

    NHTSA 07V149000 · April 4, 2007 · 38,447 vehicles

    Risk: If the glass separates while driving, it could strike another vehicle or injure a pedestrian.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the rear quarter glass. The recall began on april 30, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

    Full defect summary

    On certain passenger vehicles, the rear quarter glass attaching fasteners may pull through their mounts and allow the glass to separate from the vehicle.

  2. Brakes: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

    NHTSA 04V481000 · October 8, 2004 · 115 vehicles

    Risk: 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.

    Full defect summary

    Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock braking system (ABS), 2.4l high output turbocharged engine, and 5-speed manual transaxle, may exhibit inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the transaxle housing.

  3. Steering: hose, piping, and connections

    NHTSA 04V268000 · June 3, 2004 · 438,391 vehicles

    Risk: 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.

    Full defect summary

    On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4l non-turbocharged engines and automatic transaxles, the power steering pressure hose may contact the automatic transaxle differential cover, potentially damaging the hose.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

NHTSA defect investigations

Questions about the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (35 complaints, typically around 62,500 miles); electrical (27 complaints, typically around 53,500 miles); visibility and wipers (22 complaints, typically around 68,000 miles).
How many recalls does the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?
3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 4, 2007 (visibility and wipers). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
Is the 2005 a bad year for the Chrysler PT Cruiser?
It is 6th of 10 PT Cruiser model years by number of complaints, with 187 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Chrysler PT Cruiser years

Chrysler PT Cruiser problems by year