2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2 safety recalls on file

The 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 258 complaints with NHTSA, including 22 crashes, 15 fires, 20 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (50 reports).

2Recalls
258Owner complaints
22Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your PT Cruiser?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls

Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections

Recall 04V268Jun 3, 2004438,391 vehicles affected

Power Train:Clutch Assembly

Recall 03V076Mar 10, 2003816 vehicles affected

Most common 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems

Problem areas named in the 258 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Electrical System50
Power Train37
Suspension35
Exterior Lighting35
Engine And Engine Cooling33
Steering29
Air Bags20
Service Brakes, Hydraulic14
Vehicle Speed Control12
Wheels12

What owners report

2026-06-28, Seats
The front passenger seat heating system experienced a catastrophic electrical malfunction. While the vehicle was started and parked in our driveway, the front passenger seat suddenly developed an extreme hot spot and became engulfed in flames even though the heated seat switch was in the OFF position and had not been activated. The failed heated seat component has been retained and is available for inspection. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer or service center because the incident occurred at our residence and the vehicle is currently undriveable due to burned electrical wiring. Attempting to start or operate the vehicle could result in an electrical short because of the expos
2024-09-15, Electrical System
WHen the fog lights are engaged, smoke and burning smell appears to be coming inside the steering wheel on the left side.
2024-09-15, Seat Belts
Front seat belt doesn't engage after many attempts.
2024-08-30, Power Train
The clutch will not disengage every time and never fully disengages. I noticed my car had a recall for this problem in the past, so before doing the work, I called a dealer for Chrysler and was informed that the recall had already been performed. So I took it upon myself at my own expense to have the clutch replaced. It worked fine for a few months, but it started doing the same thing again.
2023-07-24, Tires
The contact owns a 2003 Chrysler equipped with Douglas, Tire line: Dug Xtra-Trac II, Tire size: 205/55R/16 91T and DOT number: N60FN11R. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the vehicle started to perform slowly when the front passenger side tire inadvertently exploded. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Walmart where the tire was replaced. The contact stated that the front passenger side tire started to leak air. The contact then stated that she noticed that a bubble had developed on the sidewall of the tire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not n

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser questions

Does the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser: Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections; Power Train:Clutch Assembly. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Based on 258 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (50), Power Train (37), Suspension (35).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Chrysler PT Cruiser years

Other 2003 Chrysler models