2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser

187 federal complaints (244 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 53 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 10 model years of the Chrysler PT Cruiser →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium, Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
17 city / 24 hwy
Federal complaints
187
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Engine & cooling
35
Electrical system
27
Glass & wipers
23
Suspension
19
Steering
18
Lighting
17
Fuel system
16
Power train
13
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 26 complaints01 years old: 13 complaints2 years old: 16 complaints3 years old: 19 complaints4 years old: 15 complaints5 years old: 13 complaints56 years old: 11 complaints7 years old: 13 complaints8 years old: 12 complaints9 years old: 16 complaints10 years old: 5 complaints1011 years old: 7 complaints12 years old: 7 complaints13 years old: 5 complaints14 years old: 3 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 2 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 186 of 187 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 25 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 26 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 23 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 29 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 16 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 17 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 5 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 5 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 2 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 2 complaints200,000+ miles: 1 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 151 of 187 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Engine & cooling

35 complaint records3 fire reports
"2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. *KB THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED TWO DAYS BEFORE THE FIRE OCCURRED. A PASSERBY EXTINGUISHED THE SMALL FIRE. *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Electrical system

27 complaint records5 fire reports
"WINDOS DONT WORK FOR 2ND TIME IN 8 MONTHS. FIRST TIME THEY CLAIM BAD WIRING NOT SURE SECOND TME HAD NT TAKEN IT IN YET TAKING IN JAN.21,2016 TO DEALER...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Glass & wipers

23 complaint records
"REAR QUARTER WINDOW IS POPPING OUT, IT IS LEAKING AND HAS A GAP ALIGN THE TOP I HAVE DUCT TAPED IT IN PLACE TO PREVENT IT FROM COMING OUT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA07004
opened Feb 2007
closed Apr 2007VisibilityREAR QUARTER PANEL GLASS SEPARATION - led to recall 07V149000
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) WILL RECALL MODEL YEAR 2005 AND 2006 PT CRUISER VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM 5/17/05 THROUGH 9/1/05 TO CORRECT A POTENTIAL DEFECT IN THE REAR QUARTER PANEL GLASS THAT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.DCC WILL INSPECT THE REAR QUARTER...
PE04028
opened Mar 2004
closed Jun 2004SteeringENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES - led to recall 04V268000
PE04-028 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE SEVEN COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE ON MY 2002 PT CRUISER VEHICLES.ON JUNE 3, 2004, DAIMLERCHRYSLER (DCC) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN MY 2001-2005 PT CRUISER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
07V149000VisibilityON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR QUARTER GLASS ATTACHING FASTENERS MAY PULL THROUGH THEIR MOUNTS AND ALLOW THE GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.Normally free
04V481000Service Brakes, HydraulicCERTAIN 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...Normally free
04V268000SteeringON 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2019420
2019-08-21
Other5,327Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered.
2007111
2007-04-05
Other2,689On certain vehicles, the rear quarter glass attaching fasteners may pull through their mounts and allow the glass to separate from the vehicle. If the glass separates while driving, it could strike another vehicle and cause a crash.
2004367
2004-10-08
Brakes5Certain vehicles equipped with 4-wheel ABS, a 2.4L turbo engine and 5-speed manual transaxle, may have inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the transaxle housing.
2004186
2004-06-04
Steering40,837On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.4L non-turbo engine and an automatic transaxle, routing variation in the high pressure power steering hose could allow contact with the automatic transaxle differential cover, potentially damaging the...

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
9004009
Apr 2021
Power TrainTransmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage.
9004009
Mar 2021
Power TrainTransmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage.
9004275
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemKEY, 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.
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging 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.
Show 48 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
EquipmentRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
9003623
Nov 2016
EquipmentWiper If Mopar OE wipers are unavailable, the below alternatives can be offered instead. 05066964A$ = WBRW0011A$ 05066973A$ = WB000019A$ or WBF00019A$ 05096134A$ = WB000027A$ or WBF00028A$ 55154762A$ = WB000013A$ 68001330A$ = WB000019A$ or WBF00019A$ 05012611A$ = WB000021A$ or...
23027
Aug 2016
Electrical SystemReturn: 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.
23137
Aug 2016
EquipmentInspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy - A-Pillar Rt/Lt You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part numbers: 1ZA04DX9AE, 1ZA05DX9AE. See attachments for identifying suspect stock.
23104
Aug 2016
Exterior Lighting05182535AD - Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 05182535AD . See attachments for identifying suspect stock.
20244
Aug 2016
EquipmentCBXDP361AA Return: Spacer Kit - Visor You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock of part number CBXDP361AA. Replacement part number is CBXDP361AB w hich is in stock and available for order.
Volume 2, Issue
Aug 2016
EquipmentWarranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
22892
Aug 2016
EquipmentReturn: Lamp Assy - CHMSL& Cargo Light You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return all stock of follow ing part numbers:55372082AE, 55372082AD, 55372082AC, 55372082AB, 55372082AA.
22867
Aug 2016
Electrical SystemInspect 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.
22958
Aug 2016
Electrical System1NT30XDVAC - Inspect and Return: Panel - Instrument Panel You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 1N T30XDVAC. See attachments for identifying suspect stock.
20616
Aug 2016
Electrical SystemP/N CBSZR068AA: Inspect & Return: Module Kit - Occupant Restraint You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return part number CBSZR068AA as per the QIR attached.
Volume 2, Issue
Jun 2016
EquipmentWarranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
RL108213A$
Jan 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingNAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
9003215
Feb 2015
EquipmentPart Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application.
9002887
Feb 2015
StructurePart Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009,...
18-042-14
Jul 2014
Electrical SystemGeneric Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Procedure This bulletin involves programming a generic PCM with software.
18-016-13
Apr 2013
Electrical SystemSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
9002850
Feb 2013
Structure05127352A$ - Headliner, Convertible Convertible PT Cruiser Headliners 05127352AB and 05127352AC do NOT come with the welt that goes around the rear glass opening. The welt will need to be removed from the existing Headliner, and sewn on the new Headliner.
21-001-13
Jan 2013
Electrical SystemMIL Illumination - DTC P1776 Solenoid Switch Valve Latched in LR Position
1802907
Apr 2007
Power TrainGENERIC POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROCEDURE. *KB
0800107
Feb 2007
Air BagsPASSENGER AIR BAG DEACTIVATION. *KB
1800707
Feb 2007
Power TrainDRIVEABILITY IMPROVEMENTS. REPROGRAMMING THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WITH NEW SOFTWARE. *KB
0803006
Aug 2006
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *KB
0900105
Dec 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingCYLINDER HEAD BOLT RE-TORQUE PROCEDURE. GPOP - ISSUE REVIEW SYSTEM. *TT
1900805
Nov 2005
SteeringREVISED POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING PROCEDURES. *SC
0802801
Aug 2005
Exterior LightingMOISTURE ACCUMULATION INSIDE A VENTED HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY CONDITION. *TT
05008
May 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingRAPID RESPONSE TRANSMITTAL SERVICE ACTION #05-008A. TURBO ENGINE BENT VALVE OR VALVES. *TT
2302105
Mar 2005
VisibilityWIND NOISE AT SIDE WINDOW. *SC
2304304
Mar 2005
Unknown Or OtherTRANSIT FILM REMOVAL. 2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER, AND 2005-2006 RAM TRUCK *SC
0801505
Mar 2005
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *SC
0600105
Feb 2005
Power TrainTRANSMISSION GEAR RATTLE SOUND AT IDLE. *TT
0801405
Feb 2005
Electrical SystemMOPAR ACCESSORY REMOTE STARTER INOPERATIVE DUE TO HOOD SWITCH. *TT
1901004
Nov 2004
SteeringPOWER STEERING FLUID CONTAMINATION. *TT
1803504
Nov 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0339: FLASH. *TT THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES BULLETIN 18-035-04, DATED SEPTEMBER 1, 2004. *TT
1804204
Nov 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingDRIVEABILITY IMPROVEMENTS OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P2074. FLASH. *TT
2100804
Oct 2004
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION -DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1776 SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE LATCHED IN LR POSITION. *MJ THIS BULLETIN REPLACES 21-008-04 DATED JUNE 1, 2004. *TT
0901304
Aug 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingGASOLINE ENGINE OIL QUALITY AND VISCOSITY GRADES. *TT
1802404
Jun 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingIDLE FLUCTUATION AND OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303 OR P0304. *TT
1800604A
Apr 2004
Power TrainGENERIC POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROCEDURE. *TT *MJ THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES BULLETIN 18-006-04A DATED 04/06/2004. *TT
2300704
Mar 2004
StructurePROPER FRONT SEAT BELT ROUTING AND TWIST. CONVERTIBLE 2005. *TT
04001
Mar 2004
Electrical SystemTEMPORARY CHANGE TO DEALER STORAGE PROCEDURE. BATTERY CABLE DISCONNECTION. *TT

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Chrysler PT Cruiser →