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2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Problems and Repair Histories

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser  Problems:

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys

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2003 Chrysler PT Cruisers for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.

For 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems and repair histories that follow it.

Year Make/Model Trips/Year/100 Cars Compared to all models for the same year  
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 26 PT Cruisers, 8.3 months of data per PT Cruiser, average 86300 miles

77
40% Fewest Trips Most Trips
see reported repairs

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Non-members can see only ten 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.

Repair costs are in local units.

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Engine not specified

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Florida, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Aug 2008 98000   First odometer entry
Sep 2008 101000 188 Needs new motor mounts. Cost to repair about $1,015.00 because 2 of 3 are dealer part item and they have to take apart part of the A frame to effect repairs. 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 215hp 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Chrysler PT Cruiser in British Columbia, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2010 53320   First odometer entry
Sep 2010 55180 800 Had to replace a wheel (which meant all four wheels) as Chrysler's chrome clad aluminum alloy wheels will corrode from the inside and leak air. 
May 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Saskatchewan, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jun 2012 68200   First odometer entry
Jul 2012 69200 350 Replaced left wheel bearing 
Dec 2012 75020 300 oil sensor acting up, giving low oil warning 
Mar 2013 75640   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2007 18000   First odometer entry
Jan 2008 18000 595 Check engine light as a result of two sensors gone bad. Oil sensor defective. Emissions sensor defective. Cost way too much to replace two defective sensors on vehicle with only 18,000 miles. 
May 2008   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 215hp 2.4L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Chrysler PT Cruiser in South Carolina, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2011 65000   First odometer entry
Sep 2011 97000 365 Timing belt stripped 

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Newfoundland / Lab., Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jun 2007 600 I started getting weird diagnostic codes. I took it in for warranty. I have to take it to City Tire for Lubrico warranty. Computer Diags referred to sensor. Didnt fix. Took to dealers another computer diags and sensor.didnt fix. Flash computer & Good 
Oct 2008 0 Well the car dies driving it down the road. I had to get it towed to the dealer. The timing Belt broke and now apparently the ead is gone and everything else. Estimaed repair cost is $3500. I have a lubrico warranty so we will see 
Mar 2011 107880 270 Turbo unit failed 

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2011 67000   First odometer entry
Mar 2011 68000 270 Engine light 340 error code. Replace Camshaft sensor with after market part. Did not work, threw a error code of 344 and the car bucked like crazy, replace the Camshaft sensor with OEM from Chrysler. Works now! 

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Florida, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Oct 2010 93000   First odometer entry
Nov 2010 94000 500 Bad alternator/battery power 3 times in last 4 months. 
Mar 2011 95000 200 Heating sensor broke, also found out main computer was/is failing, but didn't repair. 
Jun 2011 98000 400 Coolant hose had leak/hole. 
Oct 2011 100300 500 Battery shorts early and cables erode quickly 
Jun 2012 112000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Alberta, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2008 65720   First odometer entry
Dec 2011 96720 500 Leaking power steering line where it enters pump. Metal line had hairline crack, pump had to be removed to find. Could drive for a while adding fluid for slight leak, but eventually it would not hold fluid. 
Oct 2012   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Florida, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2008 0 Detect Vaccume leak, Install New Thermostat and Gasket, Replace A/C tensioner Pully, install new Water pump. 

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Illinois, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2011 40000   First odometer entry
May 2012 47000 200 replace right front wheel bearing. 
Feb 2013 54000 90 Power steering pressure sensor replace. 
Mar 2013 55000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Missouri, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2009 35000   First odometer entry
Jul 2011 44000 107 Repaired right front fender, trim around right headlight, front bumper. (Wife scrapped fender & bumper cover on shelf in new garage. Insurance paid 90% 
Mar 2013 51000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in South Dakota, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2010 70000   First odometer entry
Mar 2012 87000 250 Power steering supply line developed a leak. 
Sep 2012 97000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Ontario, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2010 63240   First odometer entry
Oct 2011 73560 80 Sway bar end links replaced because of clunking noise. 
Sep 2012 78740   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Nebraska, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2011 104000   First odometer entry
Mar 2011 105000 758 Coolant thermostat was not working correctly, valve was stuck, and engine was overheating.  

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Michigan, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2009 56000   First odometer entry
May 2009 57000 487 Head gasket 
Jul 2009 62000 1200 Sway bar bushings replaced, also left wheel bearing (right was done several months ago) 
Oct 2011 90000 129 Radiator drain plug had broken gasket 

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Ontario, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2009 35960   First odometer entry
Jun 2009 37200 120 power steering sensor high pressure warning 
Jul 2010 37200 600 power steering pump stopped working 
Jan 2011 37200   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Alabama, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2008 57000   First odometer entry
Apr 2008 58000 500 PT had a loud hum coming from right side, previously safety inspected & repairs performed. I took car to dealer to check out problem & they charged me $40.00 to tell me my tires were noisey!! This is why domestic vehicles are on the downside.$$$ oriented. 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in British Columbia, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2008 25420   First odometer entry
Apr 2008 26040 0 Leak around the upper valve cover gasket. 
May 2008 26040 0 Same oil leak problem advised will have to remove time covered to further investigate. Appointment for June only. 
Aug 2008 29760 100 Even vehicle has extended warranty was told by service advised a hose clamp is consider a wear and tear item hence a billable repair. I was charged for a replacement clamp, transmission oil top up and labour time. 
Jun 2009   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Oct 2006 1105 Ticking noise resulted in new engine, at the same time I had to rebuild the power steering unit and replace the struts. 
Mar 2008 82000 342 Multi CEL codes. The thing still came up with one code for the anti-knock sensor (P0325), the rest disappeared when I fixed the cam position sensor (P0340). Leaky power steering pump. Replaced cam position sensor. 
Apr 2008   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Missouri, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2009 32000   First odometer entry
Jan 2010 50000 8804 Replace passenger side lower control arm,replace both front stabilizer links, replace power steering lint from rack to radiator,power steering flush. four wheel alignment. Replace shifter assembly, shift interlock cable. R&R center console, steering column covers, cylinder in column. 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon

150-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Wisconsin, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2007 150 Replaced BOTH front wheel bearings within about a six month time span. This is a common PT Cruiser issue. I don't think it's possible to replace them without a hydraulic press, which I had access to. 
Apr 2007 0 Engine was missing badly. Replaced spark plug wires and plugs. These are know problem areas on Cruisers. Used Taylor wires and Champion double platinum plugs. Wires are still good, plugs have been replaced another time or two since. 
Mar 2010 95 Replaced Watts link - it was VERY loose and clunking when driving over bumps. 
Jul 2010 1000 Replaced both lower control arms. The rubber bushings were shot, which is common, but I also got new, greasable lower ball joints by installing Moog arms. 
Dec 2011 146000 50 Replace tie rod end 
Jul 2012 162300 0 Replaced plugs with Champion double platinum and plug wires with Crane Cams set. This is about the fourth set of plugs and second set of wires. 
Oct 2012 169000 30 Car would not go into reverse and shifter felt like a spoon in a bowl of whipped cream. Ordered "Booger Bushings" to replace factory rubber ones. Replaced the two on the shifter end of the cables. Still need to to the transmission end. 
Feb 2013 178000 90 Replaced the watts link that pivots on the rear axle beam for the second time. This time I bought a cheaper one from NAPA. Also replaced both watts link control arms. 
Mar 2013 178000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Arizona, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2010 57000   First odometer entry
May 2012 76000 100 Checked to see if freon was leaking; did not seem to be able to find a leak. 
Nov 2012 78700 0 Freon was leaking because hose was blown. Months later, found out that hose was blowing because of faulty fan in a/c system. 
Apr 2013 80000 0 Faulty fan in a/c system. 

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Louisiana, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jun 2009 93000   First odometer entry
Aug 2009 95000 0 Fuel pump installed in April failed, replaced under part warranty. 
Jan 2010 100000 0 Sensor went out, how to fix it to sell car. 

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2008 42000   First odometer entry
Jan 2009 65000 200 Needed a new alternator. 
Jun 2010 82000 0 no problem, just worn out suspension which was fixed, and changed transmission fluid and brake pads and replaced cracked windshield 
Sep 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Saskatchewan, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Oct 2007 37820   First odometer entry
Nov 2007 39060 0 Replaced belt tensioner. Replaced power window switch. 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Arizona, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2008 65000   First odometer entry
Jul 2009 80000 2100 New AC cooling fans; dealer paid for AC hoses they broke. new timing belt new motor mounts new water pump 
Jul 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Michigan, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2009 99000   First odometer entry
May 2011 114000 290 Replaced right and left lower control arms Rear window wiper slow/intermittent operation 
Jan 2012 122000 0 Heater core had leak 

 

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2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon

150-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Chrysler PT Cruiser in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2012 139000   First odometer entry
Sep 2012 143000 800 Front right wheel bearing seized up 
Dec 2012 150000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Maine, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2007 62000   First odometer entry
Apr 2008 64000 84 Replaced multifunction switch. 
May 2008 65000 430 Lower front control arm bushings (both sides) were cracked, and required replacement to pass safety inspection. 
May 2009 72000 150 Both rear shocks replaced (one was leaking) to pass annual safety inspection. 
Sep 2011 80000 328 Left & Right brake calipers seized, replaced. 
Mar 2013 81000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Texas, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Oct 2008 30000   First odometer entry
Sep 2010 38000 2000 Struts needed replacing. 
May 2011 41000 250 Engine mounts were replaced. 
Sep 2011 41000 150 Battery connections failed, replaced, as was battery. 
Apr 2012 43000 800 Compressor was replaced. Oxygen sensor replaced. 
Dec 2012 45000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Oregon, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2012 115000   First odometer entry
Feb 2013 117500 53 replaced axle half shaft 
Mar 2013 118000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Georgia, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2007 180 Battery would be dead r/t apparent turning on of foglights because of a short in the headlight/foglight/turn signal control module on steering wheel. Replaced control module. 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Connecticut, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2006 357 New spark plugs and wires, cleaned throttle body. 

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Florida, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2010 76000   First odometer entry
Mar 2011 78000 150 Timing Belt broke and replaced. 
Aug 2011 81000 150 AC Evaporator had leak, sealer put in (8/15/11)still working after 2 weeks 
Feb 2012 89500 240 Starter became intermittent and had to be tapped on to start. Headlight switch intermittent, lights stayed on sometimes after shutting off. 
Jun 2012 90000 80 A/C System was recharged with Sealer 
Aug 2012   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Wisconsin, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2007 0 1st repair: Coolant leak caused belts to squeal. Replaced thermostat and two belts. Dealer paid for parts since it was a new sale / we paid for labor. 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Alberta, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2011 73780   First odometer entry
Mar 2011 75640 179 oil light was coming on when stopping and letting off gas.they did a pressure test and was fine so they checked the oil sending unit it was broke so that was changed and the light has not came on since. 

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Maine, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2009 76000   First odometer entry
May 2009 77000 110 swaybar link missing, replaced, and swaybar bushings replaced, due to rattles and poor handling. 
Mar 2010 87000 150 Rear Watts Link replaced for the 2nd time in 3 years, car had about 40000 miles at 1st time. Watts link makes big clunking noise when going over bumps. It's a common problem for Pt's and the price for the dealer part is 95 now, was 75 last time. 
Apr 2010 88000 590 Struts and Shocks, may be a normal wear item. The car still wanders around, I think something else may be worn in the steering. 
May 2010 89000 690 Ball joint Replaced, and aligned. Car handles great again. rocker panels rusted out on both sides before the 5 year warranty ran out, but due to ice and mud on the car we did not notice until 2 months after it ran out. Dealer said too bad. I drove it another year and it won't pass inspection now. 
Sep 2010 96000 200 Left front wheel bearing was making lots of noise and getting worse, wheel bearing replaced and it works like new again. 
Feb 2011 103000 1100 front main oil seal leaking, also replaced timing belt, water pump, thermostat, serviced transmission, and spark plugs. 
Apr 2011 107000 250 front rotors and brakes replaced exhaust bracket welded 
May 2012 128000 220 Fuel line cracked near tank, fuel was leaking when pump was energized. Dealer replaced plastic fuel line. 
Mar 2013 145000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Texas, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2012 130000   First odometer entry
Feb 2012 130000 2800 replaced motor, replaced transmission at 130,000 miles 

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Virginia, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2011 97000   First odometer entry
Jan 2012 97000 94 Oil sending unit is supposedley cracked and leaking for the third time in 2 years 
Mar 2012   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Manitoba, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2008 29140   First odometer entry
Sep 2008 31620 489 Alternator was replaced. 
May 2009 32860 300 Front Right Axle replaced 
Jan 2010 35960 300 Bell crank. Not a problem I noticed but required so the car would pass "safety" and could be sold. 

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2011 45000   First odometer entry
Jun 2012 56000 900 Gaskets failed & steering fluid was leading. 
Mar 2013 64000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in North Carolina, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2008 326 Shim kit installed on rear wheels to aid in alignment, after experiencing a blowout. Replaced remaining OEM tires with Michelen Harmonys 
Jun 2008 476 Used an IGO to fix leaking transmission cooler lines, pan was dropped and new filter installed, but system was not completely flushed for some reason. Don't use this IGO anymore 
Jul 2008 100 Transmission would not engage after a long soak. Complete transmission rebuild under warranty by Chrysler dealership. Front pump cause of problems as noted in service advisory 02-020. 

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in New York, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2012 139000   First odometer entry
May 2012 142000 250 Calipers froze up had them replaced with new calipers pads and rotors 
Jun 2012 143000 190 replaced fan assembly and recharged A/C 
Mar 2013 146000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Missouri, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jun 2011 120000   First odometer entry
Jul 2011 120000 1200 Thermostat installed; problem with overheating continued, unable to detect problem; referred to dealer 
Aug 2011 120000 0 alternator went out, plus the overheating problem from prior problem; decided to trade-in for new vehicle 
Sep 2011 120000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Missouri, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2007 92000   First odometer entry
May 2008 96000 400 Two new tie rods and one wheel bearing. 
Jun 2008 96000 430 Fan runs all the time. Needed two front tie-rod ends. Needed new right front wheel bearing. 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Georgia, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2012 166000   First odometer entry
Aug 2012 166000 1200 HAD NEW CLUTCH INSTALLED 

 

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Expert 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Repair Advice

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What People Are Saying about Problems with the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser

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