The 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser has 516 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train. Owners most often flag severe and chronic electrical system failures: wiring harnesses melting (notably near the egr valve), myriad unexplained electrical gremlins, dash lights dimming when braking, complete failures causing the vehicle to die while driving. frequency: very frequent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 4 PT Cruiser model years we track, complaint volume runs from 434 (2004) to 1,050 (2002). With 516 complaints, the 2003 PT Cruiser sits about the same asthe model's median of 516.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
suspension
Campaign 08E033000FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE:…
exterior lighting
Campaign 09E012000SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMEN…
steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Campaign 04V268000ON 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.
power train:clutch assembly
Campaign 03V076000ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODELS ONLY, A WELDED PIN INTERNAL TO THE DUAL-MASS FLYWHEEL (DMF) ASSEMBLY CAN UNSEAT AND BECOME LODGED BETWEEN THE FLYWHEEL AND THE CLUTCH DISC.
Extremely polarized sentiment, split between nostalgic appreciation for its unique design and practicality, and widespread, severe criticism of its reliability, driving dynamics, and build quality.
Owner insights cover all generations of the PT Cruiser. See the full PT Cruiser owner picture and every model year.
Used PT Cruiser listings typically run $5,485–$7,298 across 2001 to 2010 model years.
Compare every PT Cruiser year side by side to see how 2003 ranks against the rest.