Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The vehicle speed control was previously disconnected. While driving 25 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the steering column. The dealer stated that the failure was electrical and related to the vehicle speed control. The high and low beam switch was also burned. The manufacturer stated that there was no existing recall. The contact allowed the vehicle to cool down and was able to drive home. A mechanic will repair the vehicle since the manufacturer stated that they were unable to offer any assistance. She is unable to drive the vehicle due to the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 65,000 and current mileage was 65,100.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the fog light warning indicator illuminated and smoke appeared from the steering column. The contact was able to pull the vehicle off the roadway, turn off the engine, and restart the vehicle. The contact smelled burning wires, but there were no flames. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact found a recall for the fog lights online, but was unable to provide further information. The failure mileage was unknown.
The connector plug for the fog lights shorted out causing it to smolder and the lights to remain on even though the key was removed. There was fire but no flame. The plug melted and cracked and will need to be replaced.
The turn signal/headlight control switch on my 01 PT Cruiser has failed in that my right hand turn signal to the front does not come on. I have investigated this and been told by Chrysler personnel that the probable cause is turn signal/headlight control switch on the steering column. This part is in backorder to the tune of approx 4600 parts and an after market company that I contacted said they are also in approx 30days backorder status trying to fill the need for replacements. In checking with on-line forums I've also found out that other problems with this particular switch involve headlight failure to operate and lights (fog lights) coming on without operator action. …
Was driving daughter to work and began to smell a burning odor. However, I assumed it was a passing vehicle (streets were very well lit, and I would not have noticed my lights were out). The next morning my wife was heading out to pick-up our daughter from work, and was flashed by the local police for not having lights on. Through the process of elimination I decided to replace the multifunction switch. When I received the switch and attempted to install it I noticed that the wiring harness was slightly melted. Upon investigating the internet for a harness I came upon several websites with numerous complaints involving the same problem. (if everyone were to unite and post their complaints here there would be many) these problems seem to be related to a shorting out of the wiring caused by the OEM fog lights. …
Over the past 6 months I have had 50 plus times where I have found my battery dead and the fog lamps on. Over the last 3 years I have had fewer , but , regular times when this has also happened. I check to see that they are off as I exit the vehicle , and return to find them on and the battery dead. The switch on the end of the light control stick is not a good arrangement. It wears out the stop and then ( as mine is now ) you can not turn the fog lamps off. Any little bump while I am driving and they come on. I have had to unplug these lamps ( rather than pay the ridiculous dealer replacement fee ) to keep my current ( 3rd this last 2 years ) battery from dying. I got the first retail PT delivery in wi on April 12 2000 and am sure in time all owners will find this problem.
I was driving on a 2-lane road, light snow coming down going around 45 MPH when the headlights went out. Total darkness! I had been driving for about 25 minutes. If there would have been a car behind me I would have been in an accident. I stopped, turned off the engine, restarted the car and the headlights came on. I drove another 7 to 10 miles and the headlights started flashing. Again, I stopped, turned off the engine, restarted the car, but this time I kept the dims on. I had been using the wipers to clear snow off the windshield and also my brights and dims for on-coming traffic. I drove back home with only my dims on.....lights went out 2 more times. I don't feel safe in this vehicle anymore. Is it going to take a fatality before something is done?
Dt: consumer owned three 2001 Chrysler PT cruisers. Each of the vehicles had problems with the fog lights and turn signal light switch , which was replaced free of charge when one vehicle was out of warranty and the fog lights and headlights stayed on and would not go off. The second and third cruisers fog lights would not go off, consume r removed the fuse. There was a flaw in the design of the PT cruisers headlight switch, which would run down the battery. The switch should be replaced at no charge to the consumer. Also, there should a be a redesigned switch, and a full recall/replacement after the switch was redesigned. In order to have two PT cruisers pass va state inspection consumer removed fog lights bulbs, socket and wiring.
My fog lights would not turn off and could turn on even when the car is not running. My car battery drained a couple of times, and I had to obtain a jump to start my car. Called car dealer, and they pulled the fuse to the fog lights and said there is a short in the multi-function switch and it would need to be replaced. Called Chrysler, and I am out of warranty and they will offer no assistance unless there is a recall on this issue. I see there is a prior complaint dated August 2, 2005 for the same issue on three other PT cruisers and my car dealer states they have had to replace the switch on several PT cruisers. I have also read about this problem on some online forums. I will keep my service records in case of recall per Chrysler.
Faults within the headlight/foglight multifunction switch on the 2001 PT Cruiser causes the foglights to illuminate, even when the switch is off. I replaced the switch, and although the foglights now work properly, there is now a fault in the dome light function, which causes the dome light to illuminate when the switch is off. I researched the component on-line and retrieved reports of headlights turning themselves off at random intervals. Headlights, foglights, dashboard illumination, dome light and turn signals are all in the same component. For foglight defect, mechanic removed the appropriate fuse from the fuse panel as a temporary fix.
Headlight complaints in other PT Cruiser years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the lights of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 8% of the model year's 618 complaints. The component named most often is fog lights › switch (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 5 fires and 0 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.