Most common 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
Share of the 256 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chrysler PT Cruiser complaints by model year
Best PT Cruiser years: 2010, 2009, 2008. Years to avoid: 2001, 2002, 2006. Compare all years →
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls (3)
Visibility › Glass, side/rear
On certain passenger vehicles, the rear quarter glass attaching fasteners May pull through their mounts and allow the glass to separate from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear quarter glass. The recall began on April 30, 2007. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Certain 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 the transaxle housing.
Remedy: Dealers will install revised brake tubes. The recall began October 25, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
On 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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and relocate, or replace as necessary, the power steering hose and confirm torque of the hose fastener at the steering gear end. The recall began on September 20, 2004.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser:
Engine compartment fires
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 naturally aspirated 2.4l engines and automatic transaxles (recall 04v-268).the notification identified variation of the high pressure power steering hose routing,…
Rear quarter panel glass separation
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 panel glass and replace if necessary.dcc will begin notifying owners in May 2007.
What 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser owners say
Electrical system all 46 →
Tl-the contact owned a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Started the vehicle and the vehicle stalled. Fuel odor, vehicle would not start for an additional hour vehicle restarted and caught on fire, fire department stated that the fire started along the firewall manufacturer not contacted, fire report filed, fire extinguished by fire department stated that upon start up the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor. The vehicle was then restarted almost an hour later. The contact then noticed fire coming from under the hood of the vehicle on the passenger's side of the vehicle. The fire department was contacted and was able to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed. The fire marshall stated that the fire seemed to have originated in a wiring harness installed behind the fuel lines for the fuel injectors. There was no injuries sustained in the fire. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While the vehicle was stationary, the contact noticed smoke coming from the root of the turn signal switch. The contact immediately pulled the fog lamp switch, which diffused the smoke. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that the fog lights were illuminated at the time of the failure. An unknown Chrysler dealer was made aware of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Engine & cooling all 45 →
Tl-the contact owned a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Started the vehicle and the vehicle stalled. Fuel odor, vehicle would not start for an additional hour vehicle restarted and caught on fire, fire department stated that the fire started along the firewall manufacturer not contacted, fire report filed, fire extinguished by fire department stated that upon start up the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor. The vehicle was then restarted almost an hour later. The contact then noticed fire coming from under the hood of the vehicle on the passenger's side of the vehicle. The fire department was contacted and was able to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed. The fire marshall stated that the fire seemed to have originated in a wiring harness installed behind the fuel lines for the fuel injectors. There was no injuries sustained in the fire. …
Car went completely dead at car wash at night leaving me and my young granddaughter stranded until we could get a jump. This happened several times with the battery not having any problems nor any lights being left on in interior. Happened to notice the other day the fog lamps were on but the switch was not turned on. It was draining the system. Had to pull the fuse to fog lamps in order to stop the drainage. This has left me stranded with small children forcing reliance upon strangers in order to restart the vehicle, on more than one occasion. Now the fog lamps are inoperative until a fix can be found, which could lead to a potential collision if driving in foggy conditions which could prove fatal due to it being a convertible. This is a gt turbo edition...updated 09/28/15
Wheels & tires all 32 →
Catastrophic tire failure at highway speeds due to tread separation - cooper response touring 205/55 r16 91h on 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Tread depth = 5/32, tires were new on used car purchased in 07/2014. No dry rot or visible cracking on tires, 23K mileage on tires. In 07/2018, two of the tires in the set of 4 were replaced due to the beginnings of tread separation (would not balance). I am a former tire development engineer for a major us tire manufacturer and I have analyzed hundreds of failed tires returned to the manufacturer. Based on my analysis, I believe that this tire failed by delamination of the tread due to improper construction or curing and not due to a tire puncture. Since 3 of 4 of these tires have failed, I believe that the entire batch May be defective.
The tire on my 2005 PT Cruiser was flat and when I went to get it fixed was told that the tire was fine but the finish was coming off the rim and this caused the tire to go flat. I went to a national automotive repair chain to get it fixed. I was told that they could put a type of sealant around the tire so it would not go flat. They could not guarantee it would not go flat as they stated this was a common problem for PT cruisers. I have talked to other PT Cruiser owners and looked on the internet in regards to this and found that indeed, this is a very common problem with this particular car model. I feel that this is a defect and that the company should replace the rims before a tire or tires go flat while driving the car. I was fortunate as the car was parked. …
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser a good car?
Based on 256 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 PT Cruiser rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the PT Cruiser at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
The electrical system — 46 complaints, 18% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring › fuses and circuit breakers. Next are the engine & cooling (45) and wheels & tires (32).
How many recalls does the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the most recent from April 4, 2007 (glass, side/rear). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chrysler PT Cruiser?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2009 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001, 2002 and 2006. See the full Chrysler PT Cruiser years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 55,000 miles; 42% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.