Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Consumer writes in regards to the fuel leak location on the inlet nozzle fuel tank. The dealer stated check engine light on, cracked trim around A/C unit, trunk will not stay open, front brakes need replacing, and rear shock need to be replaced.
After coming from the store I notice a big spot of oil on the garage floor,I wipe it up went inside the house the next day I went on some errands came back to the house and some more oil, at this point call my local parts house he came up with a bad front oil seal. So I wanted to did further into this, and found a lot of Dodge, Chrysler, owner had this same problem.I pull up and copy these problem's some p/t owners said the dealer wanted to charge them to change the engine because of the thrust bearing was to far out of specs.and pushing the front seal out and causing leak. If this would happen at high speeds,this would have a terrible terrible problem. I think Chrysler knows about this, because one Chrysler tech did say he knows the 2.4l has a crank seal issue on a handful of the vehicle. Now our p/t only has 55,000 miles on it and this problem should not be. …
In 2007 I was driving when I started hearing a knocking sound in my tires. I was had the vehicle checked immediately, but no determination was found. Over the year I was forced to replace my tires 3 times because they would wear and I would slide and the tires would skid in simple weather. In March of 2008 I had to repair more tires and my ball joints on both sides in the front with wheel alignments. Also in 2007 I started hearing a squealing sound in the engine, I had it checked immediately and was told my power steering pump would need replacing. But decreased once the mechanic put in power steering fluid. Since then even now I still hear the squeaking and every month I have to put in steering fluid. I called Chrysler regarding recalls relating to these problems and was told no recalls were in effect. I have not received any info in 2008 regarding these recalls that I now see online. …
Vehicle front end and steering wheel vibrate at about 10-15 MPH acceleration from a stopped or slowed position. Once accelerated beyond that speed, vibrations remain, but less intense. Vehicle will pull upon applying brakes, making it harder to control. Feels as if the vehicle front end and tires are "grinding into the pavement", this at street speeds of 35-40 MPH. Had tire pressure checked on all four tires and pressure was as suggested by manufacturer. Had brakes checked at dealer and they stated they could find no problem with the brakes, "the brakes are fine." this vehicle has less than 15,000 miles. If Chrysler/Fiat dealers cannot pinpoint the causes of these defects/problems and fix them (at no cost their customer) once and for all, then who? These problems pose serious safety concerns, and recalls should be issued. …
While driving felt like car was going over Mini-speed bumps. Took it to tire store and found out it wasn't the tires and they recommended the dealership. At the dealership they informed me it was the left-front bearing and I shouldn't be driving on it at all because the wheel could fall off. Had it repaired there. Picked up vehicle a week later and steering still didn't feel right. Took it back and they determined that the right front knuckle needed repaired. Also had it done there because I was visiting from out of town and needed work completed to get back home. Less than 9 mths later and car sounds like an airplane. Living on different coast so went to a recommended mechanic. Informed left front bearing needs repaired.
My 2005 PT Cruiser started making noticeable noises from the front right side. The dealer has now told us that the right and left front wheel bearings have to be replaced. I don't know the actual mileage, but I believe that it is less than 60,000 miles. There is a previous complaint on the NHTSA database for the same model year, for the same front bearing issue, but I did not check other years. While researching online to see if others have had similar problems, I found the following link which contains many incidences of PT Cruiser front bearing failures with relatively low mileage: http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/Chrysler-PT-Cruiser/til09od8d72erulqa
I was on the freeway, and the road had a natural "bump" in it, causing a slight bit of lift with the vehicle, and the vehicle swayed from side to side, and I had to immediately slow down, and counter steer in order to keep it in my lane. I took it to my mechanic today, and the right lower motor mount is broken. I just replaced that same mount less then 6 months ago. My mechanic said they know of a Cruiser that had 8 front right motor mounts replaced. There is an entire site on the internet dedicated to people who have had major issues with motor mounts going out over and over again on their cruisers.
Tl*- the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving at 10 MPH the contact had trouble steering. The steering wheel turned, but was stiff and she had to use both hands. The contact put power steering fluid into the vehicle and the steering became easier. The steering became stiff again and she realized that the power steering fluid was leaking. She was able to get the vehicle home and later had it towed to the dealer and repaired. The current mileage was 13,700. The failure mileage was 13,490. Update 04-02-08 the pressure steering hose was leaking and the bushings were worn
2005 PT Cruiser (turbo) was taken to dealership for annual inspection and oil change. Inspection was not granted. Vehicle was pronounced "unsafe to drive" as the bearings on the spindle (on axle) were destroyed and both front wheels were wobbling. Mechanic said one or both wheels could come off. In the next bay was another PT Cruiser (turbo) with the identical problem. The mechanics discussed whether the design was sufficient to support the power of the turbo. Until the parts arrive (we have to pay the $600+ for them) we have a rental at the dealers suggestion and our cost.
Tl * the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving at approximately 40 MPH, the driver experienced vibration from the front end of the vehicle which was caused by defective control arm bushings. He experienced the failure on three different occasions and took the vehicle to the dealership three times to have the bushings repaired. However, the contact still experienced the problem even after the three repairs. The current and failure mileages were approximately 51,000. Updated 6/21/10 updated 07/19/10
Suspension complaints in other PT Cruiser years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the suspension of the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 13% of the model year's 256 complaints. The component named most often is front › wheel bearing (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, though it has 3 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 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 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.