Body complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Vehicle was moving at approximately 30 MPH when a vehicle was hit crossed into my lanes and I hit the vehicle head on, police report was filed. Injuries to knee, chest and lap from belt. Airbags did not deploy.
I was forced to brake quickly and the car skidded almost as if on ice. After inspecting the car and not being able to see any visible problems I was on my way to find that the car was now pulling to the left and the rear passenger side tire was shaking violently when taking light bumps. Upon arriving home I found that the rear support beam had broken clean through.
We are being treated in a very uncaring, racist, discriminatory way by the general manager dan hamrick [phone], at #lasvegas chapman Dodge #Chrysler' @vegasdcj 3175 east sahara las vegas nv 89104. He has consistently refused to see us. He has never returned our calls. I was even threatened with great bodily harm by the service manager mike nicosia. I made a police report. We took our beautiful PT Cruiser into las vegas #chapman Dodge Chrysler on 10-13-17 because the #engine light was staying on. They installed an expensive 'defective' Chrysler #mopar totally integrated power module (TIPM) and an expensive 'defective' mopar Chrysler power train control module (PCM). Between 10-13-17 to 11-21-17 (approximately one month) I had to return my Chrysler for repairs five (5) times & they installed three (3) pcms & two (2) tipms which were no good!!! …
We were rear ended while on vacation. The car was drivable and it was put in the shop for repairs. The other person was at fault. When we got the car back we noticed that the airbag light would stay on for a minute or two and then go off. This continues to happen. The car repair shop checked seat belts and such. The air bags did not deploy as this was a rear end collision. I feel like this is a safety hazard. The repair shop has had to repair work that was not done right. Could they have messed up the codes as the temp does not work right.? Were the airbags damaged ? The estimated speed he hit us was 35mph. We both got cervical sprain and mine is worse.
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.
The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser has metallic-silver dash inserts around the instrument cluster and covering the passenger air bag compartment. When the sun is high in the sky the glare from the metallic-silver instrument panel is blinding. The glare is so bright it leaves spots in your eyes. The molded curves above the instruments seem to concentrate the sun??s energy. My wife is shorter and is able to adjust the top of the steering wheel to block the reflection. I am unable to do this and still handle the steering wheel comfortably. I placed electrical tape on the panel just above the center instrument to block the glare.
Almost hit another vehicle/ almost went through a traffic light. I have complained mutliple times about my brake. I have had my car in to the dealer 3 times for the brakes, and every time am told brakes are fine. They did adjust the brakes once but the brakes squeal & grind all the time. Was told it was just the new style brakes/ brake rotor is rusting badly and chipping away around the top but was told this is a normal event due to the elements. Also my dashboard is coming away from my window and this has not been corrected or looked at. My tires never seem to stay inflated and was told this is due to the weather even though I have never had this type of problem with any other vehicle I have owned. My car has power surges and they say they could not find anything wrong that this is normal. Belt noise/ squealing they say this is normal wear. I have owned this car since nov 2004. …
Riding in car and smelled something bad (like hot brakes or burning rubber or plastic). Grandson cried out from his car seat that something burned him. Stopped car immediately and removed grandson, rear passenger side inside of door was extremely hot and had begun to pucker up (like melted plastic). Electric window now does not work. Took it to dealership 12-28-07 and they say because we do not have an extended warranty, we must pay in full, estimate is >500.00. Inside of door panel burned completely. Also should the car not have blown a fuse or something to keep this fire from spreading and continuing but no fuses blew. We are thankful that we are safe but we are very unhappy with PT cruisers at this time. Also, I doubt the dealership will do anything about the horrible burn smell.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chrysler PT Cruiser years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (67), 2002 (67), 2006 (15), 2005 (10) and 2003 (8) model years. Body complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Chrysler PT Cruiser body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for any Chrysler PT Cruiser model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chrysler PT Cruiser body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (31 mentions), followed by the frame and members (8).
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.