Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My right rear tail keeps filling up with water which could cause a brake light malfunction, or an accident because it short out the bulb. I have the vehicle in the shop now repairing the rear latch that quit working could that be related?
Brake lights continually burning out/blowing up. Have to replace them every few months. Put in correct replacement bulbs,don't know why they keep burning out. When I go to replace them there is shattered glass like they blew up.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the headlights were not working properly, the turn signals did not work, the horn sounded without warning, and the windshield wipers did not work. The vehicle was taken to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 123,417.
When I purchased the car in January 2014 it had 58,000 miles on it. One week after purchase the right rear brake light blew out. I went back to the dealership (carmax) and had it replaced.no problem. Three months later the light has blown again. I get a mechanic to look at it, needs a socket replacement. #issue 1 in May 2014, there was a slight elevation in the temperature (high 80's), I wanted to try on the a.c., when doing so I heard a "pop" that sounded like it came from the vent. I thought maybe it came from not being used for awhile. The air did not blow cold right away, it took about 15 mins before the car began to cool. Now on the second attempt to run the a.c., the same things happened (the "pop", 15min cooling time) but a new problem came up...when I put the car in park it began to shake! …
I drive a 2007 t Cruiser and have on and off again issues with my center dashboard lights coming on and gauges going up and down. Engine almost stalls in heavy traffic. This has happened several times and the mechanics cannot find any issues with wiring, grounding, battery, alternator, switches, etc. Happens at any time. Will be fine for a short period of time and then it will start to do it again. This takes place sitting still and in heavy traffic. Chrysler better take note and figure this out or they will have a huge lawsuit like what is going on with GM. Many people with the same complaints; how is it no one is concerned? Scared to drive my vehicle.
While driving with my headlights and fog lights on, using my turn signal turns off my headlight on that side until the turn signal shuts off. I have also seen this in a Chrysler 300, and a town and country. And, I have seen this in a Chevy camaro and a vw. Something is seriously wrong here!!! The date is only because you need a date. It is frequent,.
My TIPM (totally integrated power module) is faulty. The headlights and turn signal lights do not work. Bulbs have been checked and replaced with brand new, tested and fully functional bulbs, but this has not rectified the problem. Sometimes the car will not start at all. The battery is fine, as the car engine will turn over, however, the car will not fire up. I will leave it, and try later, and the car will subsequently start. This starting trouble is an intermittent issue. I have read that there was a class action law suit for many Chrysler vehicles with TIPM problems, but I did not see PT Cruiser owners included within those actions. Having researched the matter, I see that many other PT Cruiser owners like myself are having issues with their electrical systems as a result of faulty tipms.
My car was idling and than I drove it home on a city street in our neighborhood. About 4 minutes away from my house. Dling in park; seatbelt light kept dinging on; speedometer kept jumping back and forth from 0-100; idling at traffic stop; car shutters like it will cut off; speedometer jumps around while car is not moving. PCM/TCM replaced multiple time; battery loses charge for no known reason; have had problems w/engine light coming on, pay for sensors and parts needed only for the same issue to happen. These cars are dangerous! Something needs to be done to fix this issue. I am a single mom, my son and I were in the car and we were scared. Could of caused an accident.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chrysler PT Cruiser years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (57), 2001 (49), 2003 (34), 2005 (25) and 2004 (24) model years. Headlight complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Chrysler PT Cruiser headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the fog lights › switch (30 mentions), followed by the headlights (15).
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.