Chrysler PT Cruiser Window & Wiper Problems

Owners have filed 123 complaints about windows, wipers & sunroof problems with the Chrysler PT Cruiser — 5% of all PT Cruiser complaints. The worst model years are 2006 (47), 2005 (24) and 2001 (13). Problems typically start around 53,000 miles. One related recall has been issued.

123complaints
2006worst year
53ktypical miles
1related recalls
1crashes
2fires

Window & Wiper complaints by model year

20012002200320042005200620072008200920101313292447771
Window & Wiper complaints per model year, Chrysler PT Cruiser.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
200911%20,000 miles
200876%50,000 miles
200775%62,000 miles
20064713%49,000 miles
2005249%61,000 miles
200494%15,000 miles
200321%35,000 miles
2002133%70,000 miles
2001132%63,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Glass, side/rear
    29
  • Windshield
    12
  • Power window devices and controls
    11
  • Sun/moon roof assembly
    6
  • Windshield wiper/washer
    5
  • Rear window wiper/washer
    3
  • Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
    1
  • Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
    1

Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    2122%
  • 25k–50k
    2021%
  • 50k–75k
    2425%
  • 75k–100k
    1415%
  • 100k–150k
    1314%
  • 150k+
    33%

What owners report

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.

2008 PT Cruiser · 123,000 miles · Nov 2015

While driving to work in the rain the wipers stopped mid cycle, when I made adjustments on the column control the wipers went into low speed mode and would also work in the high speed mode, however the wipers would not stop working until several tries to turn them off worked. The problem continued to present it's self and at one point the wipers continued to run with the key in the "off" position. I made an appointment with dick hannah Chrysler in vancouver , wa on 3 dec 2011 where the problem was found to be in the t.I.p.m (fault code b3205) . I have made arrangements to have the t.I.p.m replaced by this dealer when they get the t.I.p.m replacement from Chrysler (5 days out). The cost of this problem caused by one circuit of the t.I.p.m is $840.00 and there is no way to have the one circuit replaced or repaired on the defective unit in the PT Cruiser. …

2008 PT Cruiser · 50,000 miles · Nov 2011

The TIPM (the computer that maintains the whole car) is bad and needs to be replaced in an almost 10 year old vehicle bought new in 2008 with only 25,000 miles on it. It is sending bad signals to the wipers so I cannot drive it in bad weather. Although thre is a powertrain for life warranty, Chrysler refuses to replace the TIPM. I was driving in heavy morning traffic it was snowing and the wipers stuck in the middle of the car causing me to be unable to see posing a danger to myself and others. The car also stopped dead in traffic on me a couple of times and there was nothing wrong with the battery I took it to the shop and they found nothing.

2007 PT Cruiser · 25,000 miles · Dec 2017

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and the engine stalled. The vehicle failed to restart after multiple attempts. In addition, all of the windows would not roll up or down and the rear driver side door lock would not lock. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the cam shaft position sensor, lower arm bushings, sway bar link, and window motors needed to be replaced. The engine and windows were repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 32,212. Updated 09/15/14 the consumer sstated the camsensor and motor stalled. The bushings were worn out at only 3200 miles. The windows went out in 2011 and the back door and locks weren't working. Updated 1/8/2015

2007 PT Cruiser · Power window devices and controls · 32,000 miles · Apr 2014

While driving I noticed rattling noises coming from the rear of the vehicle and excessive road noise in the passenger compartment coming from the back. After a rainy day I observed puddles of water behind the rear seats. Upon investigating I found that the fixed rear quarter windows were no longer properly attached to the body of the vehicle. I learned that a recall was performed on this vehicle back in 2007 (NHTSA campaign number: 07V149000) I called Chrysler and they verified that the recall had been performed on this vehicle in May of 2007. It would appear that the fix is not effective, and frankly I am not surprised. Expecting plastic to maintain integrity long term under tension is foolish. It should be possible to use a more permanent, flexible adhesive (e.g. …

2006 PT Cruiser · 38,000 miles · Mar 2016

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving various speeds during inclement rain weather, the front and rear wipers failed. In addition, the horn failed to activate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the TIPM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

2006 PT Cruiser · 65,000 miles · Mar 2015

While driving yesterday, the left rear quarter window fell out. Chrysler had a recall no. G01 for this problem, and I was told by the Chrysler rep that the windows on this vehicle had been replaced under the recall and they could do nothing for me. The repair was not done properly or the window would have not separated from the vehicle, as vehicles should not have windows falling out of them driving down the road. I feel that Chrysler did not properly address this safety issue. Note: I am an agent for the vehicle owner, she is an elderly person residing in assisted living. Her name is [redacted] .

2005 PT Cruiser · 110,000 miles · Apr 2015

While driving down interstate 95 the left rear quarter window separated from my car. I very thankful another car was not following closing. That would have been ugly. Chrysler had a previous recall on this problem but they said my VIN was not included in the recall. Reference: NHTSA identification number 07v-149.

2005 PT Cruiser · 52,000 miles · Aug 2016

Related recalls (1)

Visibility › Glass, side/rear

NHTSA recall 07V-149 · Apr 4, 2007 · 38,447 vehicles

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.

NHTSA investigations

Rear quarter panel glass separation

NHTSA investigation EA07004 · opened Feb 16, 2007 · closed Apr 5, 2007 · led to recall 07V-149

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.

Rear quarter panel glass separation

NHTSA investigation PE06046 · opened Oct 20, 2006 · closed Feb 16, 2007

Odi has received reports that the either the left or the right rear quarter panel glass falls off the vehicle.some reports indicate that the glass fell off the vehicle while in motion and struck a following vehicle.in some cases damage to the following vehicle was reported.the complaint and warranty data are concentrated within a particular build date range from May to jun of 2005 for my 2005 vehicles and July to…

Frequently asked questions

Which Chrysler PT Cruiser years have window & wiper problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (47), 2005 (24), 2001 (13), 2002 (13) and 2004 (9) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 2006.

Is there a recall for Chrysler PT Cruiser window & wiper problems?

Yes — 1 recall, including 07V-149 (glass, side/rear, Apr 4, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Chrysler PT Cruiser window & wiper problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles; 43% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the glass, side/rear (29 mentions), followed by the windshield (12).

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.