MYRModel Year Report

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser

● Typical for this model
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:54:47.194Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
187
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 2005

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

14% of complaints

Complaints per year

2001: 618 complaints 2001 2002: 511 complaints 2003: 258 complaints 2003 2004: 217 complaints 2005: 187 complaints 2005 187 2006: 349 complaints 2007: 149 complaints 2007 2008: 115 complaints 2009: 97 complaints 2009 2010: 22 complaints
2001: 618 complaints 2001 2002: 511 complaints 2002 2003: 258 complaints 2003 2004: 217 complaints 2004 2005: 187 complaints 2005 187 2006: 349 complaints 2006 2007: 149 complaints 2007 2008: 115 complaints 2008 2009: 97 complaints 2009 2010: 22 complaints 2010
2001: 618 complaints 2001 2002: 511 complaints 2002 2003: 258 complaints 2003 2004: 217 complaints 2004 2005: 187 complaints 2005 187 2006: 349 complaints 2006 2007: 149 complaints 2007 2008: 115 complaints 2008 2009: 97 complaints 2009 2010: 22 complaints 2010

2005: 187 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2001618
2002511
2003258
2004217
2005187
2006349
2007149
2008115
200997
201022

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

14% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and cables.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-27

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Engine and engine cooling

13% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

FIRE

Suspension

10% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing front and wheel bearing.

Steering

10% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing tie rod assembly and hose, piping, and connections.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking with and an abnormal odor emanating through the vents. Additionally, the steering wheel became firm.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-10-18

Exterior lighting

9% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing switch and headlights.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the headlight icon illuminated independently on the instrument panel when the headlights were not activated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-10-24

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2004-03-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-06-18 Engine compartment fires
  2. R
    2004-09-20Steering04V268000 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…

    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.…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2004-10-25Service brakes, hydraulic04V481000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will install revised brake tubes. The recall began October 25, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2007-02-16Engineering analysisClosed 2007-04-05 Rear quarter panel glass separation
  5. R
    2007-04-30Visibility07V149000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2008-05-22Suspension08E033000 Federal mogul is recalling 6,903 aftermarket ball joint assemblies shipped between November 9, 2007 and March 26, 2008, which may have been packaged with incorrect nuts. The part numbers packaged…

    Remedy: Federal mogul will notify owners and replace the parts free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2008. Owners can contact federal mogul at 877-489-6659.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 27 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 24 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 19 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V268000 · Steering
  • Recall 04V481000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 07V149000 · Visibility
  • Recall 08E033000 · Suspension
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.