Model year
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 258 complaints for the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (34), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (20), STEERING (19). NHTSA lists 2 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 19–22 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,050–$4,350, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2001 618 complaints
- 2002 511 complaints
- 2003 258 complaints
- 2004 217 complaints
- 2005 187 complaints
- 2006 349 complaints
- 2007 150 complaints
- 2008 115 complaints
- 2009 97 complaints
- 2010 22 complaints
Recalls
04V268000 · Jun 3, 2004
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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, POTENTIALLY DAMAGING THE HOSE.
03V076000 · Mar 10, 2003
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODELS ONLY, A WELDED PIN INTERNAL TO THE DUAL-MASS FLYWHEEL (DMF) ASSEMBLY CAN UNSEAT AND BECOME LODGED BETWEEN THE FLYWHEEL AND THE CLUTCH DISC.
Complaints
258 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 22, fire flag on 15, injury field 20, deaths field 1. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE02082 | SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE · SEAT BELTS | Nov 6, 2002 | Apr 23, 2003 |
| PE04028 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES · STEERING; STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS; STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER… | Mar 15, 2004 | Jun 18, 2004 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT Cruiser · 2.4L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 23 | 19 | — | — | $4,350 |
| PT Cruiser · 2.4L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 17 | 23 | 20 | — | — | $3,350 |
| PT Cruiser · 2.4L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 18 | 25 | 21 | — | — | $3,900 |
| PT Cruiser · 2.4L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 19 | 26 | 22 | — | — | $3,050 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.