Model year
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser
NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 187 complaints for the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 0 recalls and 69 complaints under PT CRUISER CONVERTIBLE. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25), STEERING (15), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (13). 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
07V149000 · Apr 4, 2007
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR QUARTER GLASS ATTACHING FASTENERS MAY PULL THROUGH THEIR MOUNTS AND ALLOW THE GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
04V481000 · Oct 8, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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 FRONT BRAKE TUBE AND THE TRANSAXLE HOUSING.
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.
Complaints
187 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 11, fire flag on 12, injury field 18, deaths field 0. 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.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| PT CRUISER CONVERTIBLE | 0 | 69 |
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE04028 | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES · STEERING; STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS; STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER… | Mar 15, 2004 | Jun 18, 2004 |
| EA07004 | REAR QUARTER PANEL GLASS SEPARATION · VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR | Feb 16, 2007 | Apr 5, 2007 |
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 | 24 | 19 | — | — | $4,350 |
| PT Cruiser · 2.4L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 19 | 24 | 21 | — | — | $3,200 |
| PT Cruiser · 2.4L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 19 | 25 | 21 | — | — | $3,900 |
| PT Cruiser · 2.4L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 19 | 26 | 22 | — | — | $3,050 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible · 2.4L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 17 | 24 | 19 | — | — | $4,350 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible · 2.4L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 19 | 24 | 21 | — | — | $3,200 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible · 2.4L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 19 | 25 | 21 | — | — | $3,900 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible · 2.4L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 19 | 26 | 22 | — | — | $3,050 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
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 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.