2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other PT Cruiser years
- About as many complaints as other years 6th of 10 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 3 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 187 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. That ranks 6th out of 10 PT Cruiser model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (27 complaints, 14%), typically at around 53,700 miles. Complaints mention 11 crashes, 12 fires, 18 injuries. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.
- 187owner complaints
- 3safety recalls
- 2NHTSA investigations
- 11complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 27 | 14% | 53,700 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 24 | 13% | 55,403 | — | — |
| Steering | 18 | 10% | 71,000 | — | — |
| Suspension | 18 | 10% | 50,331 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 17 | 9% | 51,298 | — | — |
| Visibility | 17 | 9% | 64,350 | — | — |
| Power Train | 13 | 7% | 70,639 | — | — |
| Engine | 11 | 6% | 85,500 | — | — |
| Wheels | 11 | 6% | 34,850 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 10 | 5% | 50,000 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 10 | 5% | 24,000 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 10 | 5% | 72,173 | — | — |
| Tires | 9 | 5% | 25,608 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 9 | 5% | 72,350 | — | — |
| Structure | 8 | 4% | 89,000 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 6 | 3% | 94,900 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 5 | 3% | 101,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 5 | 3% | 116,196 | — | — |
| Equipment | 3 | 2% | 72,874 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 2% | 25,000 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 2 | 1% | 180,000 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | 40,282 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 1% | 28,000 | — | — |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 1% | 60,000 | — | — |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | 90,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | 1% | 134,335 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls (3)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Visibility:glass, side/rear
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the rear quarter glass attaching fasteners may pull through their mounts and allow the glass to separate from the vehicle.
Risk: If the glass separates while driving, it could strike another vehicle or injure a pedestrian.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear quarter glass. The recall began on april 30, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Problem: 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.
Risk: Contact between the brake tube and the transaxle housing over an extended period of time may eventually lead to perforation of the brake tube, which could lead to a loss of braking force in the left front/right rear circuit of vehicle.
Fix: Dealers will install revised brake tubes. The recall began october 25, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Problem: 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.
Risk: Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire.
Fix: 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. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Rear quarter panel glass separation (EA07004) — opened Feb 16, 2007, closed Apr 5, 2007, led to recall 07V149000.
- Engine compartment fires (PE04028) — opened Mar 15, 2004, closed Jun 18, 2004, led to recall 04V268000.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the contact was informed that the power steering fluid hose was leaking. The contact stated that at that time, it was a small leak; however, the power steering fluid…
Unknown went to get an inspection and I got a paper with information for how to search up if there was any recalls with my car and it has 5 recalls it said
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. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an…
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while the A/C defroster was activated, there was no air blowing through the vents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the blower motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The…
The car (manual 5-speed) has issues going into reverse and hits hard shifting into other gears. I see where online it shows this issue happened quite a bit with the 2002 PT Cruiser. I don't drive my care every day and I keep it maintained very well. I have not had any accidents in it so I believe…
Other Chrysler PT Cruiser years
← 2004 PT Cruiser · 2006 PT Cruiser →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 PT Cruiser | 22 | 0 |
| 2009 PT Cruiser | 97 | 0 |
| 2008 PT Cruiser | 115 | 0 |
| 2007 PT Cruiser | 150 | 0 |
| 2006 PT Cruiser | 349 | 1 |
| 2005 | 187 | 3 |
| 2004 PT Cruiser | 217 | 1 |
| 2003 PT Cruiser | 258 | 2 |
| 2002 PT Cruiser | 511 | 3 |
| 2001 PT Cruiser | 618 | 5 |
See all Chrysler PT Cruiser problems by year, every Chrysler model, or the Chrysler VIN decoder.
Similar Chrysler models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Owners most often report electrical system, engine and engine cooling, steering problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 27 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other PT Cruiser model years, the 2005 has about as many complaints as a typical year. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.