Chrysler PT Cruiser Exterior Lighting Problems
Owners have filed 220 complaints with NHTSA about exterior lighting problems on the Chrysler PT Cruiser across 10 model years. The 2002 model year has the most (55). The words owners use most often: “multifunction switch” (11% of reports).
- 220exterior lighting complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- $320typical repair cost reported by owners
- 21%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Multifunction switch: mentioned in 24 of 220 complaints (11%)
- Multi function: mentioned in 24 of 220 complaints (11%)
- Steering column: mentioned in 20 of 220 complaints (9%)
- Fog turn: mentioned in 17 of 220 complaints (8%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical exterior lighting repair on the Chrysler PT Cruiser at $320, and half of them between $310 and $320.
Based on 9 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2007–2010), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do exterior lighting problems happen?
Based on 178 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 220 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 14 a fire, 1 an injury.
Chrysler PT Cruiser exterior lighting complaints by model year
| Model year | Exterior Lighting complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 PT Cruiser | 2 | 9% | 153,342 |
| 2009 PT Cruiser | 4 | 4% | 60,061 |
| 2008 PT Cruiser | 7 | 6% | 47,634 |
| 2007 PT Cruiser | 9 | 6% | 90,000 |
| 2006 PT Cruiser | 21 | 6% | 84,288 |
| 2005 PT Cruiser | 17 | 9% | 51,298 |
| 2004 PT Cruiser | 23 | 11% | 56,000 |
| 2003 PT Cruiser | 34 | 13% | 70,617 |
| 2002 PT Cruiser | 55 | 11% | 79,250 |
| 2001 PT Cruiser | 48 | 8% | 78,640 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists exterior lighting for the Chrysler PT Cruiser. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I replaced my vehicles battery 2 days ago(nov 12, 2019)(very old battery and with the cold in massachusetts it needed to be changed). Now with a properly functioning battery the voltage regulator in pcm (not alternator) is signaling alternator to raise charging voltage intermittently to as high as…
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that the high beam head lamps would illuminate randomly day or night. The contact stated that the failure occurred at least six times in one week. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic…
My exterior front lights are very dull and aren't bright when turn them on.
The rear brake lights and rear turn signals quit working. The bulbs have been changed and the car has been tested. It is the light control system that is faulty and the dealership said it is an expensive repair. The brake lights and turn signals will not work and this is a very dangerous issue. I…
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. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that the fog…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Chrysler PT Cruisers have exterior lighting problems?
No. NHTSA has 220 owner complaints about exterior lighting for the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Chrysler PT Cruiser exterior lighting?
No recall currently lists exterior lighting for this vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix exterior lighting problems on the Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Owners report a typical cost of $320 (half paid between $310 and $320), from 9 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about exterior lighting problems on the Chrysler PT Cruiser?
The most frequent phrase is “multifunction switch”, in 24 of 220 complaints, followed by “multi function” (24).
Other Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
- Electrical System problems (560)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (249)
- Air Bags problems (226)
- Suspension problems (222)
- Steering problems (220)
- Power Train problems (213)
- Engine problems (193)
- Structure problems (175)
See all Chrysler PT Cruiser problems.