2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Suspension, Wheels & Tires leads by volume: 57 of 258 complaints (22%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Steering include more deaths (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 511 in 2002 to 258 in 2003.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | vs. 2003 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,100 | 2,850–3,100 | 2,850–4,100 | 2,850–4,100 | 2,850–4,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 20 | 20–22 | 19–22 | 19–22 | 19–22 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17–18 / 23–24 | 17–19 / 23–27 | 17–19 / 23–26 | 17–19 / 24–26 | 17–19 / 24–26 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 444 | 404–444 | 404–468 | 404–468 | 404–468 | |
| Complaints filed | 618 | 511 | 258 | 217 | 256 | |
| Recalls issued | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 36 | 40 | 22 | 16 | 15 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 17 | 34 | 15 | 15 | 13 | |
| Injuries reported | 36 | 50 | 20 | 18 | 24 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 8 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Suspension, Wheels & Tires: 57 of 258 NHTSA complaints (22%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser get?
EPA rates it 19–22 MPG combined across 4 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
EPA estimates $2,850–$4,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 17 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 17 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 18 mpg | 25 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 19 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | $2,850 (low) | 404 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 39 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 35 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 11 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical | 46 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Brakes | 16 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 29 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 57 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 24 | 14 | 2 | 16 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 12 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 17 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 35 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Other | 14 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (4)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009
Defect: 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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
SUSPENSION · Campaign 08E033000 · Apr 17, 2008
Defect: 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 WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS · Campaign 04V268000 · Jun 3, 2004
Defect: 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.
Consequence: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
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. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY · Campaign 03V076000 · Mar 17, 2003
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE CLUTCH MAY NOT DISENGAGE WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLYWHEEL AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLIES WITH THE UPDATED DESIGN PARTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.