NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser; the most frequently affected component is exterior lighting. Owners filed 258 complaints, most often about engine. Among the 6 model years of this model in the database, 2003 ranks #4 for number of recalls.
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
SuspensionCampaign 08E033000 · 14 Apr 2008
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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 — Hose, piping, and connectionsCampaign 04V268000 · 03 Jun 2004
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.
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 assemblyCampaign 03V076000 · 10 Mar 2003
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
What owners complain about
Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Engine8 · 20%
Electrical system8 · 20%
Steering8 · 20%
Exterior lighting6 · 15%
Air bags6 · 15%
Suspension4 · 10%
Vehicle speed control3 · 8%
Seats3 · 8%
When complaints were filed
201513
20167
20175
20183
20195
20222
20231
20243
20261
From owner complaints
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. After placing the vehicle into drive, the engine stalled and was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine runs rough at idle and shuts off while driving. Cannot restart. Replaced cam sensor, air intake, plugs, etc. Has happened 8-10 times in the 3 months we have owned the car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the throttle mechanism seemed to have become stuck several times at a high throttle setting. The vehicle was not towed to a dealer or independent mechanic and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not…
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 17.1volts, but has…
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.