2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine problems

Owners reported engine problems in 37 complaints for the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 10% of the complaints on file. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.

Complaints: 37 11% of this year's complaints
Typical mileage: 58,000 miles 28 complaints with mileage
Crashes and fires: 1 and 4
Injuries and deaths: 0 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

When engine problems show up

Based on 28 complaints that include mileage. 50% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.

View the numbers

Mileage	Complaints
0k to 20k miles	5
20k to 40k miles	5
40k to 60k miles	4
60k to 80k miles	3
80k to 100k miles	4
100k to 120k miles	4
120k to 140k miles	0
140k to 160k miles	2
160k to 180k miles	1
180k to 200k miles	0
200k+ miles	0

What the data shows

Of the 28 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 58,000 miles, and 50% were reported before 60,000 miles.

These complaints mention 1 crash, 4 fires.

What owners wrote

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated the power steering hose was leaking on the engine. The contact also heard a loud noise and the smell of burning fumes emitting into the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the hose and motor mount needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance since her vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired.

Reported at 37,000 miles, October 2011 Fire

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 been frequently bouncing between 14.1v -16.7volts.

Reported at 96,000 miles, November 2019

Engine problems in other years

Engine problems across all Chrysler models