Does the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the most recent reported on June 3, 2004 (Steering: hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connections). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Owners have filed 258 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (45 complaints), followed by power train (35).

How many 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser complaints mention a crash or fire?

22 of 258 complaints report a crash and 15 a fire; 20 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls and problems

2 recalls and 258 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

recalls

258

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls

Steering: hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connections

NHTSA campaign 04V268000 · reported June 3, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 438,391 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk: Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire.
The 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.

Power train: clutch assembly

NHTSA campaign 03V076000 · reported March 10, 2003 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 816 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk: If this occurs, the clutch may not disengage when the clutch pedal is depressed.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Electrical system45
Power train35
Suspension35
Exterior lighting34
Engine and engine cooling29
Steering29
Air bags20
Service brakes, hydraulic12
Vehicle speed control12
Tires11

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 28, 2026 · Seats · fire reported
The front passenger seat heating system experienced a catastrophic electrical malfunction. While the vehicle was started and parked in our driveway, the front passenger seat suddenly developed an extreme hot spot and became engulfed in flames even though the heated seat switch was in the OFF position and had not been…

Sep 15, 2024 · Seat belts
Front seat belt doesn't engage after many attempts.

Sep 15, 2024 · Electrical system
WHen the fog lights are engaged, smoke and burning smell appears to be coming inside the steering wheel on the left side.

Aug 30, 2024 · Power train
The clutch will not disengage every time and never fully disengages. I noticed my car had a recall for this problem in the past, so before doing the work, I called a dealer for Chrysler and was informed that the recall had already been performed. So I took it upon myself at my own expense to have the clutch replaced…

Jul 24, 2023 · Tires · 157,920 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Chrysler equipped with Douglas, Tire line: Dug Xtra-Trac II, Tire size: 205/55R/16 91T and DOT number: N60FN11R. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the vehicle started to perform slowly when the front passenger side tire inadvertently…

PT Cruiser model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2001	5	618	36	17
2002	3	511	40	34
2003	2	258	22	15
2004	1	217	16	15
2005	3	187	11	12
2006	1	349	35	5

Across all years, the 2001 PT Cruiser has the most complaints (618). All Chrysler PT Cruiser years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the most recent reported on June 3, 2004 (Steering: hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connections). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser?: Owners have filed 258 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (45 complaints), followed by power train (35).
How many 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser complaints mention a crash or fire?: 22 of 258 complaints report a crash and 15 a fire; 20 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 28, 2026.