NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 256 owner complaints for the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Most complaints involve electrical system (46) and suspension (32). The EPA rates it 19–22 mpg combined.
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR QUARTER GLASS ATTACHING FASTENERS MAY PULL THROUGH THEIR MOUNTS AND ALLOW THE GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“WHETHER IN MOTION OR STANDING STILL, TILT STEERING WHEEL CLAMPING MECHANISM HAS WORN THROUGH WIRES CONNECTED TO THE AIR BAG AND ITS WARNING SYSTEM, CREATING INTERMITTENT (SHORT?) FAILURE OF AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT, PRESENTING POSSIBILITY OF SUDDEN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS OFF, HORN WILL NOT SOUND BUT VENTILATION FAN RUNS. WITH AIRBAG LIGHT ON, HORN WILL SOUND, BUT IF ACTIVATED, VENTILATION FAN STOPS RUNNING. MUST CONSTANTLY ADJUST STEERING WHEEEL TILT TO MAKE FAN RUN OR HONK HORN - CREATING A DISTRACTED DRIVING HAZARD.”
“2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE FUEL LEAK LOCATION ON THE INLET NOZZLE FUEL TANK. *SMD THE DEALER STATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, CRACKED TRIM AROUND A/C UNIT, TRUNK WILL NOT STAY OPEN, FRONT BRAKES NEED REPLACING, AND REAR SHOCK NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR”
“I WAS ON THE FREEWAY, AND THE ROAD HAD A NATURAL "BUMP" IN IT, CAUSING A SLIGHT BIT OF LIFT WITH THE VEHICLE, AND THE VEHICLE SWAYED FROM SIDE TO SIDE, AND I HAD TO IMMEDIATELY SLOW DOWN, AND COUNTER STEER IN ORDER TO KEEP IT IN MY LANE. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC TODAY, AND THE RIGHT LOWER MOTOR MOUNT IS BROKEN. I JUST REPLACED THAT SAME MOUNT LESS THEN 6 MONTHS AGO. MY MECHANIC SAID THEY KNOW OF A CRUISER THAT HAD 8 FRONT RIGHT MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED. THERE IS AN ENTIRE SITE ON THE INTERNET DEDICATED TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD MAJOR ISSUES WITH MOTOR MOUNTS GOING OUT OVER AND OVER AGAIN ON THEIR CRUISERS. *TR”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT Cruiser Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| PT Cruiser Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| PT Cruiser Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| PT Cruiser Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $4,200 | 468 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $4,200 | 468 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 256 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (46), suspension (32), engine and engine cooling (30). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser at 19–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).