2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser: 2 recalls, 258 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #03V076000 · 2003 · 816 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Steering Vehicle recall #04V268000 · 2004 · 438,391 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Suspension Equipment recall #08E033000 · 2008 · 6,903 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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,…
The fix: 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.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 15 mention a fire, 20 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (45): the most common themes are electrical failure (24), warning light on (12), stalls / loses power (10).
- Suspension (35): the most common themes are noise or vibration (8).
- Transmission & drivetrain (35): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (11), noise or vibration (6), stalls / loses power (5).
- Exterior lights (34): the most common themes are electrical failure (20), stalls / loses power (6), fire / smoke (4).
The 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser has 258 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 10 Pt Cruiser model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 252). Complaints peaked in 2004 (36 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 49,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (511 complaints, 3 recalls), 2004 (217 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser problems?
Owners have filed 258 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (45), suspension (35), transmission & drivetrain (35).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.