2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser has a Complaint Index of 60 and ranks 3rd-worst out of 6 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 187 complaints, 3 recalls, 12 fires, and 11 crashes, with Engine issues topping the complaint list.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 60/100
- #3 of 6 PT Cruiser years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 187
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 11
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 12
- Injuries
- 18
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 24.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 18 / 0
Top 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine45 (24%)
- Electrical System40 (21%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires38 (20%)
- Visibility & Wipers21 (11%)
- Steering18 (10%)
- Fuel System16 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain13 (7%)
- Brakes12 (6%)
- Other11 (6%)
- Airbags10 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine compartment fires reported both while driving at low speed and after recent servicing, in one case totaling the vehicle.
- Airbags failed to deploy in multiple crashes, including collisions at around 30-40 mph and a slide on black ice, with drivers reporting head, chest, or knee injuries.
- Electrical short circuits, including one traced to a battery cable, led to a fire that destroyed a vehicle.
- Steering system problems included an inability to turn the steering column along with a burning smell, tied to a rack-and-pinion and steering hose issue.
- Suspension and tire complaints included a hydroplaning crash where the owner was told the vehicle had incorrect tires for wet conditions.
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 07V149000Apr 4, 2007Visibility & Wipers38,447 vehicles
Visibility:glass, side/rear
On certain passenger vehicles, the rear quarter glass attaching fasteners may pull through their mounts and allow the glass to separate from the vehicle.
Risk: If the glass separates while driving, it could strike another vehicle or injure a pedestrian.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear quarter glass. The recall began on april 30, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- NHTSA 04V481000Oct 8, 2004Brakes115 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock braking system (ABS), 2.4l high output turbocharged engine, and 5-speed manual transaxle, may exhibit inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the transaxle housing.
Risk: Contact between the brake tube and the transaxle housing over an extended period of time may eventually lead to perforation of the brake tube, which could lead to a loss of braking force in the left front/right rear circuit of vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will install revised brake tubes. The recall began october 25, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- NHTSA 04V268000Jun 3, 2004Steering438,391 vehicles
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
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.
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 24.5 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,450
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other PT Cruiser years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 PT Cruiser has a Complaint Index of 60 and ranks 3rd-worst of 6 model years, giving it a Caution verdict. It has fewer complaints than 2006 and 2007 but more reported problems than 2008-2010.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 PT Cruiser?
- NHTSA complaint data shows Engine issues as the top problem area (45 complaints, 24% share), followed by Electrical System (40 complaints, 21%) and Suspension, Wheels & Tires (38 complaints, 20%).
- Does the 2005 PT Cruiser have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 PT Cruiser covering rear quarter glass fasteners, brake tube clearance, and a power steering hose that could contact the transaxle differential cover. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- What year PT Cruiser should I avoid?
- Among the years with data, 2006 and 2007 carry the Avoid verdict with Complaint Index scores of 100 and 80. The 2005 model sits in Caution territory, better than those two years but worse than 2008-2010.
- What is the median mileage for failures reported on the 2005 PT Cruiser?
- Across all reported problems, the median mileage at failure is 59,000 miles, though Engine complaints show a median of 64,040 miles and Fuel System complaints a median of 35,500 miles.