Model year guide

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 77 on record.

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints257
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$1,615

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls 4

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #08E033000 · 14/04/2008

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.

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 Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

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.

Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections NHTSA Campaign #04V268000 · 03/06/2004

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.

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 · 10/03/2003

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.

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 DAIML…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 257 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,375

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,615
High
$2,500

From 72 comparable 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,875
Fuel only$16,875
Per mile$0.23

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · Limited Edition · Touring Edition · Limited/Dream Cruiser · GT
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles on record

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3C4FY48B73T501135 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3C4FY48B63T620570 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition3C4FY58B33T512266 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition3C4FY58B63T569352 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited Edition3C8FY68B93T503799 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition3C4FY58B03T578810 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited Edition3C8FY68B33T518931 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition3C4FY58B43T529643 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition3C4FY58B03T648239 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3C4FY48B13T502538 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3C4FY48B93T521385 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition3C4FY58B53T646342 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition3C4FY58B13T631773 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3C4FY48B33T636709 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3C4FY48B03T650972 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition3C4FY58B53T509336 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3C4FY48B33T530003 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3C4FY48BX3T557702 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3C4FY48B73T621484 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3C4FY48BX3T550961 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited Edition3C8FY68B13T533864 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition3C4FY58B83T652247 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3C4FY48BX3T620832 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base3C4FY48B63T651401

Other Chrysler PT Cruiser model years

2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002 2001

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

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

Based on 257 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, steering, exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser at about 21 mpg combined (18 city / 24 highway).

How much is a 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser worth?

Comparable 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser listings run roughly $700–$2,500, typically around $1,615 (from 72 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.