With 4 recalls and 256 complaints, the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser rates as elevated on the safety concern scale. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool before signing.

Recalls

256

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

08E0330002008-14-04

SUSPENSION

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.

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, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

View at NHTSA

07V1490002007-04-04

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.

IF THE GLASS SEPARATES WHILE DRIVING, IT COULD STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE OR INJURE A PEDESTRIAN.

View at NHTSA

04V4810002004-08-10

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

View all 4 recalls

04V2680002004-03-06

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.

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser's biggest weak point? SUSPENSION. It leads 256 total complaints spanning 1 years. Budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially in that area.

01Suspension23

02Electrical System22

03Engine And Engine Cooling21

04Visibility16

05Steering15

256 total across 1 model years (2005–2005)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Chrysler PT Cruiser Fuel Economy

19–22mpg combined

17-19city

24-26hwy

$2,000-$3,050/yr

Fuel economy for the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser ranges from 19 to 22 MPG combined across 8 setups. The table below breaks it down by trim so you know exactly what you're signing up for.

By Trim

PT Cruiser - Manual 5-spd

22mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

19 city26 hwy~$2,000/yr-1/10 Poor

PT Cruiser Convertible - Manual 5-spd

22mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

19 city26 hwy~$2,000/yr-1/10 Poor

PT Cruiser - Automatic 4-spd

21mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

19 city24 hwy~$2,100/yr-1/10 Poor

PT Cruiser - Manual 5-spd

21mpg

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

19 city25 hwy~$2,750/yr-1/10 Poor

PT Cruiser Convertible - Automatic 4-spd

21mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

19 city24 hwy~$2,100/yr-1/10 Poor

PT Cruiser Convertible - Manual 5-spd

21mpg

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

19 city25 hwy~$2,750/yr-1/10 Poor

PT Cruiser - Automatic 4-spd

19mpg

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

17 city24 hwy~$3,050/yr-1/10 Poor

PT Cruiser Convertible - Automatic 4-spd

19mpg

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

17 city24 hwy~$3,050/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser

27States

24%in top 3

The biggest cluster of inventory is in Michigan (9%), but the remaining listings are spread across 26 other states nationwide.

MIMichigan

99%

NVNevada

88%

MOMissouri

77%

WAWashington

77%

TXTexas

66%

FLFlorida

66%

CACalifornia

66%

DEDelaware

55%

MNMinnesota

44%

AZArizona

44%

OHOhio

44%

PAPennsylvania

44%

ILIllinois

33%

VAVirginia

33%

WIWisconsin

33%

GAGeorgia

33%

OROregon

33%

DCWashington DC

33%

UTUtah

22%

COColorado

22%

ID1

IN1

AL1

NC1

NE1

VT1

NY1

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2005.

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser a good car to buy?

The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser has its strengths and its watch-outs. 4 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report suspension as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Yes, 4 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Depending on configuration, the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser delivers 19–22 MPG combined. Choose wisely. The full comparison shows how engine choice affects your wallet.

What are common problems with the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Out of 256 owner complaints, suspension issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.

How does the 2005 compare to other Chrysler PT Cruiser years?

Each Chrysler PT Cruiser model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Chrysler PT Cruiser overview page.