12 problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser based on all problems reported for the 2003 Pt Cruiser.
I replaced my vehicles battery 2 days ago(Nov 12, 2019)(very old battery and with the cold in massachusetts it needed to be changed). Now with a properly functioning battery the voltage regulator in pcm (not alternator) is signaling alternator to raise charging voltage intermittently to as high as 17. 1volts, but has been frequently bouncing between 14. 1v -16. 7volts. This increase of voltage to a unsafe level causes all electrical accessories that are in connected to the charging system and are operational to flash/ flicker. Extremely distracting at night with headlights and dashboard flashing/ flickering. After a lot of research I found out the pcm needs to be reprogrammed with the proper updated firmware in order to fix the factory weak parameters. I spoke with a service manager today(Nov 14,2019) at my local Chrysler dealership (central Jeep Chrysler Dodge ram fiat @ 56 boston providence tpke, norwood, MA 02062) about the problem and asked to have my pcm reprogrammed since only that specific model car manufactures service shop will have the capability and pcm firmware to repair it. The manager refused to do any work on my car since he said, "I wont touch cars older than 10years and close to 100,000miles". Then asked if I was even a customer at that specific location, saying no again after I said I wasn't. There is no other option than the factory dealership to fix a factory flawed pcm, which makes the risk of my battery exploding due to the increased regulated voltage very likely. This problem isn't new to Chrysler since they have issued several TSB(s) in my specific vehicle and this exact problem: 18-112-16 18-026-03 rev. A 18-016-03 18-020-04.
My car caught fire under the hood while I was backing out a driveway and then the whole car just burned to total loss of it and it caught fire down in the bottom of the engine.
The contact owns a 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. After the vehicle was started, the check engine and air bag warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic on multiple occasions where the catalytic converter, cpu, spark plugs, and fuel cap were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. While driving various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the throttle mechanism seemed to have become stuck several times at a high throttle setting. The vehicle was not towed to a dealer or independent mechanic and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. After starting the engine, smoke was present under the hood. After driving a short distance, the driver pulled over, looked under the hood, and discovered flames coming from the engine. The fire department extinguished the flames. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Engine runs rough at idle and shuts off while driving. Cannot restart. Replaced cam sensor, air intake, plugs, etc. Has happened 8-10 times in the 3 months we have owned the car.
Car stopped at red light. Engine died and smoke began to rise from engine compartment, then flames shot out. Driver could not get door open at first then after short time locks released and driver was able to escape. Fire department extinguished flames and said fire appeared to be started by fluid leakage. This model had been subject to recall due to fires. Car had recall fix on 9/23/04. It now appears the recall fixes were not permanent and the original problem can recur. It is potentially life threatening. Attempts to discuss the problem with Chrysler were unsuccessful. Chrysler stone walled and falsely rigged their response procedure so as to avoid any responsibility. Chrysler refused to allow me to speak with any person in a position of authority. The clerks I spoke with stated that someone would be in touch with me. Finally after three attempts to speak with someone at Chrysler, and after more than one month from original contact, a letter dated may 13, 2015 was received from Chrysler stating they had tried numerous times to contact us and the claim would be dropped if we did not respond in 10 days. This quite simply is a lie! no attempt was ever made to contact us, even after we contacted Chrysler on three occasions asking to speak with someone. The letter instructed us to contact dekra automotive to arrange an inspection. We did and gave them all the information once again. We offered to send photos of the damage but dekra was not interested. On may 27 we received a letter stating they were unable to inspect the car since it had been sold (salvaged) and were closing the file. Thus, Chrysler had created circumstances through obfuscation and manipulating the response time which they felt relieved them of any responsibility, even the need to discuss the issue with us. This fire hazard still exists.
Low voltage light came on, lost all power on the highway. I had to hit the shoulder quickly. I then tested code with key (3 clicks off/on) got code p0622 and p2403. . Towed to a shop, to find out the wires from alternator to the computer shorted out, it's a known problem, wiring harness runs along cv shaft and rubs against a bolt near the frame, thus shorting out the charging system and burning out the computer. So now the bill for repairs are almost $650. 00 and lucky we got off the highway in time, almost got hit by a semi cause we lost power so quick. I am glad we didn't get killed. If Chrysler and the government knows this is a problem why is there no recall. . . . . Or a safety warning.
I am having overheating problems. I have talked with other owners of Pt Cruiser who have had the same issues. It overheats at idle and while driving. I have not found a solution to the problem yet. I have had it pressure tested and the thermostat changes and it is still overheating to dangerous levels.
Power failure.
- the contact owns a 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The vehicle would not start. The tow truck mechanic jump started the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a repair shop, the vehicle began to smoke. During diagnosis the repair shop found the vehicle to be operating with our errors. The following day the vehicle would not start and the contact had to jump start the vehicle. The contact purchased a new battery, and while driving at 40 mph the vehicle lost power in traffic. There was smoke under the hood, and the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop where the mechanic removed the head gasket and discovered the motor was burned and would need to be replaced. The vehicle is currently at the dealer waiting to be repaired. The contact stated there were no warning indicator lights. The failure mileage was 51,747.
The contact owns a 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact stated the passenger side motor mounts bolt fractured causing the engine to lean onto the passenger side axle. As a result, the cv boot fractured from the constant friction of the engine leaning on the axle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer advised that the vehicle was not under recall. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was previously involved in a crash therefore, they were unable to assist. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously involved in a crash because of the failure. The contact stated that the motor mount bolts were replaced three times previously but none of the repairs remedied the failure. The failure mileage was 97,700. Updated 03/24/lj.