Three problems related to steering column 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.
When adjusting the steering column, or turning right or left, the radio and horn are disabled. Pulling or pushing the steering column will enable the radio and horn. The dealership worked on this problem, and at one point thought it was corrected, however, after securing a loose wire that corrected the horn problem the technician wanted the car to remain at the dealership overnight so as to confirm the correction in the morning with a cold start. The technician determined that the correction failed, and the dealership recommended replacing the steering column. This correction is at the cost of the owner. I was advised that on the day that my car was service another pt owner brought her car to the dealership with the indentical problem.
When turning the steering wheel towards the left the steering wheel skipped. Consumer notified the dealer about this issue.
The contact owns a 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The contact's wife was involved in an accident where the break away design of the steering wheel caused a fatal injury. The police ruled that the fatality occurred as overcorrecting. The contact stated he knew of another case within a ten mile radius where the same type of fatality happened.