← Back to Search

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT

The 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT is a 215-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $23,430 MSRP and is rated at 21 mpg combined.

It makes 215 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 245 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (21 mpg combined).

The PT Cruiser measures 168.8 inches long on a 103.0-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,108 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeConvertible
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$23,430 ($41,385 *)
Engine
Engine Type2.4L Turbo I4, DOHC 16V
Displacement2.4 L
Horsepower215 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque245 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC, 16-valve
Injection TypeFuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission5-Speed Manual
Fuel Economy
City18 MPG
Highway25 MPG
Combined21 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium unleaded
Tank Capacity15 gal
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front17.0"
Wheels Rear17.0"
Tires FrontP205/50R17 H
Tires RearP205/50R17 H
Dimensions & Weight
Length168.8 in
Width67.1 in
Height63 in
Wheelbase103 in
Ground Clearance5.8 in
Curb Weight3,108 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front40.4 in
Headroom Rear39.6 in
Legroom Front40.6 in
Legroom Rear40.8 in
Shoulder Room Front54.6 in
Shoulder Room Rear53.9 in
Hip Room Front54 in
Hip Room Rear54 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4-DR.

Recalls

4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Chrysler PT CRUISER. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Apr 7, 2009 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 09E012000

Apr 14, 2008 · 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 08E033000

Jun 3, 2004 · 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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 04V268000

Mar 10, 2003 · POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

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.

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE CLUTCH MAY NOT DISENGAGE WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.

Remedy: 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 DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

NHTSA campaign 03V076000

258 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2003 Chrysler PT CRUISER

Owner Complaints

258 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Chrysler PT CRUISER (22 mention a crash, 15 a fire, 14 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System45
Power Train35
Suspension35
Exterior Lighting34
Engine And Engine Cooling29
Steering29
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jun 28, 2026 · Seats Fire
“The front passenger seat heating system experienced a catastrophic electrical malfunction. While the vehicle was started and parked in our driveway, the front passenger seat suddenly developed an…”
Sep 15, 2024 · Electrical System
“WHen the fog lights are engaged, smoke and burning smell appears to be coming inside the steering wheel on the left side.”
Sep 15, 2024 · Seat Belts
“Front seat belt doesn't engage after many attempts.”
Aug 30, 2024 · Power Train, Vehicle Speed Control
“The clutch will not disengage every time and never fully disengages. I noticed my car had a recall for this problem in the past, so before doing the work, I called a dealer for Chrysler and was…”
Jul 24, 2023 · Tires
“The contact owns a 2003 Chrysler equipped with Douglas, Tire line: Dug Xtra-Trac II, Tire size: 205/55R/16 91T and DOT number: N60FN11R. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2003 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

← Back to Search