Check a VIN

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission problems

35 complaints (14% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 32,208. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
35
of this car's complaints
14%
typical mileage
32,208
crashes
3
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    13
  • Clutch assembly
    8
  • Manual transmission
    5
  • Axle assembly: axle shaft: seal
    1
  • Axle assembly: axle shaft
    1
  • Axle assembly
    1
  • Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission problems in other years

200120022003200420052006200720082009

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Transmission failure 7Hesitation 6Jerking 5

Related recalls

Power train: clutch assemblyReported March 10, 2003 · 816 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 03V076000 · Recall details

What 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 30, 2024 · Acceleration, Transmission · MO

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 informed that the recall had already been performed. So I took it upon myself at my own expense to have the clutch replaced. It worked fine for a few months, but it started doing the same thing again.

Filed Jan 29, 2015 · Transmission · 160,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that the clutch did not disengage when the clutch pedal was depressed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 03v076000 (power train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed Mar 14, 2014 · Transmission · 124,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, it independently accelerated. The contact took the key out of the ignition and then attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to shift out into any gear. The vehicle was taken to independent mechanic for diagnosis, who stated that the dual mass fly wheel would need replacing. The dealer and manufacturer werealerted of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 124,000.

Filed Feb 7, 2012 · Transmission · 49,000 miles · CT

Car is manual trans, my wife drives it and has complained for quite a while of car jumping I told her it was her, the car never did it for me during test drives. In january switched cars with her it took 2 weeks for it to happen. Coming to a stop clutch would not disengage. Has also tried to engage on its own at lights. Went to dealer they said no recalls are open on car and recall for same problem was already done so you are on your own. Seems like newer of the same part was installed. Car is off the road and I have said my sorries to my wife. Please advise. Thank you.

Filed Sep 2, 2011 · Transmission · 67,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. The vehicle was previously included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v076000 (power train:clutch assembly) and was repaired prior to the contact having ownership of the vehicle. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the the contact was unable to switch gears. The contact was depressing the clutch when he noticed that the gear shifter was fractured. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostics. The technician stated the clutch assembly and the shifter cable would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.

Filed Oct 26, 2010 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · NC

I saw a story on abc news concerning deceleration on bmw vehicles and I had a similar experience in a chrysler pt cruiser. I was traveling at interstate speed and experienced a sudden deceleration of my vehicle. If someone was behind me I would have been hit. I had the vehicle towed to a chrysler dealership and was told it was a sensor in the transmission.

Filed Dec 30, 2009 · Transmission · 59,000 miles · CA

With 59,000 freeway miles, at 65 MPH vehicle downshifted abruptly and unexpectedly. Vehicle would only lurch along at a slow speed and unable to go into reverse. It had to be towed. Transmission overhaul required costing over $2,000 to repair.

Filed Oct 20, 2008 · Acceleration, Engine · 32,208 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact heard a loud humming noise coming from her vehicle. She took the vehicle to a dealer and they stated that the power steering pump failed. Power steering fluid leaked out and caused the air conditioner to fail. The unit was replaced at the cost of $1,583. The technician stated that her VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v268000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections); therefore, they would not assume financial responsibility for the repair. Several weeks after the repair, the air conditioning unit failed again. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer on numerous occasions, in which she had to replace the water pump, the throttle body, the radiator, and various components in the powertrain and steering unit. The repairs cost $4,000. Typically, the failures immediately recur after the repairs are made. The manufacturer gave her a small reimbursement of $878. The failure mileage was 32,208 and current mileage was 66,500.

Filed Feb 26, 2008 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · WI

03 pt cruiser. Sudden loss hydraulic pressure at shiftdown. Within 7/70,000 powertrain warranty. Chrysler refuses to stand behind warranty. This is a known problem.

Filed Dec 13, 2007 · Engine, Steering · 45,000 miles · DC

2003 chrysler pt cruiser with defected control arm bushings. Consumer stated that the bushings are wearing prematurely. *kb the consumer stated he has had problems with the transmission, steering column, front bearing and water pump.

Questions about the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission

Does the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 35 complaints about the transmission of the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 14% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 32,208 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 03V076000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chrysler PT Cruiser have bad transmission?

The Chrysler PT Cruiser model years with the most transmission complaints are 2001 (47 complaints), 2002 (35 complaints) and 2003 (35 complaints).

Other 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems

Electrical 45Engine 39Suspension 35Lights 34Steering 29Airbags 20Brakes 14Acceleration 12Fuel system 11Tires 11Wheels 11Body 8Seat belts 7Seats 6Locks 3Driver assistance 2Visibility 2

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history