2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser Interior & seats Problems

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 extreme hot spot and became engulfed in flames even though the heated seat switch was in the OFF position and had not been activated. The failed heated seat component has been retained and is available for inspection. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer or service center because the incident occurred at our residence and the vehicle is currently undriveable due to burned electrical wiring. Attempting to start or operate the vehicle could result in an electrical short because of the exposed and damaged wiring caused by the fire. Both the local police department and fire department responded to the scene and inspected the vehicle. There were no warning lights, warning messages, unusual odors, or prior symptoms indicating a problem before the fire occurred. This incident represents a significant fire hazard because the heated seat ignited without being turned on. Had this occurred while the vehicle was being driven or while occupants were seated in the vehicle, it could have resulted in serious injury or death due to burns, smoke inhalation, or loss of vehicle control. Likewise, had the vehicle been parked inside an attached garage, the fire could have spread to the residence and placed lives at risk.

NHTSA ID

11747003

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

Was warming my car up and drove 2 miles to my mom's house and turned it off. Came out about 30 minutes later and the car was full of smoke. Aired out the car and noticed a burnt hole in the middle of the passenger seat. The seat warmer had malfunction and started the seat on fire. Even with the vehicle turned off.

NHTSA ID

11446547

Incident

Jan 5, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS A SEAT CUSHION PLACED ON THE DRIVER SEAT AND, WHEN IT WAS REMOVED, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A LARGE BURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,078.

NHTSA ID

10785098

Incident

Oct 20, 2015

Mileage

202,078 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE SPRING INSIDE THE HOOD LATCH FRACTURED CAUSING THE HOOD LATCH TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN INFORMED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DETERMINED THE SPRING WAS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO SUSTAIN THE HOOD LATCH.

NHTSA ID

10159844

Incident

Jun 14, 2006

Mileage

77,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING FLICKERS AND THERE IS WIND NOISE NOTICED NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.

NHTSA ID

10152117

Incident

Mar 7, 2006

Mileage

4,000 mi

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE THE RIGHT REAR SEAT, IT BECAME STUCK THEN RELEASED SUDDENLY CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO FALL AND SEVERELY INJURE HIS RIGHT WRIST. *PH *MR

NHTSA ID

10066944

Incident

Nov 21, 2003

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED THAT HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHT WERE FLICKERING OFF AND ON. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED THREE TO FOUR TIMES, BUT DEALERSHIP WAS STILL UNABLE TO FIND PROPER REMEDY. *AK

NHTSA ID

10063007

AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE RANDOMLY BOTH WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF AND PARKED. *LA

NHTSA ID

10047009

Incident

Nov 14, 2003

Mileage

7,695 mi

WHILE DRIVING POWER DOOR LOCKS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED ON THEIR OWN.. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *NLM. *AK

NHTSA ID

10015946

Incident

Apr 15, 2003