Sell your 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser for cash

The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a SUV that came with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine. At 21 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

  • Free offer for your 2005 PT Cruiser in about 30 seconds
  • Free towing, running or not
  • Paid at pickup

Get an offer for your 2005 PT Cruiser

Six quick questions. No obligation.

Thanks! Online offers are launching soon. Please check back shortly.

Free, no-obligation offer. Free towing included.

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser at a glance

Body styleSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Engines2.4L 4-cyl (turbocharged versions available)
TransmissionsAutomatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd
DriveFront-Wheel Drive
FuelPremium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline
Fuel economy17–19 city / 24–26 highway / 19–22 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$3,050–$4,350 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂404–468 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA8 configurations: PT Cruiser, PT Cruiser Convertible
Age21 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 21 years old, most of a 2005 PT Cruiser's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a SUV, it's heavier than a typical car, and scrap weight is a big part of any junk offer. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Recalls: NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 PT Cruiser. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the electrical system, typically around 64,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls covering the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.

VisibilityApr 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V149000

On certain passenger vehicles, the rear quarter glass attaching fasteners may pull through their mounts and allow the glass to separate from the vehicle.

Risk: If the glass separates while driving, it could strike another vehicle or injure a pedestrian.

Service Brakes, HydraulicOct 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V481000

Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock braking system (ABS), 2.4l high output turbocharged engine, and 5-speed manual transaxle, may exhibit inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the transaxle housing.

Risk: Contact between the brake tube and the transaxle housing over an extended period of time may eventually lead to perforation of the brake tube, which could lead to a loss of braking force in the left front/right rear circuit of vehicle.

SteeringJun 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V268000

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.

Risk: Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire.

Common 2005 PT Cruiser problems

Owners have filed 256 complaints about the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser with NHTSA. 15 reports involved a crash and 13 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 24 injuries.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Electrical System42
  • Steering21
  • Exterior Lighting20
  • Engine and Engine Cooling16
  • Suspension13
  • Engine11

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Electrical System64,000 mi
  • Steering94,000 mi
  • Exterior Lighting63,000 mi
  • Engine and Engine Cooling48,000 mi
  • Suspension57,000 mi
  • Engine91,000 mi

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 66 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Equipment9
  • Structure9
  • Electrical System8
  • Engine and Engine Cooling7
  • Engine and Engine Cooling5
  • Equipment5

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2021 · 9004009

    Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed durin

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 2021 · 9004009

    Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed durin

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 2020 · 9004275

    KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 2020 · 9004275

    KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2020 · 23-015-20

    Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2020 · 08-049-20

    Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging system

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA opened 2 defect investigations covering the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

VisibilityEA07004 · opened Feb 2007, closed Apr 2007Led to recall 07V149000

Rear quarter panel glass separation

Daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) will recall model year 2005 and 2006 PT Cruiser vehicles produced from 5/17/05 through 9/1/05 to correct a potential defect in the rear quarter panel glass that may separate from the vehicle.dcc will inspect the rear quarter panel glass and replace if necessary.dcc will begin notifying

SteeringPE04028 · opened Mar 2004, closed Jun 2004Led to recall 04V268000

Engine compartment fires

Pe04-028 was opened to investigate seven complaints alleging that the engine compartment caught fire on my 2002 PT Cruiser vehicles.on june 3, 2004, daimlerchrysler (dcc) notified NHTSA of a safety defect in my 2001-2005 PT Cruiser vehicles equipped with naturally aspirated 2.4l engines and automatic transaxles (recall

Selling a 2005 PT Cruiser: questions

How much is a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 2005 PT Cruiser that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 2005 PT Cruisers that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

Can I sell a 2005 PT Cruiser with open recalls?

Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 2005 PT Cruiser?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

Get cash for your 2005 PT Cruiser today

Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.

Get my offer