2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2.1L Diesel · SM53 FLV
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser (2.1L, diesel). First registered 01 Nov 2003. Recorded mileage 54,463 miles. MOT expired on 15 Jul 2016.
- Make & Model
- CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Edinburgh
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 15 Jul 2016
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Nov 2015)
- Recorded Mileage
- 54,463 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.1L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
SM53 FLV Key Findings
- 10 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 16/07/2015
- 54,463 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 10 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (21 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SM53 FLV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
10 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Chrysler Pt Cruiser (SM53 FLV) between November 2006 and July 2015.
The record contains 7 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 16 July 2015 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 3 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (21 issues), Tyres (11 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 17 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)”; “Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)”; “Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)”.
SM53 FLV Mileage History
- 03/11/200694,563 mi
- 05/11/2007118,729 mi+24,166 mi
- 05/11/2007118,733 mi+4 mi
- 25/10/2008131,830 mi+13,097 mi
- 10/06/2009135,722 mi+3,892 mi
- 11/06/2009135,722 mi
- 17/05/201128,552 mi-107,170 mi
- 21/05/201128,567 mi+15 mi
- 24/05/201237,203 mi+8,636 mi
- 16/07/201554,463 mi+17,260 mi
Average of roughly -4,610 miles per year across 10 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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Known faults for Chrysler Chrysler PT Cruiser
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Common Problems: CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Cooling-system leaks and overheating(Serious)
Radiators, hoses and thermostat housings can age badly, and a PT Cruiser that has overheated even once is a much riskier proposition than the price suggests.
- Front suspension bush and ball-joint wear(Moderate)
The PT Cruiser is heavy for its size and wears front suspension parts regularly, which creates knocks, vague steering and repeat MOT advisories.
- Body-control and crank-sensor electrical faults(Moderate)
Older PT Cruisers can suffer from random non-starts, warning lights and accessory failures caused by sensors, wiring or body-control-module faults.
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Batch Registration Neighbors (SM53 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as SM53FLV.
CHRYSLER PT CRUISER Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2003 model year cars.
- Cooling-system leaks and overheatingSerious
Radiators, hoses and thermostat housings can age badly, and a PT Cruiser that has overheated even once is a much riskier proposition than the price suggests.
- Front suspension bush and ball-joint wearModerate
The PT Cruiser is heavy for its size and wears front suspension parts regularly, which creates knocks, vague steering and repeat MOT advisories.
- Body-control and crank-sensor electrical faultsModerate
Older PT Cruisers can suffer from random non-starts, warning lights and accessory failures caused by sensors, wiring or body-control-module faults.
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