VehicleVerdict

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser sits mid-pack among PT Cruiser years: 291 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 267, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 5 deaths and 22 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (45), suspension (42), and engine (38), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

291

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

23

Crash-involved

21

Fires reported

22

Injuries

5

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other PT Cruiser years?

PT Cruiser NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted799 complaints2001: 799 complaints2002: 658 complaints2003: 354 complaints2004: 291 complaints2005: 244 complaints2006: 512 complaints2007: 203 complaints2008: 171 complaints2009: 158 complaints2010: 30 complaints
PT Cruiser NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all PT Cruiser years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4515%
Suspension4214%
Engine3813%
Steering259%
Lighting248%
Transmission228%
Tires & Wheels186%
Brakes134%
Airbags124%
Visibility & Wipers103%
Other93%
Fuel System72%
Seat Belts62%
Body & Structure62%
Seats62%
Speed Control62%
Latches & Locks10%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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.

08E033000SuspensionApril 14, 2008 · 6,903 units

Defect

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.

04V268000SteeringJune 3, 2004 · 438,391 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HEATED SEAT CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 20, 2015 · fire

“STARTING IN THE FALL OF 2006 WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN IT MADE A GRINDING, SQUEALING NOISE. IT WAS VERY LOUD. THOUGHT IT NEEDED BRAKES, AND HAD IT CHECKED . THEY WERE FINE. THEN, IT FELT LIKE THE TIRE WAS BAD ON THE PASSENGER'S FRONT. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER IN MID MARCH 2007 TO HAVE THE TIRE CHECKED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 6, 2007 · crash

“So I had been having issues with the car overheating well I'm almost home and my daughter says she smells smoke so pull over and rush to get my babies out of the car because under the hood it had caught on fire ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 27, 2020 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE VEERED OFF THE ROAD HITTING A CULDER. ONCE THIS OCCURRED THE VEHICLE STRUCK A TELEPHONE POLE FLIPPING ON THE NOSE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAD TO BE CUT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AFTER BEING TRAPPED FOR OVER AN HOUR. THE CONSUMER DIED ON THE SCENE. PLEASE COMPLETE FORM. *JB…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 14, 2004 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WAS ACTIVATED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL SWITCH NEAR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOG LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT HAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · April 1, 2015 · fire

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser — common questions

Is the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?

It is close to typical for the PT Cruiser: 291 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2004 PT Cruiser problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (45 complaints), suspension (42 complaints), engine (38 complaints).

Does the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chrysler PT Cruiser years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the PT Cruiser years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 2006. The cleanest record among PT Cruiser years belongs to 2010.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.