VehicleVerdict

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser steering problems

The 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser has 25 steering complaints filed with NHTSA — 9% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

25

Steering complaints

9%

Share of year

3

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Steering complaints by year

PT Cruiser steering complaints by model year64 complaints2001: 64 complaints2002: 49 complaints2003: 29 complaints2004: 25 complaints2005: 18 complaints2006: 18 complaints2007: 12 complaints2008: 5 complaints2009: 6 complaints2010: 3 complaints
PT Cruiser steering complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many steering complaints does the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?

NHTSA has 25 complaints about the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser steering — 9% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser steering?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the steering: 04V268000.

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.