MYRModel Year Report

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser

● Typical for this model
2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
217
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

20% of complaints

Complaints per year

2001: 618 complaints 2001 2002: 511 complaints 2003: 258 complaints 2004: 217 complaints 2004 217 2005: 187 complaints 2006: 349 complaints 2007: 149 complaints 2007 2008: 115 complaints 2009: 97 complaints 2009 2010: 22 complaints
2001: 618 complaints 2001 2002: 511 complaints 2002 2003: 258 complaints 2003 2004: 217 complaints 2004 217 2005: 187 complaints 2005 2006: 349 complaints 2006 2007: 149 complaints 2007 2008: 115 complaints 2008 2009: 97 complaints 2009 2010: 22 complaints 2010
2001: 618 complaints 2001 2002: 511 complaints 2002 2003: 258 complaints 2003 2004: 217 complaints 2004 217 2005: 187 complaints 2005 2006: 349 complaints 2006 2007: 149 complaints 2007 2008: 115 complaints 2008 2009: 97 complaints 2009 2010: 22 complaints 2010

2004: 217 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2001618
2002511
2003258
2004217
2005187
2006349
2007149
2008115
200997
201022

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

20% · 44 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash and front underhood.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

It started with the dashboard lights and the middle stick lights (P,d,r,n++) I can't see at night what speed I'm going or my levels or anything bc the lights quit working, I had the battery replaced I've had the battery changed twice, I've had the...

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-03-10

Also filed under Engine and vehicle speed control

Suspension

19% · 42 reports

Most commonly citing wheel bearing and front.

CRASHDEATH

Steering

12% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing hose, piping, and connections and column.

CRASHDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle failed to stop after applying brakes.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-02-20

Also filed under Service brakes

On July 7, 2004, I had an coming out of a parking lot when all of a sudden my steering wheel became very hard to turn and I hit a pole on the right side of my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-09-17

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

FIRE

Exterior lighting

11% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing switch and headlights.

FIRE

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2004-03-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-06-18 Engine compartment fires
  2. R
    2004-09-20Steering04V268000 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…

    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.…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2008-05-22Suspension08E033000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 44 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 42 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 25 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V268000 · Steering
  • Recall 08E033000 · Suspension
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.