2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls and problems

The 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser has 1 safety recall and 217 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chrysler dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

217

Crashes / fires

16 / 15

Injuries / deaths

18 / 3

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls

Recall 04V-268: Steering

Reported Jun 3, 2004 · 438,391 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	44
Suspension	42
Steering	25
Engine and Engine Cooling	24
Exterior Lighting	23
Power Train	22
Engine	14
Air Bags	12
Wheels	11
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	10
Visibility	9
Unknown or Other	8

Most reported parts

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing — 17
Suspension › Front — 8
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 7
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
Wheels › Rim — 4
Suspension › Front › Hub — 4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3
Power Train › Axle Assembly — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 52,437 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported May 17, 2026

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

Unknown or Other · reported Mar 12, 2024

I purchased the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser on 1/10/2024. I learned that the Chrysler Dealership does not make keys for the vehicle when locked out, nor does it Service the vehicle. They will "address" a Recall Notice and will do an oil change and will do an inspection only. Chrysler Dealership told me to "Come back tomorrow" when a Recall Notice was issued and they said it was not Safety Related, however a Power Steering Pressure Hose was found to be leaking/exploding oil and this IS a safety related issue. I was rear ended 1/23/24 with 2 dogs in the car. I did not purchase Uninsured Motorists…

Electrical System · at 141,000 miles · reported Mar 10, 2020

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 thermostat changed twice but it still over heats not too long ago with both of my toddlers in the car on a 3 lane highway locked up on me couldn't use the steering wheel or brakes had to pull the emergency break it's just been repetitive I bought the car from my sister who's grandmother got tired of putting money into it it stutters sometimes like…

Engine · reported Jul 1, 2019

I bought this car last year from a private owner I did not know that it had a over heating problem I really have tried everything so I then started looking it up and found out that so many people are having the same problem as me and from what I have read about it the dealership should fix my problem since the problem really comes from them from it was made

Electrical System · reported Feb 21, 2019

This vehicle has a p0037 and a p0037 dtc's that won't cancel. Findley chrysler replaced the oxygen sensors. It didn't fix it. They say the computer is bad. I sent the computer 5033293af to be repaired. They said the computer is ok. I got the codes to go away for a brief time by messing with the computer wire loom. Ihave heard there was arecall for this. Is it still available?06/08/2018

Other Chrysler PT Cruiser years

2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 200520042003 2002 2001

Compare all Chrysler PT Cruiser years · All Chrysler models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser: 04V-268 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (44 reports), followed by suspension (42). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 52,437 miles.

Are Chrysler recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chrysler dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.