2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

290

Owner Complaints

23 Crashes 20 Fires 5 Deaths

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

4

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER

The 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER has received a total of 290 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SUSPENSION, STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS. 4 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (38 complaints), Steering (18 complaints), and Exterior Lighting (17 complaints).

Recalls for the 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER

NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER, potentially affecting up to 461,564 vehicles.

Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

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.

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Recall 08E033000 — SUSPENSION

| 6,903 vehicles affected

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.

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Recall 04V268000 — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

| 438,391 vehicles affected

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.

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Owner Complaints for the 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER

290 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical System
Complaints: 38 2 Crashes 8 Fires
Steering
Complaints: 18 2 Crashes 1 Death
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 17 1 Fire
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 17
Engine
Complaints: 13 1 Fire
Air Bags
Complaints: 11 6 Crashes 1 Fire 7 Injuries 1 Death
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 10
Suspension
Complaints: 10
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 8 1 Crash 1 Death
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 8
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 7
Tires
Complaints: 7
Wheels
Complaints: 7
Power Train
Complaints: 6
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 5
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 5
Structure
Complaints: 5 1 Fire 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Fire
Suspensionfronthub
Complaints: 4
Visibility
Complaints: 4
Wheelsrim
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 3 1 Fire 1 Injury
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 3
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Death
Seat Belts
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Seats
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Death
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 2
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Arm
Complaints: 2
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 2 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Child Seatbase
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assemblysolenoid
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingfog Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingfog Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmissionfloor Shift Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmissionlubricant
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts Rearotherbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Seatsmidrear Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11576953 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
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 Insurance because I thought under CA State Law that I was legally compliant with insurance I had purchased. I thought between two cars in a potential accident, one had to be able to cover fault for any reason if not both equally. I was told by my Insurance to go after the other Man's Insurance, even if he was not the driver and this did not seem right. The other Man's Insurance Policy had lapsed and I was told there is no coverage for being rear ended. The man said I hit him and said something about "not seeing" the light or turn signal which I demonstrated for functionality. Vehicle has been given different assessments and inspections from 1/10 when purchased to present. I paid $500 at one AAA ASE Facility and $15,000 out of Retirment plus hotel for 3 weeks for the vehicle "dying" and the problem cannot be identified. Car is doing weird things mechanically and no one can locate the problem. There is unaddressed Body Damage where the Rear Left Light (plastic and housing) broke. The vehicle has to have body repair and a new light ordered at a cost greater than what is available through an Auto Dismantler. Chrysler does not make parts for this vehicle. There was rust and corrosion in coolant and metal found in Transmission. I paid full price for a used Transmission. I need someone to review traffic footage to determine when the window went down and dog went out and why
#11389021 | STEERING | | 160,000 miles
POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKING.
#11349156 | SUSPENSION | | N/A miles
BALL JOINT ARE MISSING
#11349156 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
BALL JOINT ARE MISSING
#11317422 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 141,000 miles Fire
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 IT'S SLOW TO SHIFT INTO GEAR TO ACCELERATE IT CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE. IT WAS MY FIRST CAR IT'S NEVER BEEN WRECKED, I NEVER THOUGHT TO CHECK FOR ANY RECALLS, I BOUGHT IT IN JULY OF 17. IT'S ONLY HAD A TOTAL OF 2 OWNERS. IT USED TO SHAKE REAL BAD I COULDN'T GO OVER 55MILES AN HOUR BUT EVEN 55 WAS IFFY. THE SCARIEST THING FOR ME WAS IT LOCKING UP ON A HIGHWAY WITH AN INTERSECTING LANE I HAD JUST HAD EVERYTHING REPLACED FOR A SECOND TIME BEFORE IT STARTED SMOKING AND LOCKED UP AND COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN MY KIDS 3 & 1 WERE IN THE BACK ALL I COULD THINK TO DO WAS PULL MY EMERGENCY BREAK I DRIFTED AND SWERVED UNTIL THE CAR FINALLY CAME TO A STOP LUCKILY NOT WRECKING OR INJURING ANYONE, JUST FEAR OF DRIVING I REALLY TRUSTED THIS CAR. I HAD TO CALL THE POLICE TO GET AHOLD OF A STATE TROOPER WHO GAVE ME A COUPLE DAYS TO MOVE IT GIVEN MY CIRCUMSTANCE AND 45 MIN AWAY FROM HOME, A STRANGER STOPPED TO HELP AND OFFERED TO GIVE US A RIDE BACK TO IRONTON FROM THE WEST PORTSMOUTH HIGHWAY HE LIVED IN PORTSMOUTH OUT OF KINDNESS MOVED MY CAR TO HIS HOUSE THERE AFTER DROPPING US OFF THAT NIGHT TO KEEP FROM GETTING IT TOWED. OFFICER NOTED EVERYTHING. I DIDN'T THINK OF ANYTHING UNTIL I JUST RECENTLY GOT ANOTHER 2004 PT THAT STARTED FIRE IN THE HEADLIGHTS AND GOING THROUGH A LOT OF THE SAME PROBLEMS.

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Safety Rating for the 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 4 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

18-042-14 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Generic Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Procedure This bulletin involves programming a generic PCM with software.

1803605 — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

FLASH: ROUGH IDLE OR IDLE FLUCTUATION WITH POWER STEERING OPERATION. *SC

35 — VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

AN INCORRECT RIGHT SIDE VIEW MIRROR WAS INSTALLED ON APPROXIMATELY 20 VEHICLES. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION D35 - RIGHT SIDE MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT

03 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

AN INCORRECT VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION (VECI) LABEL WAS INADVERTENTLY INSTALLED. VECI LABEL REPLACEMENT. *TT

NHTSA Investigations for the 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the CHRYSLER PT CRUISER

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Other CHRYSLER Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report