CarRecallDB

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls and problems

1 recall and 217 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

1
recalls
217
owner complaints
16
complaints mentioning a crash
15
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls

Steering: hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connections

NHTSA campaign 04V268000 · reported June 3, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 438,391 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

May 17, 2026 · Engine · fire reported

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

Mar 12, 2024 · Unknown or other

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…

Jan 20, 2021 · Steering · 160,000 miles

POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKING.

Aug 14, 2020 · Suspension

BALL JOINT ARE MISSING

Mar 10, 2020 · Electrical system · 141,000 miles · fire reported

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…

PT Cruiser model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 56183617
2002 35114034
2003 22582215
2004 12171615
2005 31871112
2006 1349355
2007 0150183

Across all years, the 2001 PT Cruiser has the most complaints (618). All Chrysler PT Cruiser years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the most recent reported on June 3, 2004 (Steering: hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connections). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
Owners have filed 217 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (44 complaints), followed by suspension (36).
How many 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser complaints mention a crash or fire?
16 of 217 complaints report a crash and 15 a fire; 18 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 17, 2026.