RoadVitals

2004 Chrysler Pt Cruiser Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
217
Latest May 17, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
31

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Chrysler Pt Cruiser, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

41
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11317422 · filed Mar 10, 2020

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

NHTSA ID 11181490 · filed Feb 21, 2019
All 41 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

37
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11738367 · filed May 17, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11317422 · filed Mar 10, 2020
All 37 reports naming engine

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

36
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BALL JOINT ARE MISSING

NHTSA ID 11349156 · filed Aug 14, 2020

WHILE DRIVING, SOMETIMES WHEN DRIVING, THE CAR WILL JERK TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT WITHOUT PROBACATION. VECHILE ACCELERATES WITHOUT FOOT BEING ON THE PEDAL. ONE TIME I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, BUT THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND THE ENGINE STARTING REVING. I HAD TO USE BOTH FEET WITH EXTREME FORCE TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN. FINALLY, I JUST THREW THE CAR INTO PARK; ONCE IN PARK, THE CAR KEPT REVING. THE PEDAL WAS NOT PRESSED.THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THIS MAKES FOR UNSAFE DRIVING, AND ONLY DUE TO MY GOOD DRIVING SKILLS DID I AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURING FOR THE PAST THREE MONTHS.

NHTSA ID 11012275 · filed Aug 2, 2017
All 36 reports naming suspension

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKING.

NHTSA ID 11389021 · filed Jan 20, 2021

POWER STEERING LEAKAGE ON TURBO MODEL ENGINE HOT POSSIBLE FIRE HAD FIXED ONCE AND IT BROKE AGAIN , THERE IS A RECALL ON THE NON TURBO MODEL ALREADY

NHTSA ID 11046000 · filed Nov 14, 2017
All 24 reports naming steering

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WAS ACTIVATED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL SWITCH NEAR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOG LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT HAD TO LIFT THE STEERING WHEEL UPWARDS IN ORDER TO ENGAGE THE HORN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURES RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10704194 · filed Apr 7, 2015

THE MULTIFUNCTION TURN SIGNAL SWITCH STARTED TO SMOKE AND WE COULDN'T TURN OFF THE FOG LIGHTS. WE HAD TO PULL THE FUSE SINCE THERE CONTINUED TO COME SMOKE OUT OF THAT SWITCH -- WE HAD TO OPEN THE WINDOWS TO DRIVE HOME IN ORDER TO GET RID OF THE SMELL/SMOKE. OUR CHRYSLER DEALER SAID THAT THIS PART IS IN HIGH DEMAND. THE PART WAS $275 AND A SIMILAR HIGH AMOUNT FOR LABOR THE FIRST TIME. FROM THAT TIME ON I ORDERED ONLINE AND REPLACED THE SWITCH TWO MORE TIMES. TODAY, 10/01/2014, THE SWITCH STARTED TO SMOKE AGAIN. THIS WOULD BE THE FOURTH SWITCH. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE A RECALL SINCE IT CAN CAUSE A FIRE AND DRAIN THE BATTERY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10640693 · filed Oct 2, 2014
All 22 reports naming exterior lighting

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

NEED TO PUT THIS VEHICLE IN SHOP TO HAVE THE RECALLS DONE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10705776 · filed Apr 15, 2015

OUR BRAKES NEEDED REPLACED FOR INSPECTION THE COMPANY REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS WE DIDN'T DRIVE MORE THE 15,000 MILES AND BRAKES STARTED GRINDING AND MAKING NOISE THEY NEEDED REPLACED AGAIN IT SEEMS THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THESE PT.CRUISERS SINCE THEY WERE MADE. HAVING TALKED TO SEVERAL OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A MAJOR COMPLAINT AMONG THE OWNERS OF PT CRUISERS NO MATTER WHAT YEAR MADE WE STILL HAVE OURS AND IT HAS HAD IT'S BRAKES REPLACED MORE OFTEN THAN WHAT IT WAS DRIVEN WE CURRENTLY HAVE 88,000 ON OURS AND THE BRAKES START THIS NOISE THEN FAIL AFTER 20,00 MILES THIS APPEARS TO BE VERY UNSAFE IT ALSO APPEARS TO HAPPEN ON THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE FIRST THEN MOVES AROUND. THIS MAKES ANY PT CRUISER UNSAFE AND THEY SHOULD BE RECALLED TO FIX THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10659441 · filed Nov 19, 2014
All 14 reports naming brakes

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AND WHIPLASH. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED MCHENRY AUTO MART (LOCATED AT 725 MCHENRY AVE, SUITE A, MODESTO, CA 95350 (209) 408-8802) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ASKED IF SHE WAS LATE ON HER PAYMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 11020979 · filed Aug 31, 2017

AS I WAS DRIVING THERE WAS SUDDENLY A LOUD EXPLOSION AND THE SMELL OF BLACK POWDER (LIKE A GUNSHOT) AND I WAS HIT VERY HARD IN THE UPPER RIGHT CHEST, DRIVER'S SIDE, BY A SHOCK WAVE THAT FELT AS IF I HAD BEEN SHOT. THE ODOR WAS COMING FROM THE AREA NEAR THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS. THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAD BEEN COMING ON AND OFF RANDOMLY FOR MONTHS. IT NEVER STAYED ON MORE THAN A FEW SECONDS. I HAD THE CAR IN FOR ITS BIG VA STATE INSPECTION, TO THE TUNE OF $2059.03, IN APRIL AT THE CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAVE TAKEN IT FOR ONE YEAR. AIR BAGS ARE NOT PART OF A REGULAR INSPECTION SO IT WAS NOT CHECKED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR INTO THE NEAREST CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP, BY LUCK IT WAS WITHIN A MILE OF WHERE THE INCIDENT HAPPENED), AND ASKED THE MEN IN SERVICE, WHO KNOW ME AND HAD SERVICED THIS CAR FOR TEN YEARS, TO COME OUT AND SMELL IT. THEY CONCURRED IT SMELLED AS IF AN EXPLOSION HAD HAPPENED INSIDE THE CAR. THE AIRBAG HAD NOT DEPLOYED; NOR SHOULD IT HAVE...THERE WAS NO CRASH OR ANYTHING. I LEFT THE CAR THERE. MY CHEST HURT. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER IN DETROIT AND A WEEK LATER THEY SENT THEIR SPECIAL VA ENGINEER WITH HIS COMPUTER TO CHECK THE COMPUTER IN THE CAR. THE OTHER DAY I RECEIVED AN OFFICIAL LETTER THAT MY CLAIM WAS BEING DENIED; NOTHING HAD BEEN FOUND. SO I WENT OVER TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE MAN DROVE IT AROUND THE LOT TO GIVE TO ME. I WAS GOING TO TAKE IT HOME. HE HAD NOT PUT THE SEAT BELT ON TO DRIVE IT TO ME. I GOT IN AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON ALL THE TIME AND THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT EXTEND. I CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR WITH AN INOPERABLE SEAT BELT AND WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON. IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE PROPELLANT THAT HIT ME IN THE CHEST, AS THE BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. IT WAS SO FAST, SO HARD, AND SCARED ME TO DEATH. I REPORTED THIS TO YOU AFTER IT HAPPENED, BUT AM RE-REPORTING IT NOW BECAUSE OF THE "RESULTS" OF CHRYSLER'S OFFICIAL INSPECTION.

NHTSA ID 10664840 · filed Dec 17, 2014
All 12 reports naming airbags

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

APPROXIMATELY 10-12 DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, ALL FOUR TIRES BEGAN TO GET FLAT. THIS HAS OCCURRED EVERY TWO WEEKS SINCE THAT TIME. EVERY TIME I FILL THE CAR WITH FUEL, I HAVE TO PUT AIR IN ALL FOUR TIRES. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER ONLINE IN EARLY FEBRUARY 2012 AND RECEIVED A RATHER FLIP RESPONSE... THANKING ME FOR TELLING THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT OFFERING NO FIX TO THE PROBLEM. THIS IS MY SECOND PT CRUISER.. AND I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY FIRST CRUISER. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO THE ALUMINUM WHEELS CAUSING AIR TO LEAK FROM THE TIRES. I ENJOY MY PT CRUISER, BUT FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM, OTHER THAN BUYING EXPENSIVE NEW WHEELS; ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. ANY HELP IN THIS MATTER WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. IT NOT ONLY GIVES ME BAD GAS MILEAGE, BUT ALSO IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10505165 · filed Mar 31, 2013

WHEELS PEEL AND CORRODE. MAKES TIRES FLAT CONSTANTLY. TIRES WILL NOT KEEP AIR. MAKES TIRES WEAR OUT OFTEN AND THEY HAVE TO BE REPLACE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10467572 · filed Jul 24, 2012
All 11 reports naming other / unspecified

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11181490 · filed Feb 21, 2019

VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, UP TO 4,000RPM WITH MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. WHEN I STOMPED ON THE BRAKES CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN, ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN AT 4,000RPM. TO SAVE MY LIFE AND OTHERS SHIFTED CAR INTO NEUTRAL, PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF IGNITION. AFTER A MINUTE OR TWO RESTARTED THE CAR AND SAME SYMPTOM WERE PRESENT, ENGINE REVIVING TO 4,000RPM, FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL, ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AS A PRECAUTION. NOTE THAT WHEN THIS FIRST HAPPENED THE CAR WAS NOT IN CRUISE CONTROL MODE, SIMPLY DRIVING AROUND TOWN RUNNING ERRANDS. THIS SITUATION IS SCARY BECAUSE I DO NOT KNOW WHEN, HOW, IF IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN, TOTALLY UNPROVOKED AND NON-SENSICAL AS TO WHY IT IS HAPPENING, WHAT TRIGGERS THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS NOW OCCURRED TWICE RECENTLY AND BECAUSE OF THIS NIGHTMARE SCENARIO I AM HESITANT, VERY VERY HESITANT TO DRIVE THE CAR. IT IS A DANGER TO MY, MY WIFE'S LIFE AND OTHER PEOPLE ON THE ROAD WE MAY ACCIDENTALLY PLOW INTO IF THE CAR DECIDES TO GO INTO RUNAWAY MODE OF ITS OWN VOLITION. YOUR CONSIDERATION OF A RESPONSE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

NHTSA ID 10909391 · filed Sep 23, 2016
All 11 reports naming powertrain (other)

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,910.

NHTSA ID 10499702 · filed Feb 22, 2013

THE FIXED REAR QUARTER GLASS ON MY 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER FELL OUT. NO DAMAGE WAS DONE TO PROPERTY OR A PERSON. THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL, G01, FOR 2005 AND 2006 PT CRUISERS. CHRYSLER REFUSES TO REPAIR THE DEFECT. THE ADHESIVE FAILED.*TR

NHTSA ID 10244323 · filed Oct 3, 2008
All 10 reports naming visibility

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THE PIECE THAT GOES FROM THE GEAR SHIFT TO THE TRANSMISSION BROKE AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CHANGE GEARS. THE CONTACT DID NOT REMEMBER THE NAME OF THE PART. THE PART WAS REPLACED ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2010 AND IT BROKE AGAIN 15 DAYS LATER. THE PART THAT WAS REPAIRED WAS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC. THE DEALER IS REPLACING THE PART AGAIN FOR FREE, BUT THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY HAPPEN AGAIN WHILE DRIVING AND SHE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CHANGE GEARS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70200.

NHTSA ID 10355990 · filed Sep 16, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND UPON RESTART DROVE AS NORMAL BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN DIRECTLY TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES DURING THIS DRIVE. HE WAS UNSURE IF THE AUTHORIZED DEALER PERFORMED ANY REPAIRS. THE FAILURE BEGAN TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CRANK SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR AND THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CAM SHAFT SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR SO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE PMC WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE HAS NOT RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 26,000. THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSORS AND POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 11/23/10

NHTSA ID 10352718 · filed Aug 30, 2010
All 10 reports naming transmission

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING RE CHRYSLER AND GM BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS OWNER OF 2004 PT CRUISER IS NO LONGER ABLE TO SEEK COMPENSATION FM CHRYSLER/GM FOR A DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THAT LEFT HER PARALYZED FROM THE NECK DOWN BECAUSE THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BACK WAS DEFECTIVE AND COLLAPSED. THE CONSUMER FILED SUIT AGAINST CHRYSLER. EXPECTING TO HAVE HER DAY IN COURT, CHRYSLER FILED CHAPTER 11 A FEW WEEKS BEFORE THE SCHEDULED TRIAL DATE. *JB

NHTSA ID 10315432 · filed Mar 3, 2010

THE DRIVER'S SEAT DOESN'T HAVE ANYTHING UNDERNEATH IT TO PREVENT ANYTHING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR FROM ROLLING UNDERNEATH IT AND UNDER THE DRIVER'S FEET. WHEN MY DAUGHTER DROPS HER TOYS OR SIPPY CUPS, IN A HARD STOP, THEY HAVE ROLLED UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND UNDER MY BRAKE PEDAL. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS!!! *TR

NHTSA ID 10189359 · filed May 1, 2007
All 9 reports naming interior & seats

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELT FAILED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.

NHTSA ID 10790134 · filed Nov 13, 2015

AS I WAS DRIVING THERE WAS SUDDENLY A LOUD EXPLOSION AND THE SMELL OF BLACK POWDER (LIKE A GUNSHOT) AND I WAS HIT VERY HARD IN THE UPPER RIGHT CHEST, DRIVER'S SIDE, BY A SHOCK WAVE THAT FELT AS IF I HAD BEEN SHOT. THE ODOR WAS COMING FROM THE AREA NEAR THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS. THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAD BEEN COMING ON AND OFF RANDOMLY FOR MONTHS. IT NEVER STAYED ON MORE THAN A FEW SECONDS. I HAD THE CAR IN FOR ITS BIG VA STATE INSPECTION, TO THE TUNE OF $2059.03, IN APRIL AT THE CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAVE TAKEN IT FOR ONE YEAR. AIR BAGS ARE NOT PART OF A REGULAR INSPECTION SO IT WAS NOT CHECKED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR INTO THE NEAREST CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP, BY LUCK IT WAS WITHIN A MILE OF WHERE THE INCIDENT HAPPENED), AND ASKED THE MEN IN SERVICE, WHO KNOW ME AND HAD SERVICED THIS CAR FOR TEN YEARS, TO COME OUT AND SMELL IT. THEY CONCURRED IT SMELLED AS IF AN EXPLOSION HAD HAPPENED INSIDE THE CAR. THE AIRBAG HAD NOT DEPLOYED; NOR SHOULD IT HAVE...THERE WAS NO CRASH OR ANYTHING. I LEFT THE CAR THERE. MY CHEST HURT. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER IN DETROIT AND A WEEK LATER THEY SENT THEIR SPECIAL VA ENGINEER WITH HIS COMPUTER TO CHECK THE COMPUTER IN THE CAR. THE OTHER DAY I RECEIVED AN OFFICIAL LETTER THAT MY CLAIM WAS BEING DENIED; NOTHING HAD BEEN FOUND. SO I WENT OVER TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE MAN DROVE IT AROUND THE LOT TO GIVE TO ME. I WAS GOING TO TAKE IT HOME. HE HAD NOT PUT THE SEAT BELT ON TO DRIVE IT TO ME. I GOT IN AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON ALL THE TIME AND THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT EXTEND. I CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR WITH AN INOPERABLE SEAT BELT AND WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON. IT MUST HAVE BEEN THE PROPELLANT THAT HIT ME IN THE CHEST, AS THE BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. IT WAS SO FAST, SO HARD, AND SCARED ME TO DEATH. I REPORTED THIS TO YOU AFTER IT HAPPENED, BUT AM RE-REPORTING IT NOW BECAUSE OF THE "RESULTS" OF CHRYSLER'S OFFICIAL INSPECTION.

NHTSA ID 10664840 · filed Dec 17, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11317422 · filed Mar 10, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE MULTI-FUNCTION ELECTRICAL SWITCH, WHICH CAUSED THE FOG LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BATTERY TO DRAIN. THE CUSTOMER REMOVED FUSE #8 DAILY TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE CONTACT HAD THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH REPLACED AT HENKEL CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE (1275 W DICKMAN RD, SPRINGFIELD, MI 49037, (800) 865-6185). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,773.

NHTSA ID 11050943 · filed Nov 28, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

JUST UNDER 78,000 MILES TURBO GOES OUT, TOOK TO DEALERSHIP, REPLACED TURBO (TOOK 6 MOS) FINALLY RETURNED THE VEHICLE AND WITHIN 1 MONTH HEAD GASKET GOES OUT (BLOWING WHITE SMOKE), WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON A SIDE ROAD (DEALER SAYS KNOWN PROBLEM, WANTS ANOTHER $2000 FOR HEAD GASKET, LOCAL DEALER SAYS "THE HEAD GASKETS FOR THAT CAR ARE THE WEAK POINT, WHEN YOU RETURN THE COMP RATIO TO NEW/NORMAL WITH A NEW TURBO. IT WILL BLOW THE HEAD GASKET OUT") REPLACED MYSELF (CANT AFFORD DEALER) NEW HEAD GASKET (MULTI LAYERED POS), NEW BOLTS (REQUIRED), NEW TIMING BELT, NOW IT WONT START, TESTED ALL SENSORS, CAM, CRANK, O/P, WATER, THROTTLE POS, REPLACED COIL, REPLACED PCM, CHASED AND INSPECTED ALL WIRING, STILL NOTHING ENGINE CRANKS OVER, BUT-IT WILL NOT START. MECHANICS AND DEALERS ALIKE SAY ITS NORMAL FOR THIS CAR BUT THEY HAVE NO IDEA OR REASON FOR IT NOT STARTING, I KEEP BEING TOLD TO CHECK THIS SENSOR, REPLACE THAT $300 PART, LOOK HERE, LOOK THERE, REPLACE THAT (ANOTHER$300) AGAIN. CHRYSLER HAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS PIECE OF CRAP AND HAS NEVER DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING THIS FOR 4 YEARS NOW CHRYSLER NEEDS TO REPAIR THIS AND REIMBURSE FOR ALL THE CRAP I'VE HAD TO REPLACE AND ALL THE B/S I'VE GONE THROUGH. THEY KNEW THE HEAD GASKET WOULD BLOW OUT AFTER A NEW TURBO WAS INSTALLED, AND DID NOTHING ABOUT IT, THEY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS NO START/NO CRANK ISSUE THESE CARS HAVE, BUT HAVE NEVER DONE ANYTHING TO ADDRESS OR FIX THE POOR CONDITION OF THEIR VEHICLES. NOW THERE'S A LINE THAT SAYS ITS POSSIBLY THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT'S CAUSING THE PROBLEM. SOUNDS TO ME LIKE THEY SOLD THE PUBLIC A LEMON AND GOT AWAY WITH IT. CHRYSLER SHOULD BE MADE TO FIX THESE PIECES OF GARBAGE OR BUY THEM ALL BACK AT WHAT THEY SOLD FOR ORIGINALLY I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHRYSLER AS LONG AS I LIVE. NOT WORTH EVEN USING AS A BOAT ANCHOR.

NHTSA ID 11118829 · filed Aug 9, 2018

ROUGH IDLE AT STOPPED INTERSECTIONS, LUNGES AND STALLS. STALLS A APPROXIMATELY 15-25 MPH WHILE MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN WHILE PLACING THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND STARTING THE ENGINE AGAIN. THE FOG LIGHTS TURN ON BY ITSELF AFTER THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF DRAINING THE BATTERY. HAD TO DISCONNECT THE FUSE IN ORDER TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. TO THIS DATE NON-FUNCTIONAL FOG LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE HAS SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FROM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NOT FUNCTIONING WHILE DRIVING TO RADIO AND CLIMATE CONTROL NOT WORKING UNTIL YOU STOP THE VEHICLE AND TURN IT OFF. THEN START THE VEHICLE AGAIN THEN IT WORKS PROPERLY FOR ANOTHER FEW DAYS. THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. WHEEL BEARING HAS BEEN AN ISSUE TOO AND CURRENTLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10576869 · filed Apr 2, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

APPROXIMATELY 10-12 DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, ALL FOUR TIRES BEGAN TO GET FLAT. THIS HAS OCCURRED EVERY TWO WEEKS SINCE THAT TIME. EVERY TIME I FILL THE CAR WITH FUEL, I HAVE TO PUT AIR IN ALL FOUR TIRES. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER ONLINE IN EARLY FEBRUARY 2012 AND RECEIVED A RATHER FLIP RESPONSE... THANKING ME FOR TELLING THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT OFFERING NO FIX TO THE PROBLEM. THIS IS MY SECOND PT CRUISER.. AND I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY FIRST CRUISER. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO THE ALUMINUM WHEELS CAUSING AIR TO LEAK FROM THE TIRES. I ENJOY MY PT CRUISER, BUT FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM, OTHER THAN BUYING EXPENSIVE NEW WHEELS; ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. ANY HELP IN THIS MATTER WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. IT NOT ONLY GIVES ME BAD GAS MILEAGE, BUT ALSO IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10505165 · filed Mar 31, 2013

I HAVE PHOTOS AVAILABLE OF THE TIRE IN QUESTION. THERE ARE 3 SEPARATE PIECES: THE COMPLETE (INTACT TREAD), THE INSIDE SIDEWALL AND THE OUTSIDE SIDEWALL. THE TIRE CAME APART WHILE DRIVING BACK FROM VISITING RELATIVES AFTER THE HOLIDAYS. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE LEFT REAR TIRE EFFECTIVELY CAME APART. THE CAR STARTED FISHTAILING AND I CAME VERY CLOSE TO RUNNING OFF THE ROAD WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ROLLING OVER. IT WAS A VERY SCARY SITUATION. I FEEL THAT THIS TIRE AND PROBABLY THE OTHER 3 TIRES HAVE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. GOODYEAR/DUNLOP WANTED THE TIRES TO BE INSPECTED BY ONE OF THEIR DEALERS AND THEN CONFISCATED AND DESTROYED. I BELIEVE THAT THE WAY THE TIRE IN QUESTION EFFECTIVELY DISINTEGRATED CONSTITUTES A SERIOUS MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. I CURRENTLY HAVE ALL FOUR TIRES STORED IN MY GARAGE. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, I AM ASKING FOR YOU TO INSPECT THESE TIRES SO IT CAN BE DETERMINED ACCURATELY WHETHER OR NOT THEY PRESENT AN ONGOING SAFETY PROBLEM. I WOULD NOT WANT ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCE THE TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE I HAD TO ENDURE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10493196 · filed Jan 16, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEELS PEEL AND CORRODE. MAKES TIRES FLAT CONSTANTLY. TIRES WILL NOT KEEP AIR. MAKES TIRES WEAR OUT OFTEN AND THEY HAVE TO BE REPLACE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10467572 · filed Jul 24, 2012

RIDING IN CAR AND SMELLED SOMETHING BAD (LIKE HOT BRAKES OR BURNING RUBBER OR PLASTIC). GRANDSON CRIED OUT FROM HIS CAR SEAT THAT SOMETHING BURNED HIM. STOPPED CAR IMMEDIATELY AND REMOVED GRANDSON, REAR PASSENGER SIDE INSIDE OF DOOR WAS EXTREMELY HOT AND HAD BEGUN TO PUCKER UP (LIKE MELTED PLASTIC). ELECTRIC WINDOW NOW DOES NOT WORK. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP 12-28-07 AND THEY SAY BECAUSE WE DO NOT HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, WE MUST PAY IN FULL, ESTIMATE IS >500.00. INSIDE OF DOOR PANEL BURNED COMPLETELY. ALSO SHOULD THE CAR NOT HAVE BLOWN A FUSE OR SOMETHING TO KEEP THIS FIRE FROM SPREADING AND CONTINUING BUT NO FUSES BLEW. WE ARE THANKFUL THAT WE ARE SAFE BUT WE ARE VERY UNHAPPY WITH PT CRUISERS AT THIS TIME. ALSO, I DOUBT THE DEALERSHIP WILL DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE HORRIBLE BURN SMELL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10213241 · filed Dec 31, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HEATED SEAT CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10795126 · filed Nov 20, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .