Federal safety data shows 2 recalls and 216 complaints for the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, a high safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

216

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

08E0330002008-14-04

SUSPENSION

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

04V2680002004-03-06

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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.

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 216 issues reported over 1 model years, suspension problems are the most common for the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Suspension24

02Electrical System22

03Steering19

04Engine And Engine Cooling17

05Exterior Lighting15

216 total across 1 model years (2004–2004)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Chrysler PT Cruiser Fuel Economy

19–22mpg combined

17-19city

24-26hwy

$2,000-$3,050/yr

The 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser delivers 19 to 22 MPG combined across 4 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

PT Cruiser - Manual 5-spd

22mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

19 city26 hwy~$2,000/yr-1/10 Poor

PT Cruiser - Automatic 4-spd

21mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

19 city24 hwy~$2,100/yr-1/10 Poor

PT Cruiser - Manual 5-spd

21mpg

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

19 city25 hwy~$2,750/yr-1/10 Poor

PT Cruiser - Automatic 4-spd

19mpg

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

17 city24 hwy~$3,050/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser

27States

24%in top 3

Michigan has the most inventory at 9%, with options spread across 27 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

MIMichigan

99%

NVNevada

88%

MOMissouri

77%

WAWashington

77%

TXTexas

66%

FLFlorida

66%

CACalifornia

66%

DEDelaware

55%

MNMinnesota

44%

AZArizona

44%

OHOhio

44%

PAPennsylvania

44%

ILIllinois

33%

VAVirginia

33%

WIWisconsin

33%

GAGeorgia

33%

OROregon

33%

DCWashington DC

33%

UTUtah

22%

COColorado

22%

ID1

IN1

AL1

NC1

NE1

VT1

NY1

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2004.

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Buyer FAQ

What to know before you buy

Is the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser a good car to buy?

Here's the short version on the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser. There are 2 recalls to verify before purchase. Dig into the safety overview and pricing trends for recall-by-recall detail.

Are there recalls on the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

NHTSA shows 2 recall campaigns for the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Before buying, verify all recalls are complete. The dealer must fix them at no charge. See the safety section for the full list.

What's the gas mileage of the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

You'll get between 19 and 22 MPG combined from the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, depending on engine and drivetrain. That's a meaningful difference over time. The fuel economy table shows exactly which configs get what.

What are common problems with the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

SUSPENSION problems top the list with 216 total complaints filed. Not every car is affected, but it's worth asking about and inspecting. Full details in the known issues section.