Model year guide

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 113 on record.

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser — representative photo
Representative photo

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints217
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$1,770

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls 3

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #08E033000 · 14/04/2008

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.

Fix: 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.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

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.

Fix: 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.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections NHTSA Campaign #04V268000 · 03/06/2004

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.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 217 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,338

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser worth?

Low
$850
Typical price
$1,770
High
$3,000

From 102 comparable 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,690
Fuel only$16,690
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · Touring Edition · Limited Edition · GT · Base/Classic · Limited · Touring
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles on record

Other Chrysler PT Cruiser model years

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Based on 217 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, steering.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser at about 21 mpg combined (19 city / 25 highway).

How much is a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser worth?

Comparable 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser listings run roughly $850–$3,000, typically around $1,770 (from 102 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.