2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 44about this part
- Share
- 20%of 217 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,206miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 44 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 20% of the 217 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,206 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 10 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After shopping for 1/2 hour, I returned to my car in the parking lot. I opened the driver's side door and discovered gray colored smoke coming up from the steering column hazard button. It smelled odd. Not like wood smell. The auto club towed my car to my local mechanic and disconnected the battery connections as he said to prevent fire. My mechanic said the wires caught fire and melted the connectors. The parts: combination switch, combo switch connector & electrical connectors, shrink tubing = total $320 parts. …”
NHTSA complaint #11034101, filed 2017-10, 75,811 miles“Fog lights will not turn off. I had to unplug the lights in order for them not to stay on. Now they are completely off. Will never buy a Chrysler product again. I have 46,000 miles and everything described in these reports went wrong with my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10475743, filed 2012-09, 41,365 miles“In my 2004 Pt Cruiser-first was unable to turn on light in rain, then all of the lights stopped working, while I was driving. Got it fixed for $600, then fog lamps will not turn off. All of a sudden there is smoke coming from the console, now the only way I can keep my fog lights from draining the battery is to remove the fuse each day. I have heard of both problems occurring in pts with other people.”
NHTSA complaint #10287429, filed 2009-10, 100,000 miles“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11317422, filed 2020-03, 141,000 miles“My 2004 Pt Cruiser after I was driving for aprox 15 min., and then parked, started smoking from under the hood. It then quickly caught fire and destroyed from the dash forward. I had the car serviced 11 days earlier at the dealership. I had no warning lights, no smoke or smell while driving. The car is a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10180774, filed 2007-01, 37,616 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10230298Jul 9, 2022Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
- 10223762Jul 9, 2022Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
- 10130081Aug 23, 2016Return: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31…
- 10129044Aug 17, 20161NT30XDVAC - Inspect and Return: Panel - Instrument Panel You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect…
- 10129043Aug 17, 2016Inspect and Return: Solenoid Module - Transmission You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of…
- 10129041Aug 12, 2016P/N CBSZR068AA: Inspect & Return: Module Kit - Occupant Restraint You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return part…
- 10217728Jul 30, 2014Generic Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Procedure This bulletin involves programming a generic PCM with software.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 3 | 14% |
| 2009 | 60 | 62% |
| 2008 | 45 | 39% |
| 2007 | 23 | 15% |
| 2006 | 138 | 40% |
| 2005 | 27 | 14% |
| 2004 | 44 | 20% |
| 2003 | 45 | 17% |
| 2002 | 97 | 19% |
| 2001 | 78 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
36 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsExterior lighting
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsEngine
14 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsWheels
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsFuel system
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology