2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 11%of 217 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 11% of the 217 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The fog lights in my 2004 Chrysler Pt Cruiser stay on, even after the ignition is turned off. I have to leave the left blinker on for the fog lights to turn off. And some times the fog lights turn on for no apparent reason with the ignition off. The fog lights stay on and drains the battery down , did not notice till it was parked on the street and roommate told me my lights were on.”
NHTSA complaint #10497909, filed 2013-02, 51,150 miles“The fog lights in my 2004 Chrysler Pt Cruiser remain on, even after the ignition is turned off. I have to remember to leave the left blinker on for the fog lights to turn off. Other times the fog lights come on for no apparent reason with the ignition off. The fog lights stay on and drains the battery.”
NHTSA complaint #10459839, filed 2012-05, 113,000 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“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10640693, filed 2014-10, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10130080Aug 22, 201605182535AD - Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | 9% |
| 2009 | 4 | 4% |
| 2008 | 7 | 6% |
| 2007 | 9 | 6% |
| 2006 | 21 | 6% |
| 2005 | 17 | 9% |
| 2004 | 23 | 11% |
| 2003 | 34 | 13% |
| 2002 | 55 | 11% |
| 2001 | 48 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
44 complaintsSuspension
36 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsEngine cooling
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 31, 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