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Body and structurePart report

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Body and structure Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
3%of 217 total for the year
Median mileage
15,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the body and structure of the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 3% of the 217 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Almost hit another vehicle/ almost went through a traffic light. I have complained mutliple times about my brake. I have had my car in to the dealer 3 times for the brakes, and every time am told brakes are fine. They did adjust the brakes once but the brakes squeal & grind all the time. Was told it was just the new style brakes/ brake rotor is rusting badly and chipping away around the top but was told this is a normal event due to the elements. Also my dashboard is coming away from my window and this has not been corrected or looked at. …”

NHTSA complaint #10113898, filed 2005-03, 15,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10213241, filed 2007-12

“The contact stated while pulling out of parking space at 2 MPH, the front bumper struck a concrete barrier without warning. The front bumper sustained minor damage, and the police were not alerted. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer, who determined that was the way the vehicle was designed. The manufacturer was alerted.”

NHTSA complaint #10175166, filed 2006-12, 17,700 miles

“Consumer has problems viewing the dashboard gauges on 2004 Chrysler Pt Cruiser due to lack of bright lighting. The design of the instrument panel block out daylight which results in the driver straining to see the reading of the speedometer, tachometer, etc.”

NHTSA complaint #10121590, filed 2005-05

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201015%
200833%
2006154%
200584%
200463%
200383%
20026713%
20016711%

Other parts of the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Electrical system
44 complaints
Suspension
36 complaints
Steering
24 complaints
Engine cooling
23 complaints
Exterior lighting
23 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
21 complaints
Engine
14 complaints
Brakes
13 complaints
Air bags
12 complaints
Wheels
11 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaints
Other or unknown
9 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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