10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 1
Average Mileage:
76,508 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser steering problems

steering problem

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2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Owner Comments

problem #18

Dec 142020

PT Cruiser

  • 160,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Power steering hose leaking.

- Whitwell, TN, USA

problem #17

Jan 232016

PT Cruiser

  • 102,618 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler PT CRUISER. While driving approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to control. The contact parked the vehicle and added steering wheel fluid to the vehicle. The next morning, the contact noticed fluid underneath the vehicle. The contact informed the manufacturer who verified that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V268000 (steering) and was unable to provide a free repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 102,618.

- Estes Park, CO, USA

problem #16

Jan 072015

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler PT CRUISER. The contact stated that while the vehicle being inspected, it was discovered that the suspension needed to be repaired and that the power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 04V268000 (steering) and 08E033000 (suspension) however it was informed that the recalls had expired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000. Updated 3/31/15 updated 7/8/2015

- Plaistow, NH, USA

problem #15

Sep 032012

PT Cruiser

  • 86,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler PT CRUISER. The contact stated that the power steering hose fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the power steering hose on two occasions but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed that the power steering hose needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 04V268000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

- Citrus Heights, CA, USA

problem #14

Dec 172014

PT Cruiser

  • 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler PT CRUISER. The contact stated that while making a turn, there was a grinding noise coming from the steering wheel. On one occasion, the vehicle was started and the steering wheel seized. The contact discovered that the power steering fluid was leaking. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the power steering hose was exposed to the transmission and ruptured causing the power steering fluid to leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

- Reston, VA, USA

problem #13

Nov 082014

PT Cruiser

  • 107,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler PT CRUISER. While driving 65 mph, the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the power steering pipe and pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Waverly, NY, USA

problem #12

May 192014

PT Cruiser

  • 141,304 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I left my residence at approx 8:45am on 5/19/2014 turned North steering was fine, the speed limit is 40mph, changes to 45, then 55, then down to 35mph approx.5.5 miles from my right turn, I turned left (West) entering a gas station breakinng at 35mph and found I had no power steering. It took all I could do to avoid hitting the gas pumps.

- Machias, NY, USA

problem #11

Feb 182014

PT Cruiser 4-cyl Diesel

  • 116,000 miles
The vehicle failed to stop after applying brakes.

- Beverly Hills, CA, USA

problem #10

Mar 102010

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler PT CRUISER. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, there was a loss of power steering assist without warning. The steering wheel became difficult to maneuver even though force was being applied. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the power steering pressure hose was replaced. The failure recurred eight months after the repair. There was a recall associated with the failure under NHTSA campaign id number 04V268000 (steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The failure mileage was unavailable. Updated 3/25/14 the consumer stated the power steering hose was replaced 3 times. The consumer stated each time, the belt went out, she lost steering capability. The belts would get dirty from the power steering fluid. The failure of the hose, caused damage to the power steering pump. Updated 04/24/14

- Bolingbrook, IL, USA

problem #9

Sep 072013

PT Cruiser

  • 125,887 miles
I found that you all had issued a recall on 2004 non turbo Chrysler PT CRUISER pressure hose. I have a turbo'ed edition, however I have not found where there are any differences in any of the power-steering components for this edition of the vehicle. I have found a leak in my pressure hose that connects to the power steering that looks like it may have been burned from touching another part on the car. I am not a mechanic so I have not attempted to do any work on this vehicle. I cannot have the part replaced because the recall is for "non-turbo" editions of the car. I would ask that someone please explain to me how the power steering components are different from the recalled 04 PT CRUISER.

- Richmond, VA, USA

problem #8

Apr 262013

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2004 Chrysler PT CRUISER. Consumer writes in regards to power steering hose recall notice. The consumer submitted a paid invoice, for the pressure hose.

- East Aurora, NY, USA

problem #7

Aug 122012

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • 93,330 miles
While pulling into parking space car became difficult to move forward. Inspection of the car reviewed the front tires were pointing in opposite directions. Visual inspection of the car showed the passenger side outer tire rod end separated from the steering knuckle. Car was towed, tie rod end replaced. ( have part if needed).

- Asbury, NJ, USA

problem #6

Jul 302009

PT Cruiser

  • 68,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler PT CRUISER. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the steering became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test. The mechanic stated that the power steering pressure hose would have to be replaced because it was fractured and was causing steering fluid to leak. The vehicle was repaired. After the repair, the failure occurred a second time. The vehicle was taken to another mechanic for a diagnostic test. The mechanic stated that the power steering pressure hose would have to be replaced a second time. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 04V268000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections) that may be related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #5

Dec 012011

PT Cruiser 4-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
My PT CRUISER has had to have all of the front end replaced, car started acting up at 50,000 miles and I now how almost 81,000 and I have replaced everything in the front end except the cv joints, which I hope does not need after I send this. I just had to have the rack and pinion done. When speaking with Chrysler directly they state that the PT CRUISER has had a lot of recalls due to front end, but I am told that my VIN number does not fall in the mix. I am the only owner of my PT CRUISER. I have replaced parts on my car starting back in 2010 early 2011.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #4

Jan 202010

PT Cruiser

  • 72,000 miles
My 2004 PT CRUISER needs the front hub assembly replaced again after approximately 40,000 miles. The bearings are shot and you have to buy a whole assembly rather than an individual bearing. I've spoken to numerous owners and they too have this problem is there a chance of a recall??

- Moore, OK, USA

problem #3

Jun 012008

PT Cruiser

  • 46,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler PT CRUISER. The contact heard a loud grinding noise in the steering column. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the power steering hose needed to be replaced at the cost of $200. The manufacturer stated that his VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 04V268000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections); therefore, they would not assume financial responsibility for the repair. He has not had the vehicle repaired. The failure mileage was 46,000 and current mileage was 50,647.

- Twinsburg, OH, USA

problem #2

Jul 092008

PT Cruiser

  • 43,000 miles
Grinding noise, wobble in steering-left front wheel bearing gone at 43000 miles-replacement cost $300.

- Topeka, KS, USA

problem #1

Oct 142004

PT Cruiser

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving, the vehicle veered off the road hitting a culder. Once this occurred the vehicle struck a telephone pole flipping on the nose of the vehicle. The consumer had to be cut out of the vehicle after being trapped for over an hour. The consumer died on the scene. Please complete form.

- Smyrna, TN, USA

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