Vehicle Data Hub

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine problems

Owners reported engine problems in 35 complaints for the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 12% of the complaints on file. It is the 3rd most reported problem area for this model year.

At a glance

Complaints
35 12% of this year's complaints
Typical mileage
67,000 miles 25 complaints with mileage
Crashes and fires
0 and 3
Injuries and deaths
0 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

When engine problems show up

Engine complaints by mileage, 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Complaints by odometer reading in 20,000-mile steps. The median is about 67,000 miles. 0k to 20k miles: 6 complaints 20k to 40k miles: 4 complaints 40k to 60k miles: 1 complaints 60k to 80k miles: 4 complaints 80k to 100k miles: 2 complaints 100k to 120k miles: 2 complaints 120k to 140k miles: 3 complaints 140k to 160k miles: 2 complaints 160k to 180k miles: 1 complaints 180k to 200k miles: 0 complaints 200k+ miles: 0 complaints 040k80k120k160k200k miles Typical: 67,000 miles
Based on 25 complaints that include mileage. 44% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.
View the numbers
MileageComplaints
0k to 20k miles6
20k to 40k miles4
40k to 60k miles1
60k to 80k miles4
80k to 100k miles2
100k to 120k miles2
120k to 140k miles3
140k to 160k miles2
160k to 180k miles1
180k to 200k miles0
200k+ miles0

What the data shows

Of the 25 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 67,000 miles, and 44% were reported before 60,000 miles.

These complaints mention 3 fires.

What owners wrote

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pt cruiser convertible. Immediately after placing fuel in the vehicle, it began smoking. While driving 45 MPH, the rpm's increased to approximately 6,000. When the contact eased up on the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stopped smoking and the rpm's returned to normal. The vehicle was driven to the dealer and they performed a diagnostic. The mechanic stated that the turbo was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired.

Reported at 60,950 miles, November 2008 Fire

2004 pt cruiser began to idle rough, sometimes shaking the whole vehicle. It seemed like it wanted to stall, but never did. It was always worse after a car wash or during damp, or humid weather. I used carbon cleaners in the gas, took it on the turnpike, as suggested by the dealer, but it continued. After several months, the engine light came on so I took it in. They said carbon had built up in the engine and it was not covered by the warranty because it was caused by the gasoline.

Reported at 22,000 miles, May 2006

Other problems reported for the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Engine problems in other years

Engine problems across all Chrysler models