2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Chrysler PT Cruiser 2004

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2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser repairs by problem area

Engine (42%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (5%)

Brakes and Traction Control (3%)

Suspension and Steering (35%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (12%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (1%)

Other (3%)

Chart based on 133 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser repair cost distribution

$2500+ (5%)

$1000 - $2499 (8%)

$500 - $999 (13%)

$100 - $499 (39%)

< $100 (36%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 120 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Engine not specified

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Virginia, United States
Nov 2009 - Jun 2011
Jun 2010

61000 mi

US $85
Recharged air conditioner 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Indiana, United States
Mar 2009 - May 2009
Apr 2009

83000 mi

US $200
Took car in for engine noise, A/C problems, and stuttering. Mechanic found over $4000 of damage, including a cracked engine mount, bad wheel bearings, and more. Ended up trading in car. 

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2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 220hp 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Ontario, Canada
Nov 2008 - Sep 2011
Dec 2008

32240 mi
5-speed manual transaxle - 2nd gear disappeared. 17 inch chromed/alloy wheels - chrome peeling off. 
Jun 2009

39060 mi
#1 Spark Plug blew out of Head. Dealer had replaced 4 spark plugs less than 1 year ago under TSB. Cause either over torque or cross thread. Noticed large oil leak around plug they replaced using re-tap & heli-coil procedure second day after fix. This time they replaced 4 Plug guidepipes & gasket sets, also talked them into replacing hodd silencer pad which was damaged by 1st problem 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Switzerland
Sep 2005 - Sep 2016
Jul 2005

34100 mi
Front Rotors replaced because they were bent from heat. Replaced under warranty Fuel Pump replaced because of excessive noise.Replaced under warranty 
Jan 2006

60760 mi

$400
Front Rotors replaced because of bent Rotors. New Brake Pads installed. 
Jun 2009

99200 mi

$150
Both Front Wheel Bearings replaced, though only left side made noise. 
Oct 2011

136400 mi

$150
Both Front Wheel Bearing replaced, though only one made noise. 
Jul 2015

184760 mi

$105
Engine Light came on and stayed. Replaced Camshaft Position Sensor 
Sep 2015

191580 mi

$85
Power Steering Hoses replaced due to minor leakage 
Sep 2016

202740 mi
Grinding noise within the gearbox, probably a bearing... 

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2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 220hp 2.4L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Chrysler PT Cruiser in North Carolina, United States
Jul 2009 - Oct 2014
Apr 2010

69500 mi

US $287
Replaced Transaxle and Rt Axle 
Apr 2014

110200 mi

US $350
Turbocharger replacement 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Alberta, Canada
Nov 2009 - Jun 2013
Mar 2011

58280 mi

C $700
Engine trouble light came on and stayed. Dealer did a tuneup and cleaned injectors. They said to bring back the car for more work. After paying the dealer $700, I am reluctant to go back.  
Jul 2011

60760 mi

C $1000
Engine trouble light came on and stayed. Dealer did a tuneup and cleaned injectors. They said to bring back the car to replace the injectors. 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in California, United States
Nov 2009 - Jul 2014
Mar 2010

107000 mi

US $1800
Timing belt replacement 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Quebec, Canada
Jun 2010 - Apr 2011
Apr 2011

94860 mi

C $200
Wheel bearing had to be replaced 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Florida, United States
Mar 2012 - Aug 2013
Feb 2013

53600 mi

US $60
Camshaft sensor when bad i replace it and rest the computer codes, its been running ok 
Aug 2013

55000 mi

US $100
Front wheel bearing when bad, it was making a noise and change if turning 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Washington, United States
Apr 2009 - Jul 2011
May 2009

48000 mi

US $700
Also had A/C issue, not cooling. Couldn't find leak, recharged A/C, still working 3 weeks later. 
Aug 2009

48000 mi

US $1394
After previous repair, A/C worked for approximately 1 month. Took to dealer who found a cracked fitting on the suction hose. Had to wait 3 days for parts. ~$120 parts, ~$600 labor to fix. Check engine light came on at ~30 mph. Took to dealer -- computer showed misfire on cylinder #3. Plug showed signs of carbon tracking. Had them replace plugs and wires and to clean throttle body & injectors. ~$500 tune + $720 A/C + tax = $1394.00 
Oct 2009

49000 mi

US $540
Underhood noise on passenger side sounded like belts chirping. Turned out that car needed a new idler pulley and belts. 
Mar 2011

55000 mi

US $600
Leaking power steering hose. Hose replaced, system purged and fluid replaced. New expensive power steering hose was cut too short by dealer and came off fitting, dumping entire system fluid on ground after a week of driving. Car NOT drivable. Husband spent 2 days rerouting and fixing hose after $600 dealer repair! 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Oregon, United States
Feb 2009 - Jun 2010
Mar 2009

92000 mi
New timing belt, water pump and belts. 
Jan 2010

102300 mi

US $135
Loud clunk in frunt end. probably a body panel flexing 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Arizona, United States
Aug 2017 - Jun 2018
Sep 2017

95000 mi

US $1400
Timimg belt and water pump replaced Replaced broken motor mounts 
Feb 2018

105000 mi
Faulty spark plugs - core came loose. replaced under warranty 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Texas, United States
Aug 2008 - Sep 2012
Sep 2008

25000 mi

US $15300
Engine missfiring traced to a faulty plug wires and a weak coil pack. 
Nov 2008

27000 mi
Autotrans. was very slow to up shift will hold and stay in second gear dealer reflashed the computer and problem solved the car has been working fine and the trans. works just fine very pleased with dealers work 
May 2009

29000 mi

US $31200
engine over heated stuck thermostat closed position thermostat replaced cooling system flushed problem repaired 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Alberta, Canada
Aug 2008 - Nov 2010
Jan 2009

43400 mi

C $160
Camshaft sensor replaced. 

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2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 180hp 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Chrysler PT Cruiser in North Carolina, United States
Nov 2008 - Mar 2011
Jan 2009

40000 mi
BCM module failure...shorted out instrument cluster. awaiting parts to complete repair P0456 code....leak found & repaired according to dealer tech. 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Tennessee, United States
Jul 2012 - Nov 2016
Aug 2012

130000 mi

US $2700
A cam and crank sensor went bad plus the O2 sensors. Another bad bearing. PCM failed. 
May 2013

139900 mi

US $2700
Cooling fan failed and radiator burst 
Feb 2014

145000 mi

US $3000
Busted control arm 
Jan 2015

137800 mi

US $150
Drive belt and tensioner replaced. 
Mar 2016

161000 mi

US $1200
Front end suspension shot. Most parts replaced. 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Michigan, United States
Sep 2013 - Jun 2015
Oct 2013

129300 mi

US $250
needed a new radiator. Still needs water pump, head gasket and timing belt but running ok at the moment. 
Apr 2014

148000 mi

US $700
Timing belt/ water pump replaced 
Apr 2015

160000 mi

US $700
replaced struts & shocks Cam sensor and positioner replaced. 
Jun 2015

180000 mi

US $585
serpentine belt and a broken mount.  also needed radiator replaced. 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2009 - Oct 2012
Sep 2009

56000 mi

US $250
Replaced RF wheel bearing and left tie rod end. 
Dec 2009

60000 mi

US $50
Overheat light came on. Stopped for a bit. Then drove several blocks to repair shop. Replaced the radiator cap.  Several weeks later it did it again. This time they found some small leaks around the radiator. Tightened some connections. 
Jan 2010

69300 mi

US $100
Traveling on Interstate. Exited for lunch. When I made a right hand turn, found steering wheel very hard to turn. After third inquiry, I found a dealer who found that a power steering hose was leaking. Replaced and we were on our way. 
Apr 2010

66000 mi

US $150
Replaced motor-trans mount. 
Dec 2011

89000 mi

US $1200
Water pump and radiator were leaking. took it to a former dealer where I bought t 2 years ago. Had water pump, timing belt and radiator replaced. 
Jan 2012

91000 mi
Car idling rough. In Dec. had water pump, timing belt and radiator replaced. Took car back, and they found the timing belt off 2 teeth. Fixed, and running wll now. 
Mar 2012

92000 mi

US $910
Had to have the head gasket replaced. 
May 2012

94000 mi
Car idling rough, especially when AC was on. Found #3 plug bad. Replaced all plugs. Much better, but now still stutters at idle when AC on, but not as bad. 
Oct 2012

99000 mi
Car still idling rough when last had it. 

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2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon

150-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2008 - Nov 2010
Feb 2009

35000 mi

US $106
Both lower control arm bushings worn...dealer replaced entire lower control arms (both) 
Jun 2009

37000 mi

US $107
Engine cooling fan(s) replaced under 7/70,000 extended warranty. Even though the fan(s)were defective, car could be driven without the A/C on..otherwise an overheat situation would arise.  
Sep 2009

41000 mi

US $175
Camshaft sensor defective. Due to Dealer inability to repair in a timely manner I elected to have an independent repair shop make repairs on this item. 
Jan 2010

45000 mi

US $550
Both front struts and mounts replaced Both front struts and mounts replaced 
May 2010

46500 mi

US $416
Front sway bar links & bushings.... Premature failure of the water pump. On this car it means the engine comes out to replace. Thank GOD for the Chrysler 7 year/70,000 warranty. As a preventative measure...I had the timing replaced as well. 

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2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon

150-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Texas, United States
Nov 2012 - Jun 2014
Dec 2012

200000 mi

US $540
Noise coming from the front of car while driving and got worse over time. 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in British Columbia, Canada
Nov 2011 - Aug 2016
Dec 2011

130200 mi

C $1050
new timing belt, plus serpitine belt replaced and new battery 
Jan 2014

147260 mi

C $286
both sides tie rod ends replaced 
Mar 2014

161200 mi

C $450
bushings seperated allowing stabilizer to move and cause clunking sound 
Jun 2014

166160 mi

C $530
pulsing in brake and steering wheel, new rotors,calipers and pads solved the issue 
Mar 2016

182280 mi
noise thought to be bearing noise, but bearings were fine. Possible road noise from type of tires or something else not discovered 
May 2016

184140 mi

C $304
front right wheel bearing needed to be replaced. It was done about 6 years ago, but not correctly done. Hub needed to be replaced also due to improper previous repair 
Aug 2016

184760 mi
same noise as right side bearing made. 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Illinois, United States
Jan 2013 - Oct 2013
Aug 2013

78900 mi

US $200
Needed new plugs and wires. 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Oregon, United States
Aug 2017 - Jun 2018
May 2018

84000 mi

US $170
sensor - I can't remember exactly 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Illinois, United States
Sep 2017 - Oct 2020
Jan 2018

92000 mi

US $550
Replaced front and rear brakes 
Jun 2018

98000 mi

US $750
Performed AC recharge but unsuccessful. More work required. Oil leak caused by damaged plug repaired. Tires replaced. 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in California, United States
Dec 2008 - May 2012
Nov 2010

75300 mi

US $250
Oil sending unit was erratic (oil light flickered when stopping, though correct amount of oil was in car). Was replaced and no further troubles. Was advised that my motor mounts are bad :( 
Mar 2012

95000 mi

US $300
Hose broke and all coolant lost 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in New Jersey, United States
May 2009 - Jun 2015
Jan 2010

55000 mi

US $200
LF strut bad & replaced 
Mar 2015

90000 mi
Replace wheel bearing 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Florida, United States
Aug 2008 - Jun 2018
Feb 2009

135000 mi

US $100
Replaced lower control arms (original), half shafts and passenger side front wheel bearing. 
Jan 2012

177000 mi

US $40
Cracked PCV hoses. Replaced hoses, PCV and restrictor. 
Apr 2013

271700 mi

US $185
Compressor replacement 
Dec 2013

291000 mi

US $1200
Original transmission replaced at 292,000 miles. 
Jun 2014

307000 mi

US $60
Replaced starter 
Jan 2016

345000 mi

US $600
Rebuilt engine at 345,000 miles. New pistons, rings, head, bearings, oil pump, seals, gaskets 
Aug 2017

390000 mi

US $60
Bearing noise in alternator. 
Mar 2018

404000 mi

US $35
Replaced driver side inner tie rod 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Connecticut, United States
Aug 2007 - Mar 2013
Aug 2007

46500 mi

US $110
replace right front wheel bearing and spindle 
Sep 2007

48500 mi

US $100
replace camshaft position sensor 
Jan 2008

50900 mi

US $50
replace left front wheel bearing 
Aug 2009

65000 mi

US $40
camshaft position sensor...again 
Apr 2010

70000 mi

US $410
front suspension bushings, tie rod end, alignment 
Feb 2011

78000 mi

US $40
3rd replacement of cam position sensor. 
May 2011

80000 mi

US $200
front strut assemblies and lower suspension arms...3rd repair 
Dec 2011

87000 mi

US $150
front sway bar bushings replaced 
Apr 2012

89500 mi
loose right front wheel bearing 
Jul 2012

92000 mi

US $10
broken exhaust pipe 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Maine, United States
Aug 2008 - Sep 2014
Dec 2009

56000 mi

US $344
Lower front control arm bushings replaced per annual safety inspection. 
May 2010

59100 mi

US $92
Crankshaft/camshaft seals leaked, compromised timing belt. Seals, belt replaced under 7/70, water pump replaced which owner paid for. A/C h.p. switch leaking, lost all refrigerant. New switch and recharge of system required. 
Dec 2010

64000 mi
Front control arm bushings replaced within 1 year of previous replacement. Covered under 12 month/12,000 mile parts/repair warranty. Repaired required to pass Annual Safety Inspection. 
Feb 2011

65300 mi

US $187
Replaced front sway bar links and bushings. 
Aug 2011

68700 mi

US $600
Radiator fan module replaced to repair problem with AC.  Also left and right tie rod ends were replaced due to wear. 
Nov 2012

78500 mi

US $99
Right front wheel bearing replaced. 
Apr 2014

88300 mi

US $69
Replaced Watts Link. 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Massachusetts, United States
Mar 2010 - May 2015
May 2010

52000 mi
squeaky front suspension 
Apr 2013

77000 mi

US $250
Wheel bearing. 
May 2015

86000 mi
wheel bearing replaced 2 yrs ago @ 400.00 another went this year. 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2010 - Aug 2011
Mar 2011

74400 mi

C $90
replaced tie rod 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Colorado, United States
Aug 2011 - Oct 2013
Mar 2012

105000 mi

US $25
Power steering pump replaced 
Oct 2013

124000 mi
Need a new altenator 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2010 - Jun 2013
Oct 2010

62620 mi

C $368
This was for outside front tie rods and front wheel allignment. 
Dec 2010

62620 mi

C $137
The first one was wiper sprayers and the 2nd a new battery 
Jan 2011

63520 mi

C $400
tie rods front 
Jun 2011

68200 mi

C $250
While it is hot outside the engine light comes on and the car feels like it is surging forward and also losing power. Sometimes just the engine light comes on. Losing power and engine light on. Cam shaft sensor. 
Mar 2012

76880 mi

C $1265
Bushings barings sway bar. 
Apr 2012

77500 mi

C $20
Left passenger tire wouldn't hold air because the rim was corroded. Sanded down and resealed. So far Ok 
Jun 2013

81220 mi
The camshaft sensor was going again after only 2 years. Didn't repair got rid of it. 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Oregon, United States
May 2010 - Apr 2012
Jul 2010

143500 mi

US $10
Short in column. Replaced melted wires and fuse. Suspect wiring problem was from aftermarket automatic door locks by a shop. 
Jan 2011

US $9
Original left headlight went out. Took me less than one hour to replace headlight. 
Chrysler PT Cruiser in Florida, United States
Apr 2010 - Sep 2014
May 2010

53000 mi

US $380
oil sensor light coming on on morning cold starts of engine. oil sensor switxh replaced under warr. within 5 days problem reappeared. EDIT I CANNOT CHECK THE FIRST BULLET POINT ON QUESTION 5 PROBLEM REAPPEARED WITHIN A WEEK. 

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2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Chrysler PT Cruiser in Indiana, United States
Jun 2012 - Dec 2012
Aug 2012

129900 mi

US $150
MECANIC STATED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT CENSER WAS BAD. REPLACED IT 3 TIMES WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. CHECTED THE WIREING AND COME UP WITH THE COMPUTER WAS BAD. CHECTED WITH CHYR. COST 628.00 NO PEPLACEMENT IS AVAIBLE O3 PT TURBO. PROB.NOT FIXED 
Nov 2012

132000 mi
We replaced the camshaft sensor with a OEM part and it solved the problem. The other part was a generic part . It ran like a new vehicle for a little over a month and now it is running like it did before we replaced the part and the engine. 

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2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.