Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 214 of 217 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 157 of 217 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
44 complaint records10 fire reports2 crash reports
"ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AFTER BEING RESET. CHECKED BY MECHANIC, COMPUTER SAYS PROBLEM IS IN "CRUISE CONTROL", & HAS BEEN RESET 3 TIMES. & IS ON AGAIN! *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Suspension
42 complaint records1 crash report
"2004 PT CRUISER, MULTIPLE WHEEL BEAR FAILURES IN LESS THAN 80K MILES 1ST AT APPROX 40K AND SECOND AT APPROX 80K. BOTH TIMES LEFT SIDE FRONT WHEEL BEARING. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
38 complaint records3 fire reports
"CONSUME TOO MUCH OIL SINCE GOT THE NEW CAR. LOST ABOUT 1 QT EVERY 3K. NOW AT 65K, LOST 1 QT ABOUT EVERY 1K MILES. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE04028 opened Mar 2004 | closed Jun 2004 | Steering | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES - led to recall 04V268000 PE04-028 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE SEVEN COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE ON MY 2002 PT CRUISER VEHICLES.ON JUNE 3, 2004, DAIMLERCHRYSLER (DCC) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN MY 2001-2005 PT CRUISER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V268000 | Steering | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L NON-TURBOCHARGED ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE MAY CONTACT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER, POTENTIALLY DAMAGING THE HOSE. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019420 2019-08-21 | Other | 5,327 | Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. |
| 2004186 2004-06-04 | Steering | 40,837 | On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.4L non-turbo engine and an automatic transaxle, routing variation in the high pressure power steering hose could allow contact with the automatic transaxle differential cover, potentially damaging the... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2208000136 Jul 2022 | Electrical System | Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM) | |
| 9004275 Jul 2020 | Electrical System | KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. | |
| 23-015-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19 | |
| 08-049-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary. | |
| 31-006-19 Nov 2019 | Structure | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
Show 52 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31-003-19 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. | |
| 31-005-19 Nov 2019 | Structure | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. | |
| 3100619 Nov 2019 | Structure | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. | |
| 3100319 Nov 2019 | Structure | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. | |
| 3100519 Nov 2019 | Structure | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. | |
| 9003623 Nov 2016 | Equipment | Wiper If Mopar OE wipers are unavailable, the below alternatives can be offered instead. 05066964A$ = WBRW0011A$ 05066973A$ = WB000019A$ or WBF00019A$ 05096134A$ = WB000027A$ or WBF00028A$ 55154762A$ = WB000013A$ 68001330A$ = WB000019A$ or WBF00019A$ 05012611A$ = WB000021A$ or... | |
| 23027 Aug 2016 | Electrical System | Return: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31 July, 2016)of follow ing part numbers:68176457AF, 68176459AF. | |
| 23137 Aug 2016 | Equipment | Inspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy - A-Pillar Rt/Lt You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part numbers: 1ZA04DX9AE, 1ZA05DX9AE. See attachments for identifying suspect stock. | |
| 23104 Aug 2016 | Equipment | 05182535AD - 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 05182535AD . See attachments for identifying suspect stock. | |
| 20244 Aug 2016 | Equipment | CBXDP361AA Return: Spacer Kit - Visor You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock of part number CBXDP361AA. Replacement part number is CBXDP361AB w hich is in stock and available for order. | |
| Volume 2, Issue Aug 2016 | Equipment | Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations | |
| 22892 Aug 2016 | Equipment | Return: Lamp Assy - CHMSL& Cargo Light You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return all stock of follow ing part numbers:55372082AE, 55372082AD, 55372082AC, 55372082AB, 55372082AA. | |
| 22867 Aug 2016 | Electrical System | Inspect and Return: Solenoid Module - Transmission You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of follow ing part numbers:52120000AA, 52119435AF, 05078709AB. | |
| 22958 Aug 2016 | Electrical System | 1NT30XDVAC - Inspect and Return: Panel - Instrument Panel You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 1N T30XDVAC. See attachments for identifying suspect stock. | |
| 20616 Aug 2016 | Electrical System | P/N CBSZR068AA: Inspect & Return: Module Kit - Occupant Restraint You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return part number CBSZR068AA as per the QIR attached. | |
| Volume 2, Issue Jun 2016 | Equipment | Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations | |
| R2118796A Feb 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. | |
| 9003215 Feb 2015 | Equipment | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. | |
| 18-042-14 Jul 2014 | Electrical System | Generic Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Procedure This bulletin involves programming a generic PCM with software. | |
| 18-016-13 Apr 2013 | Electrical System | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| 9002519 Mar 2013 | Equipment | 82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,... | |
| 21-001-13 Jan 2013 | Electrical System | MIL Illumination - DTC P1776 Solenoid Switch Valve Latched in LR Position | |
| 1802907 Apr 2007 | Power Train | GENERIC POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROCEDURE. *KB | |
| 0800107 Feb 2007 | Air Bags | PASSENGER AIR BAG DEACTIVATION. *KB | |
| 0803006 Aug 2006 | Power Train | POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *KB | |
| 0900105 Dec 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CYLINDER HEAD BOLT RE-TORQUE PROCEDURE. GPOP - ISSUE REVIEW SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 1900805 Nov 2005 | Steering | REVISED POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING PROCEDURES. *SC | |
| 1803605 Oct 2005 | Steering | FLASH: ROUGH IDLE OR IDLE FLUCTUATION WITH POWER STEERING OPERATION. *SC | |
| 0802801 Aug 2005 | Exterior Lighting | MOISTURE ACCUMULATION INSIDE A VENTED HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY CONDITION. *TT | |
| 2304304 Mar 2005 | Unknown Or Other | TRANSIT FILM REMOVAL. 2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER, AND 2005-2006 RAM TRUCK *SC | |
| 0801505 Mar 2005 | Power Train | POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *SC | |
| 0600105 Feb 2005 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION GEAR RATTLE SOUND AT IDLE. *TT | |
| 0801405 Feb 2005 | Electrical System | MOPAR ACCESSORY REMOTE STARTER INOPERATIVE DUE TO HOOD SWITCH. *TT | |
| 1901004 Nov 2004 | Steering | POWER STEERING FLUID CONTAMINATION. *TT | |
| 2100804 Oct 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION -DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1776 SOLENOID SWITCH VALVE LATCHED IN LR POSITION. *MJ THIS BULLETIN REPLACES 21-008-04 DATED JUNE 1, 2004. *TT | |
| 0300604 Sep 2004 | Power Train | FRONT HUB/HALF SHAFT CLICK/POP SOUND. *TT | |
| 35 Sep 2004 | Visibility | AN INCORRECT RIGHT SIDE VIEW MIRROR WAS INSTALLED ON APPROXIMATELY 20 VEHICLES. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION D35 - RIGHT SIDE MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 1900304 Aug 2004 | Steering | STEERING COLUMN CLICK SOUND. *TT | |
| 1802404 Jun 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | IDLE FLUCTUATION AND OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303 OR P0304. *TT | |
| 1800604A Apr 2004 | Power Train | GENERIC POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROCEDURE. *TT *MJ THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES BULLETIN 18-006-04A DATED 04/06/2004. *TT | |
| 1900402 Apr 2004 | Steering | STEERING COLUMN CLICK SOUND. *MJ | |
| 1900104 Mar 2004 | Steering | WHISTLING SOUND WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. *TT | |
| 0700104 Mar 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT SQUEAKING/CHIRPING SOUND. *TT | |
| 0900704 Mar 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | IRREGULAR ENGINE SNAPPING SOUND. *TT | |
| 0803403 Mar 2004 | Electrical System | NEW SPARK PLUG FOR 2.4L ENGINE. *MJ | |
| 2100104 Feb 2004 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION SOLENOID REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 03 Feb 2004 | Equipment | AN INCORRECT VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION (VECI) LABEL WAS INADVERTENTLY INSTALLED. VECI LABEL REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 30 Nov 2003 | Power Train | POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR SEAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION NO. C30. *TT | |
| 03014 Aug 2003 | Power Train | SERVICE ACTION 03014 - POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR SEAL INSPECTION/REPAIR PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 1800703C Aug 2003 | Power Train | GENERIC POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROCEDURE. 2004 MODELS INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 1800703B Jul 2003 | Power Train | GENERIC POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROCEDURE. 2004 MODELS INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 1800703A Jul 2003 | Power Train | GENERIC POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROCEDURE. *TT |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Chrysler PT Cruiser →