Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving at 35 MPH, the left turn signal was activated and the contact noticed smoke coming from the left turn signal switch near the instrument panel. In addition, the contact stated that the fog lights remained illuminated and the contact had to lift the steering wheel upwards in order to engage the horn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failures recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 30,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving 25 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the headlight switch. He investigated further and noticed that the switch was melting and smoking. He exited the vehicle and proceeded to disconnect the battery to stop a fire from occurring. The headlights cannot be used because the switch failed; therefore, he cannot drive the vehicle at night. The contact called the dealer and was informed that they were aware of the issue, but there were no current replacement parts to repair the failure. The part that they believe will correct the failure is on back order. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 75,000 and current mileage was 75,600.
The multifunction turn signal switch started to smoke and we couldn't turn off the fog lights. We had to pull the fuse since there continued to come smoke out of that switch -- we had to open the windows to drive home in order to get rid of the smell/smoke. Our Chrysler dealer said that this part is in high demand. The part was $275 and a similar high amount for labor the first time. From that time on I ordered online and replaced the switch two more times. Today, 10/01/2014, the switch started to smoke again. This would be the fourth switch. This is a known problem and should be a recall since it can cause a fire and drain the battery.
I own a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser and came close to hitting a jogger in the pre-dawn hours. The low beam headlights are passable, but the high beam is completely useless and creates a definite safety hazard! I have had the headlights reamed and even changed to 80 watt bulbs, but the problem is in the headlamp housing design. The highbeam puts out a diffused, unfocused light which does not add any increased night vision over the low beam lamps, fortunately the low beams stay on with the high beams. I am not aware if the auto manufacturers must meet minimum headlight performance standards, but if they do exist I'm sure my PT Cruiser would fail. Thank you, brian p. Moran
The fog lamps will not turn off. About 6 months ago, the steering column had smoke coming from it and it seems that as a result, there is a short in the multifunction switch which caused the fog lamps to permanently stay on. It appears that other Chrysler PT Cruiser owners have had this same issue. I have included a link regarding other Chrysler customers who have had the same issue. Http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/Chrysler-PT-Cruiser/[VIN]/p6.
I was informed by my neighbor that my fog lamps were on. Since I hadn't used them in over a month this came as a surprise. The switch was not on - nor would the lights turn off. A web search determined that the "fix" is to leave the turn indicator at a left turn and/or remove the fuse. The same search revealed that fires have resulted from this exact same fault http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/Chrysler-PT-Cruiser/[VIN]/p15.
In my 2004 PT Cruiser-first was unable to turn on light in rain, then all of the lights stopped working, while I was driving. Got it fixed for $600, then fog lamps will not turn off. All of a sudden there is smoke coming from the console, now the only way I can keep my fog lights from draining the battery is to remove the fuse each day. I have heard of both problems occurring in pts with other people.
The fog lights in my 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser stay on, even after the ignition is turned off. I have to leave the left blinker on for the fog lights to turn off. And some times the fog lights turn on for no apparent reason with the ignition off. The fog lights stay on and drains the battery down , did not notice till it was parked on the street and roommate told me my lights were on.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While examining the vehicle, the contact noticed that the multi-switch on the steering wheel malfunctioned and was causing the fog lights to remain illuminated after the vehicle was shut off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were 50,000.
The computer in the car keeps locking up, all the dash emer lights come on and no dash componets work, speedometer, mileage indicator, tack0meter instrument panel off . One doesn't know if car is working properly or not. Could shut down in traffic and cause an accident or a person to be stranded anywhere.
Headlight complaints in other PT Cruiser years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the lights of the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 11% of the model year's 217 complaints. The component named most often is brake lights › switch (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.