2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser: engine stalls while driving

Filed Apr 2, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Rough idle at stopped intersections, lunges and stalls. Stalls a approximately 15-25 MPH while making left or right turns making it very difficult to turn while placing the vehicle in neutral and starting the engine again. The fog lights turn on by itself after the vehicle is parked and the ignition is turned off draining the battery. Had to disconnect the fuse in order to prevent this from happening again. To this date non-functional fog lights. The vehicle has several electrical problems from instrument cluster not functioning while driving to radio and climate control not working until you stop the vehicle and turn it off. Then start the vehicle again then it works properly for another few days. This is a recurring problem. Wheel bearing has been an issue too and currently needs to be replaced.

Filed Nov 9, 2012 · Electrical · 86,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that after making a left turn, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle coasted downhill before it came to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who ran a diagnostic test and determined that the automatic shut off fuse was blown. The mechanic replaced the fuse. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 86,000.

Filed Aug 30, 2010 · Engine, Transmission · 24,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving approximately 70 MPH the vehicle stalled and the check engine light illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was pulled over and upon restart drove as normal but the check engine light continued to illuminate. The vehicle was taken directly to an authorized dealer. The failure recurred several times during this drive. He was unsure if the authorized dealer performed any repairs. The failure began to recur intermittently. The vehicle was taken back to the authorized dealer where the crank sensor was replaced. The failure continued to recur and the vehicle was again taken to an authorized dealer where the cam shaft sensor was replaced. The failure continued to recur so the vehicle was taken back to the authorized dealer where the pmc was replaced. The failure has not recurred. The failure mileage was 24,000 and the current mileage was 26,000. The crankshaft position sensors and power train control module were replaced. Updated 11/23/10

Filed Mar 18, 2009 · Transmission · 17,901 miles · NE

Vehicle lunges forward when coming to a stop and stalls when accelerating. You have to keep your foot firmly on the brake when stopping to prevent the sudden forward motion and be careful when pulling out into traffic because of the stall. This problem has been ongoing since purchasing the car in july 2008 with only 17,900 miles on the car. It is now march 2009 and the car has around 29,000 miles on it, with the same problems. The problems are not getting worse.

Filed Aug 20, 2007 · Engine · OH

Stalling at stop, running rough at low speeds and idle, missing at high speeds.

Filed Aug 3, 2007 · Engine · 19,000 miles · AL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving 17 MPH the vehicle would stall when coming to a stop. He stated that it would rough idle as if it was going to cut-off. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The current mileage was 21,400 and the failure mileage was 19,000.

Filed Apr 27, 2007 · Electrical · 12,070 miles · WA

My complaint is regarding the rough idle and surges. This first started when A/C or heat were on. At this time the car does this even when A/C or heat are not on. Car feels as though it is going to stall out when accelerating either from a parked position, accelerating to a freeway speed and when in idle position. On february 18th, 2005, head gasket, cylinder head and spark plugs replaced per my complaint of problem. At that time the car had 12,070 miles on it. June 17th, 2005, spark plugs replaced again and also replaced spark plug cables because problem still existed. I was told that the cables were not replaced on february 18th and that this would fix the problem. This did not fix the problem in which I made further complaints on november 15th 2006. Technician could not find problem. I was told monitor sensors were within range, tbs updates checked and none were available. Spark plugs and cables were all in good condition. July 11th 2006, technician confirmed complaint that engine will stall when running A/C. Flashed programmed controller and checked over engine system. Problem still exists and I am concerned that this problem is a hazard when driving this vehicle.

Filed Apr 25, 2007 · Engine · GA

Customer wants to know if a recall be opened**cc the consumer stated her vehicle stalls while she is driving and has a rough idle.

Filed Jul 21, 2006 · Engine · 22,000 miles · PA

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. I have always used 87 octane (as suggested in the manual) and most of the time used 2 gas stations. When I talked to the dealer as they were repairing it, he said it is a common problem with the pt cruiser. I only have 23,000 miles on the car. It is parked every night in a heated/cooled /dry garage. I have regular oil changes and follow the maintenance b schedule faithfully.

Filed Nov 17, 2005 · Transmission · 500 miles · WA

2004 pt cruiser stalls when stopping without warning. Stalls when turning corners or stopping for signs and traffic lights. Accidents almost occurred a number of time. 2 separate dealers have had the car, they cannot make it do it? At least 10 trips and the last 9 without paperwork because they say they don't need it until they check it out. Something is fishy with these cars. Private party looked at the problem and said the transmission is not down shifting when coming to a stop or slowing to minimum speed. Dealers and chrysler are denying a problem. I am getting rid of the auto as it is too unsafe to continue driving. I hope more owners of these complain as to get something done asap. Someone is going to get killed.

Filed Oct 7, 2005 · Engine · CA

Since sept. 22, 2005, I have had an ongoing problem with my 2004 chrysler pt cruiser. The engine light comes and and the car sputters and stalls. I have had to have it towed 3 times and it has been to the chrysler dealer 3 times and is there right not since monday october 3, 2005. I bought it in february 2004 and it is still under warranty. The "cam sensor" has been replaced twice, I was told it had a short that was fixed but the problem still happened. This last time the service manager said the "crankshaft" was replaced and the problem still occurred! It's like they are rebuilding my car but no one seems to know what the problem is. I feel this car is too new to be going through this. I have missed work because of it. Been stranded on the street and freeway (very dangerous). Have lost sleep and am very depressed and stressed about it. I feel this is a case for the lemon law if there ever was one.

Filed Jun 26, 2005 · Engine · 300 miles · WA

I purchase my 2004 pt cruiser in march 2004. Within a week after delivery, I noticed the engine would start to shudder and the vehicle would lose power. Took it back to the chrysler dealer and they said they could not find any problem. The engine eventually started shutting down completely when coming to a stop, and also chugs and loses power going up hills. I am afraid to attempt passing other cars because it will stall or lose power under accelleration. Took the car in on numerous occasions, and they did see the problem. Dealer tried replacing the cam sensor and "tweaking" the computer, but the problem is still there and getting worse. This is a dangerous defect and I am apprehensive about driving the vehicle.