Three problems related to axle assembly have been reported for the 2004 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Chrysler Pt Cruiser based on all problems reported for the 2004 Pt Cruiser.
Starting in the fall of 2006 when making a left turn it made a grinding, squealing noise. It was very loud. Thought it needed brakes, and had it checked . They were fine. Then, it felt like the tire was bad on the passenger's front. Took the car to dealer in mid March 2007 to have the tire checked and it was a loose axle instead. That stopped the squealing for the time being. Just recently we thought the rotors needed turned because the vibrations and noises had started again. On 5-06-07 my son was killed when he went off the right side of the road and supposedly overcorrected and rolled several times. After further investigation into the crash it was discovered that half of the front passenger rotor broke off with a bubble defect in the metal. There appeared to be an old crack across the rotor along with the brake that severed it. Not sure what was going on, but there' was obviously a problem with the front ends and if it saved a life it was worth checking into.
I have had to replace the front wheel assembly twice in less than a year. Purchased new wheel bearings and the entire hub assembly and even a whole new axle. Have continued to have problems. Was told by mechanic that the axle is too short and is coming loose resulting on the expedited wear on the bearings causing a need for a whole new assembly. I am extremely frustrated with this vehicle.
While driving approximately 35 mph front axle literally broke. There were no injuries.