NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
78 reportsClear category filter65,000 miles · Mar 3, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSteeringFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL WAS PREVIOUSLY DISCONNECTED. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS ELECTRICAL AND RELATED TO THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE HIGH AND LOW BEAM SWITCH WAS ALSO BURNED. THE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL WAS PREVIOUSLY DISCONNECTED. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS ELECTRICAL AND RELATED TO THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE HIGH AND LOW BEAM SWITCH WAS ALSO BURNED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO EXISTING RECALL. THE CONTACT ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO COOL DOWN AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. A MECHANIC WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLE SINCE THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. SHE IS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,100.
NHTSA ODI #10220571
Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2008
Electrical SystemEquipment
2001 PT CRUISER. HORN AND RADIO DISPLAY LIGHT INTERMITTENT . WHEN THE RADIO DISPLAY LIGHT GOES OUT SO DOES THE HORN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10218231
38,000 miles · Feb 11, 2008
Electrical SystemStructure
MY 2001CHRYSLER PT CRUISER DASH CRACKED IN HALF FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IT CAUSED MANY ELECTRICAL ERRORS IN THE DASHBOARD INSTRUMENTS. I AM JUST THANKFUL I WAS NOT IN A MORE SERIOUS SITUATION WHEN IT HAPPENED. I HAVE HEARD IT IS COMMON AND FEEL IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10217708
Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 2007
Electrical System
WE RECENTLY TOOK OUR 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER IN THE SHOP FOR A STATE INSPECTION FOR RENEWAL OF OUR LICENSE PLATES. IN THE PROCESS, THE VEHICLE KEPT BLOWING 40 AMP FUSES. AFTER 3 HOURS OF SEARCHING. THE "ELECTRICAL SHORT" WAS LOCATED "ON BOTH SIDES" OF THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS". WHEN THE "HIGH BEAMS" WERE USED IT WOULD BLOW A FUSE.…
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WE RECENTLY TOOK OUR 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER IN THE SHOP FOR A STATE INSPECTION FOR RENEWAL OF OUR LICENSE PLATES. IN THE PROCESS, THE VEHICLE KEPT BLOWING 40 AMP FUSES. AFTER 3 HOURS OF SEARCHING. THE "ELECTRICAL SHORT" WAS LOCATED "ON BOTH SIDES" OF THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS". WHEN THE "HIGH BEAMS" WERE USED IT WOULD BLOW A FUSE. THIS SOUNDS STRANGE?? ONE SIDE MAYBE?? BUT BOTH HEADLIGHTS?? THIS SHOULD BE A "FACTORY RECALL". YOU CAN NOT USE YOUR "HIGH BEAMS" WHEN DRIVING?? COULD COST A LOSS OF LIFE. THE SHOP CHARGED ME $225.00. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED BY THE FACTORY!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10206540
Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2007
Electrical SystemEquipment
MY LED LIGHT ON THE RADIO AND THE HORN BOTH CEASE TO WORK AT THE SAME TIME. WE HAVE REPLACED FUSES, LIGHTS AND RADIOS. STILL NO WORKING HORN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10206388
Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2007
Electrical System
(1) PROBLEM OCCURRED UPON PARKING VEHICLE (2001 PT CRUISER) (2) FOG LIGHTS COULDN'T BE TURNED OFF, SMOKE AND PUNGENT ODOR EMANATED FROM STEERING COLUMN (3) FUSE WAS REMOVED DISABLING CIRCUIT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10185138
57,277 miles · Feb 13, 2007
Air BagsElectrical System
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON ALL WINDOW & AIRCONDITION & REAR DEFROSTER STOP WORKING DEALER SAID UNDER DASH WIRING HARNESS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10182433
60,000 miles · Aug 28, 2006
Electrical System
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE FOG LIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THE NEXT DAY, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND THE FOG LIGHTS WORKED FINE. ON THE FOLLOWING DAY THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN IN EARLY MORNING WITH THE FOG LIGHTS ON HOWEVER THEY WOULD NOT TURN OFF AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED SOM…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE FOG LIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THE NEXT DAY, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND THE FOG LIGHTS WORKED FINE. ON THE FOLLOWING DAY THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN IN EARLY MORNING WITH THE FOG LIGHTS ON HOWEVER THEY WOULD NOT TURN OFF AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED SOME WIRES IN THE WIRING HARNESS WERE MELTING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE COST OF THE REPAIRS THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI #10166720
8,500 miles · May 8, 2006
Air BagsElectrical System
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT 3-5 ALSO, THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE HORN FAILED. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED, AND REPAIRS WERE MADE. UPDATED 06/05/2006. *AK *TS
NHTSA ODI #10157005
66,000 miles · Apr 3, 2006
Electrical System
DEFECTIVE FOG LIGHT SWITCH SUDDENLY FAILS & GOES OFF AND ON AT RANDOM RUNNING DOWN THE BATTERY TOTALLY. THIS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM RESULTS IN OWNER BEING STRANDED AND DESTROYING THE BATTERY. DEALER ALSO DOES NOT STOCK PART & SAYS IT WILL BE A WEEK TO GET PARTS. FOG LAMP IS WIRED DIRECT, THEREFORE FUSE SLOT SHOWN IN OWNERS MANUAL…
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DEFECTIVE FOG LIGHT SWITCH SUDDENLY FAILS & GOES OFF AND ON AT RANDOM RUNNING DOWN THE BATTERY TOTALLY. THIS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM RESULTS IN OWNER BEING STRANDED AND DESTROYING THE BATTERY. DEALER ALSO DOES NOT STOCK PART & SAYS IT WILL BE A WEEK TO GET PARTS. FOG LAMP IS WIRED DIRECT, THEREFORE FUSE SLOT SHOWN IN OWNERS MANUAL IS NOT OPERATIONAL SO FUSE CANNOT BE REMOVED TO TEMPORARILY CORRECT PROBLEM. NOW WAITING FOR PARTS!! *JB
NHTSA ODI #10154466
Official recalls
5Jun 3, 2004
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RELOCATE, OR REPLACE AS NECESSARY, THE POWER STEERING HOSE AND CONFIRM TORQUE OF THE HOSE FASTENER AT THE STEERING GEAR END. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Aug 8, 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE COULD CONTACT THE AIR-CONDITIONING TUBE SERVICE PORT. THIS CAN CAUSE CHAFING OF THE LINE RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAKAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL LINE FOR ABRASION AND INSTALL A CLIP TO ENSURE ISOLATION. IN CASES WITH EVIDENCE OF FUEL LINE ABRASION, THE FUEL LINE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 12, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Aug 8, 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP MODULE MOUNTING FLANGE COULD LEAK FUEL IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER CRASH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SECONDARY SEAL OVER THE FUEL PUMP MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 12, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Jun 14, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE RIGHT REAR "65%" SEAT CENTER LOWER ANCHOR WAS MANUFACTURED WITH A WIRE DIAMETER THAT IS GREATER THAN THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE DIMENSION AS SPECIFIED IN THE STANDARD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE CONNECTOR FOR A LATCH-TYPE CHILD RESTRAINT IS NOT ATTACHED CORRECTLY TO THE ANCHORAGE POINTS, THE RESTRAINT WILL NOT PROPERLY PROTECT A CHILD IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RIGHT REAR SEAT CENTER ANCHOR AND, IF NECESSARY, RESIZE THE ANCHOR TO MEET THE DIAMETER SPECIFIED WITHIN THE STANDARD. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 4, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Nov 9, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3PE04028 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Mar 15, 2004 · Closed Jun 18, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:power Steering Fluid
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 NATURALLY ASPIRATED 2.4L ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES (RECALL 04V-268).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED VARIATION OF THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE ROUTING, WHICH ALLOWED THE HOSE TO CONTACT THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER, AS THE FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THIS DEFECT.CONTACT BETWEEN THE POWER STEERING HOSE AND THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER CAN CAUSE HOSE DAMAGE AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE, WHICH CAN POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE. (NOTE: THE FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME IS LIMITED TO MY 2001-2003 VEHICLES PER DCC'S PE04-028 INFORMATION RESPONSES.)THIS CONDITION WAS LIMITED TO VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES AS VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS HAVE SUBSTANTIAL CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER AND THE POWER STEERING HOSE DUE TO A SMALLER TRANSAXLE DESIGN.THIS CONDITION ALSO DOES NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLES WITH TURBO ENGINES, WHICH HAVE A DIFFERENT POWER STEERING HOSE ROUTING THAT PROVIDES SUBSTANTIAL CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER AND HOSE.DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING HOSE ASSEMBLY INSPECTED AND RELOCATED, OR REPLACED, AS NECESSARY, AND TO CONFIRM THE TORQUE OF THE HOSE FASTENER AT THE STEERING GEAR END.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Steering
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 NATURALLY ASPIRATED 2.4L ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES (RECALL 04V-268).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED VARIATION OF THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE ROUTING, WHICH ALLOWED THE HOSE TO CONTACT THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER, AS THE FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THIS DEFECT.CONTACT BETWEEN THE POWER STEERING HOSE AND THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER CAN CAUSE HOSE DAMAGE AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE, WHICH CAN POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE. (NOTE: THE FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME IS LIMITED TO MY 2001-2003 VEHICLES PER DCC'S PE04-028 INFORMATION RESPONSES.)THIS CONDITION WAS LIMITED TO VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES AS VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS HAVE SUBSTANTIAL CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER AND THE POWER STEERING HOSE DUE TO A SMALLER TRANSAXLE DESIGN.THIS CONDITION ALSO DOES NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLES WITH TURBO ENGINES, WHICH HAVE A DIFFERENT POWER STEERING HOSE ROUTING THAT PROVIDES SUBSTANTIAL CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER AND HOSE.DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING HOSE ASSEMBLY INSPECTED AND RELOCATED, OR REPLACED, AS NECESSARY, AND TO CONFIRM THE TORQUE OF THE HOSE FASTENER AT THE STEERING GEAR END.
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections
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 NATURALLY ASPIRATED 2.4L ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES (RECALL 04V-268).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED VARIATION OF THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE ROUTING, WHICH ALLOWED THE HOSE TO CONTACT THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER, AS THE FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THIS DEFECT.CONTACT BETWEEN THE POWER STEERING HOSE AND THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER CAN CAUSE HOSE DAMAGE AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE, WHICH CAN POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE. (NOTE: THE FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME IS LIMITED TO MY 2001-2003 VEHICLES PER DCC'S PE04-028 INFORMATION RESPONSES.)THIS CONDITION WAS LIMITED TO VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES AS VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS HAVE SUBSTANTIAL CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER AND THE POWER STEERING HOSE DUE TO A SMALLER TRANSAXLE DESIGN.THIS CONDITION ALSO DOES NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLES WITH TURBO ENGINES, WHICH HAVE A DIFFERENT POWER STEERING HOSE ROUTING THAT PROVIDES SUBSTANTIAL CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER AND HOSE.DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING HOSE ASSEMBLY INSPECTED AND RELOCATED, OR REPLACED, AS NECESSARY, AND TO CONFIRM THE TORQUE OF THE HOSE FASTENER AT THE STEERING GEAR END.
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:power Steering Fluid
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 NATURALLY ASPIRATED 2.4L ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES (RECALL 04V-268).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED VARIATION OF THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE ROUTING, WHICH ALLOWED THE HOSE TO CONTACT THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER, AS THE FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THIS DEFECT.CONTACT BETWEEN THE POWER STEERING HOSE AND THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER CAN CAUSE HOSE DAMAGE AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE, WHICH CAN POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE. (NOTE: THE FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME IS LIMITED TO MY 2001-2003 VEHICLES PER DCC'S PE04-028 INFORMATION RESPONSES.)THIS CONDITION WAS LIMITED TO VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES AS VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS HAVE SUBSTANTIAL CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER AND THE POWER STEERING HOSE DUE TO A SMALLER TRANSAXLE DESIGN.THIS CONDITION ALSO DOES NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLES WITH TURBO ENGINES, WHICH HAVE A DIFFERENT POWER STEERING HOSE ROUTING THAT PROVIDES SUBSTANTIAL CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER AND HOSE.DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING HOSE ASSEMBLY INSPECTED AND RELOCATED, OR REPLACED, AS NECESSARY, AND TO CONFIRM THE TORQUE OF THE HOSE FASTENER AT THE STEERING GEAR END.
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System
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 NATURALLY ASPIRATED 2.4L ENGINES AND AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES (RECALL 04V-268).THE NOTIFICATION IDENTIFIED VARIATION OF THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE ROUTING, WHICH ALLOWED THE HOSE TO CONTACT THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER, AS THE FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THIS DEFECT.CONTACT BETWEEN THE POWER STEERING HOSE AND THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER CAN CAUSE HOSE DAMAGE AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE, WHICH CAN POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A FIRE. (NOTE: THE FAILURE DATA IN THIS RESUME IS LIMITED TO MY 2001-2003 VEHICLES PER DCC'S PE04-028 INFORMATION RESPONSES.)THIS CONDITION WAS LIMITED TO VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES AS VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS HAVE SUBSTANTIAL CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER AND THE POWER STEERING HOSE DUE TO A SMALLER TRANSAXLE DESIGN.THIS CONDITION ALSO DOES NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLES WITH TURBO ENGINES, WHICH HAVE A DIFFERENT POWER STEERING HOSE ROUTING THAT PROVIDES SUBSTANTIAL CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE TRANSAXLE DIFFERENTIAL COVER AND HOSE.DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING HOSE ASSEMBLY INSPECTED AND RELOCATED, OR REPLACED, AS NECESSARY, AND TO CONFIRM THE TORQUE OF THE HOSE FASTENER AT THE STEERING GEAR END.
PE02082 · Safety Belt Cinching Latch Plate
Opened Nov 6, 2002 · Closed Apr 23, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.
PE02058 · Fuel Hose Abrasion
Opened Jul 19, 2002 · Closed Oct 4, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
No summary supplied.
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