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2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Pt Cruiser years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser are substantially higher than the model-year median of 202.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

384 reports with mileage · 234 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 78 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 67 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

36 crash reports17 fire reports24 injury reports

Steering complaints

61 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2003
SteeringCrash

WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY VEERED INTO A HARD LEFT TURN, THE DRIVER LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A CONCRETE BASE OF A LIGHT POLE. THERE WAS OIL ON THE GROUND NEAR THE COLLISION. A FRONT END SUSPENSION SPECIALIST INDICATED THE RACK AND PINION BROKE, WHICH CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL/…

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WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY VEERED INTO A HARD LEFT TURN, THE DRIVER LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A CONCRETE BASE OF A LIGHT POLE. THERE WAS OIL ON THE GROUND NEAR THE COLLISION. A FRONT END SUSPENSION SPECIALIST INDICATED THE RACK AND PINION BROKE, WHICH CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL/CRASH. CONSUMER FELT THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER. IF IT WOULD BE DECIDED BY SOMEONE FROM NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THE INCIDENT FURTHER, IT SHOULD BE DONE QUICKLY SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RELEASED BY THE FARMERS TEXAS COUNTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY FOR AUCTION/SALE. BY CENTRAL TEXAS SALVAGE POOL AT 721 NORTH GENERAL BRUCE DRIVE, TEMPLE, TEXAS 76501, CONTACT 254-777-111. OWNER HAS ASKED INSURANCE COMPANY TO PUT A TEMPORARY HOLD ON SALE OF VEHICLE. INSURANCE ADJUSTER HAS AGREED TO A TWO WEEK HOLD UNTIL FEBRUARY 7, 2003. UNLESS THERE WAS FURTHER ACTION BY NHTSA OR CHRYSLER TO INDICATE A FURTHER INVESTIGATION FOR SECURITY REASONS. THIS INFORMATION SHOULD BE ADDED TO ODI ID 770890. SEE 10009888 FOR VEHICLE OWNER'S INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10014911

36,000 miles · Mar 25, 2003
Air BagsSteeringWheelsCrashInjury

THE CONSUMER HIT A CEMENT DIVIDER HEAD ON, ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE STEERING AND WHEEL TRACTION HAD GONE OUT, ALSO THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. REFER ODI #770588, 1006108 SCC

NHTSA ODI #10009899

30,806 miles · Mar 24, 2003
SteeringCrash

WHEN A MODERATE LEFT TURN WAS MADE, THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE HEARD. LATER, AS THE VEHICLE MADE ANOTHER LEFT TURN, THERE WAS A LOUD POP/BANG HEARD, AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY VEERED SHARPLY INTO A HARD LEFT TURN. THE VEHICLE HIT A CONCRETE BASE. A FRONT END SPECIALIST STATED THAT THE STEERING RACK AND PINION HAD BROKEN. SCC *…

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WHEN A MODERATE LEFT TURN WAS MADE, THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE HEARD. LATER, AS THE VEHICLE MADE ANOTHER LEFT TURN, THERE WAS A LOUD POP/BANG HEARD, AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY VEERED SHARPLY INTO A HARD LEFT TURN. THE VEHICLE HIT A CONCRETE BASE. A FRONT END SPECIALIST STATED THAT THE STEERING RACK AND PINION HAD BROKEN. SCC *JB. SEE 10014911 FOR MORE DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10009887

44,493 miles · Jan 13, 2003
Air BagsElectrical SystemSteering

CLOCK SPRING BROKE IN STEERING COLUMN WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN

NHTSA ODI #10002632

Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 2002
Steering

ON 12/6/02 I WAS TRAVELING 60 MPH. I TRIED TO MAKE A LANE CHANGE AND THE WHOLE CAR LOST CONTROL. THE CAR STARTED ROCKING SIDE TO SIDE FOR ABOUT A MILE. THE CAR WOULD NOT GIVE TRANCTION TO THE GROUND. I KEPT THINKING ON EACH ROCKING MOTION THAT THE CAR WAS GOING TO FLIP OVER AT ANY MOMENT. I DID NOT HIT THE BRAKE FOR FEAR THIS…

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ON 12/6/02 I WAS TRAVELING 60 MPH. I TRIED TO MAKE A LANE CHANGE AND THE WHOLE CAR LOST CONTROL. THE CAR STARTED ROCKING SIDE TO SIDE FOR ABOUT A MILE. THE CAR WOULD NOT GIVE TRANCTION TO THE GROUND. I KEPT THINKING ON EACH ROCKING MOTION THAT THE CAR WAS GOING TO FLIP OVER AT ANY MOMENT. I DID NOT HIT THE BRAKE FOR FEAR THIS WOULD MAKE THE CAR FLIP DUE TO THE AGGRESSIVE SIDE TO SIDE ROCKING THE CAR WAS DOING. THE STEERING SYSTEM SEEMED TO BE OUT. THE CAR FELT AS IT WAS GOING TO TIP OVER. THE CAR EVENTUALLY SLAMMED INTO A CONCRETE EMBARKMENT DIVIDER ON THE FREEWAY HEAD-ON. THE AIR BAGS ON THE CAR DID NOT DEPLOY. I'VE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM TWICE BEFORE MAKING LANE CHANGES IN TOWN BUT THE AGGESSIVENESS OF THE MOTION WAS NOT THE SAME AS THIS HIGHWAY INCIDENT. I'D LIKE THIS VEHICLE TO BE INVESTIGATED FOR DEFECTIVENESS. I'D LIKE THE SCENE OF MY ACCIDENT TO BE INVESIGATED TO SEE THE TRACTION MARKS. I'D LIKE TO KNOW OF ANY SIMILAR COMPOLAINTS ABOUT THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF CAR. 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. I'D LIKE THE DAMAGES OF MY CAR TO BE COMPENSATED FOR AS WELL AS MY OWN INJURIES AND TO FIX THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. DT

NHTSA ODI #770588

Mileage unknown · Nov 29, 2002
Steering

I HAVE HAD MY PT CRUISER IN 4 DIFFERENT TIMES IN THE PASSED 11/2 YEARS. THERE IS A SERIOUS WOBBLE IN THE STEERING, AND EACH TIME THE DEALER LOOKS AT MY COMPLAINT. THEY ROTATE AND BALANCE THE TIRES. I HAVE TOLD THEM ON EACH CONSECUTIVE VISIT THAT THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. AT ONE POINT A DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD USED…

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I HAVE HAD MY PT CRUISER IN 4 DIFFERENT TIMES IN THE PASSED 11/2 YEARS. THERE IS A SERIOUS WOBBLE IN THE STEERING, AND EACH TIME THE DEALER LOOKS AT MY COMPLAINT. THEY ROTATE AND BALANCE THE TIRES. I HAVE TOLD THEM ON EACH CONSECUTIVE VISIT THAT THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. AT ONE POINT A DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD USED THE WRONG "KIND" OF WHEEL WEIGHTS AND THEY WERE LOOSENING UP. ANOTHER VISIT WARRANTED A NEW STEERING COLUMN. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS I HAVE LOOKED FOR RECALLS, AND SERVICE BULLETINS BUT NONE ARE IN AFFECT FOR THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. IT HAS BEEN QUITE FRUSTRASTING TO NOT SEE THE PROBLEM SOLVED. I AM LOOKING FOR HELP, AND AM CONSIDERING FILING THE MINNESOTA LEMON LAW. THINKING THAT I SHOULD START HERE. DT

NHTSA ODI #770255

Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2002
Steering

POWER STEERING HOSE, NO PROTECTION UNDER CAR. MR

NHTSA ODI #768208

Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2002
Steering

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY THE STEERING COLUMN HAS A NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. NLMTHE FLUID LINE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE IS MOUNTED LOW WHICH HITS CURBS AND SPEED BUMPS UNLESS DRIVING 5 TO 10 MPH. *JG

NHTSA ODI #8020091

7,525 miles · Jun 13, 2002
SteeringSuspensionTires

CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND VIBRATION. DEALER HAS SWITCHED TIRES FROM FRONT TO BACK, SIDE TO SIDE, AND HAVE REPLACED 4 ORIGINAL TIRES AND 7 ADDITIONAL TIRES. DEALER STILL CLAIMS IT IS A TIRE PROBLEM INSTEAD OF SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH VEHICLE. VEHICLE STILL HAS A PULL AND VIBRATION. STEERING COLUMN SQUEAKS. STEERING COLUMN REPLACE…

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CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND VIBRATION. DEALER HAS SWITCHED TIRES FROM FRONT TO BACK, SIDE TO SIDE, AND HAVE REPLACED 4 ORIGINAL TIRES AND 7 ADDITIONAL TIRES. DEALER STILL CLAIMS IT IS A TIRE PROBLEM INSTEAD OF SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH VEHICLE. VEHICLE STILL HAS A PULL AND VIBRATION. STEERING COLUMN SQUEAKS. STEERING COLUMN REPLACE, LUBED AND STILL HAVE A SQUEAK. *TS *JB ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12-12-02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS***763033

NHTSA ODI #10009375

Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2001
Exterior LightingSteeringSuspension

1. STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE ON SHAFT WHILE TRAVELING AT 68-70 MPH; 2. HEADLIGHTS WOULD FLICKER FROM BRIGHT TO DIM, AND 3. FRONT WEELS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. MOST PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED BY DEALER. >> PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

NHTSA ODI #878212

Official recalls

5

04V268000 · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

Jun 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.

02V214000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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.

02V215000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

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.

02V162000 · Seats:front Assembly:recliner

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.

00V366000 · Child Seat

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

3

PE04028 · 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.