Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
370–25K
11625–50K
10150–75K
5675–100K
56100–150K
18150K+
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
What owners actually said
618 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2005
Wheels
FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS, I HAD BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS GETTING WITH MY TIRES BEING FLAT WHEN I GOT UP IN THE MORNINGS. AFTER HAVING ALL OF THE TIRES CHECKED FOR FLATS, IT WOULD STILL DO THIS OFF AND ON DURING THE WINTER. FINALLY, I TOOK IT TO A FIRESTONE SHOP AND THEY SAID MY TIRES WERE FINE, BUT THE CHROME WAS PEELING OFF THE WHEE…
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FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS, I HAD BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS GETTING WITH MY TIRES BEING FLAT WHEN I GOT UP IN THE MORNINGS. AFTER HAVING ALL OF THE TIRES CHECKED FOR FLATS, IT WOULD STILL DO THIS OFF AND ON DURING THE WINTER. FINALLY, I TOOK IT TO A FIRESTONE SHOP AND THEY SAID MY TIRES WERE FINE, BUT THE CHROME WAS PEELING OFF THE WHEELS CAUSING THE SLOW LEAKS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND MY 36K/3Y HAD EXPIRED (BY 1/2 YEAR, AS I ONLY HAVE 30K MILES) AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY WOULD DO, I'M GOING TO CALL CHRYSLER AND LODGE A FORMAL COMPLAINT, NOW THAT I SEE I"M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10114742
Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2005
Seat Belts
THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT BACK TO NORMAL POSITION, AND IS NOT PROVIDING PROTECTION TO THE DRIVER IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY CONSUMER, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10113201
104,900 miles · Feb 4, 2005
Air Bags
I OWN A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER WITH 105K MILES. THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAIN ON WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING, ALSO THE HORN DOES NOT WORK OR THE CRUISE CONTROL. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND HAVE DETERMINED THE PROBLEM TO BE A DEFECTIVE CLOCKSPRING. AFTER SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND THAT CHRYSLER HAS RECALLED 1.2MILLION …
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I OWN A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER WITH 105K MILES. THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAIN ON WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING, ALSO THE HORN DOES NOT WORK OR THE CRUISE CONTROL. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND HAVE DETERMINED THE PROBLEM TO BE A DEFECTIVE CLOCKSPRING. AFTER SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND THAT CHRYSLER HAS RECALLED 1.2MILLION 1998 - 2000 MINIVANS FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE PT CRUISER HAS NO RECALL BUT SHOULD SINCE IT IS CLASSIFIED AS A VAN. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10109842
15,000 miles · Jan 31, 2005
Power Train
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SHIFTER PROBLEMS, THAT HAS MADE IT OCCASIONALLY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO OR IT WOULD DROP OUT OF REVERSE GEAR. WHILE DOING A BATTERY CHECK I NOTICED THE SHIFT LINKAGE APPEARED TO BE LYING ON TOP OF THE TRANSAXLE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION AFTER REMOVING THE AIR BOX I NOTICED THAT INDEED LINKAGE WAS LYING…
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I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SHIFTER PROBLEMS, THAT HAS MADE IT OCCASIONALLY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO OR IT WOULD DROP OUT OF REVERSE GEAR. WHILE DOING A BATTERY CHECK I NOTICED THE SHIFT LINKAGE APPEARED TO BE LYING ON TOP OF THE TRANSAXLE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION AFTER REMOVING THE AIR BOX I NOTICED THAT INDEED LINKAGE WAS LYING THERE WITHOUT BEING SECURED IN POSITION. THERE APPEARS TO BE AN INDENTATION FOR RETAINER CLIP, THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT ONE HAD BEEN USED OR IF IT HAD IT CAME OFF EARLY ON. I REALIZE MORE AUTOMATIC PT?S WERE SOLD THAN MANUAL 5-SPEED UNITS. I ALSO REALIZE THAT IT IS POSSIBLE THAT ONLY MY VEHICLE MAY HAVE THIS PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH I BELIEVE THAT TO BE UNLIKELY, THEREFORE I AM FILING A FORMAL COMPLAINT, BASED ON THE INITIAL RESPONSE I RECEIVED FROM THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP SERVICE AND PARTS DEPARTMENT. I BELIEVE CONTINUED UNCONTROLLED WEAR COULD RESULT IN A MISHAP SHOULD THE LINKAGE COME OFF WHILE DRIVING. HAD THE RETAINER CLIP BEEN INSTALLED IT WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS TYPE WEAR WITH LESS THAN 70,000 MILES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10108327
Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2005
Air Bags
PER INSTRUCTIONS IN OWNER'S MANUAL, I TOOK MY 2001 PT CRUISER WITH 51,700 MILES INTO THE COURTESY CHRYSLER/JEEP DEALERSHIP IN ROCKVILLE, MD AFTER THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD PANEL BEGAN INTERMITTENTLY LIGHTING UP WHEN TAKING TURNS. AFTER 3 DAYS, THE SERVICE ADVISOR CALLED TO INFORM ME THAT THE LIGHT WAS GOING ON…
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PER INSTRUCTIONS IN OWNER'S MANUAL, I TOOK MY 2001 PT CRUISER WITH 51,700 MILES INTO THE COURTESY CHRYSLER/JEEP DEALERSHIP IN ROCKVILLE, MD AFTER THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD PANEL BEGAN INTERMITTENTLY LIGHTING UP WHEN TAKING TURNS. AFTER 3 DAYS, THE SERVICE ADVISOR CALLED TO INFORM ME THAT THE LIGHT WAS GOING ON BECAUSE THE AIRBAG HAD FAILED. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, NOR HAS IT BEEN MODIFIED. THE CHARGE TO REPLACE THE FAILED AIRBAG IS $1,300. THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID HE HAD NO IDEA WHAT WOULD CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO FAIL IF WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDIENT AND HAD NOT BEEN MODIFIED. I CALLED CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO HELP ME AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO WORK IT OUT WITH THE DEALER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10108314
42,950 miles · Jan 28, 2005
Seat Belts
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE BELT WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE RETRACTOR. IT WILL NOT RELEASE OR ALLOW THE DRIVER TO WEAR THE SEAT BELT. OWNER CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO STATED THEY COULD CHECK FOR THE DEFECT IF THE OWNER WOULD PAY A FEE FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS TO DETERMINE WHY THE BELT WILL N…
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VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE BELT WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE RETRACTOR. IT WILL NOT RELEASE OR ALLOW THE DRIVER TO WEAR THE SEAT BELT. OWNER CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO STATED THEY COULD CHECK FOR THE DEFECT IF THE OWNER WOULD PAY A FEE FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS TO DETERMINE WHY THE BELT WILL NOT OPERATE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10109150
70,000 miles · Jan 26, 2005
Suspension
A KNOCKING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE DRIVE TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB *NM
NHTSA ODI #10105496
Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2005
Steering
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V268000 CONCERNING POWER STEERING HOSE. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. *AK NO NEW PARTS OR REPLACEMENTS WERE USED. *SC
NHTSA ODI #10099443
Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2005
Wheels
TIRE LOOSES AIR DUE TO DEFECT OF WHEELS. MANUFACTURER AGREED TO REPLACE BOTH REAR WHEELS. NOW SHE IS EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEM WITH BOTH FRONT WHEELS. WHEN CONTACTING MANUFACTURER, THEY WOULD NOT ACCOMMODATE TO REPLACE REAR WHEELS. THIS IS FOR A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. *NM......*AK
NHTSA ODI #10108662
26,000 miles · Jan 21, 2005
Tires
THE CONSUMER STATES THE AIR CONTINUES TO SEEPS OUT OF THE FRONT TIRES. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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