NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
511 reportsMileage unknown · Mar 2, 2008
Electrical System
COMPLETE FAILURE OF EVERYTHING ON THE DASHBOARD, I.E. SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE, COOLING, ODOMETER. NO DASHBOARD LIGHTS, NO INTERIOR LIGHTS. FOG LIGHTS STAY ON UNLESS YOU TURN ON YOUR TURN SIGNAL AFTER TURNING OFF THE CAR. THIS HAS BEEN DISCUSSED AS A PROBLEM THAT HAS OCCURRED MANY TIMES ON THE SITES THAT I HAVE VISITED. THE CA…
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COMPLETE FAILURE OF EVERYTHING ON THE DASHBOARD, I.E. SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE, COOLING, ODOMETER. NO DASHBOARD LIGHTS, NO INTERIOR LIGHTS. FOG LIGHTS STAY ON UNLESS YOU TURN ON YOUR TURN SIGNAL AFTER TURNING OFF THE CAR. THIS HAS BEEN DISCUSSED AS A PROBLEM THAT HAS OCCURRED MANY TIMES ON THE SITES THAT I HAVE VISITED. THE CAR IS A 2002 PT CRUISER, AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MICROPROCESSOR TO BE MALFUNCTIONING CAUSING THE PROBLEMS DESCRIBED ABOVE, HOWEVER MY PT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THAT RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10219819
91,500 miles · Feb 8, 2008
Electrical System
THE MULTIFUCTION TURN SIGNAL SWITCH ALLOWS STOPS WORKING AND FOG LIGHTS STAY ON MAKING THE BATTERY RUN DOWN AND THE ONLY IMMEDIATE REMEDY IS TO DISCONNECT THE FOG LIGHTS. THIS PART HAS FAILED THREE TIMES ON MY PT CRUISER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10217480
77,000 miles · Dec 30, 2007
Tires
TBC SIGMA REGENT TOURING TIRE, TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE CAUSING THE WHOLE REAR DRIVER SIDE QUARTER PANEL AND REAR FASCIA TO BLOW OFF OF VEHICLE ,TIRES WERE PURCHASED A FEW YEARS AGO LESS THAN 20,000 MILES ON TIRES . *TR
NHTSA ODI #10213196
9,000 miles · Dec 3, 2007
Visibility
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. AFTER RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, WATER ENTERS THE VEHICLE AND CAUSES SEVERE LEAKAGE ON THE FLOOR AND FLOODING OF THE FUSE BOX. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAM UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT WELDED PROPERLY, ALLOWING FLUIDS TO LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE, IN WHICH THEY ATT…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. AFTER RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, WATER ENTERS THE VEHICLE AND CAUSES SEVERE LEAKAGE ON THE FLOOR AND FLOODING OF THE FUSE BOX. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAM UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT WELDED PROPERLY, ALLOWING FLUIDS TO LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE, IN WHICH THEY ATTEMPTED TO USE THE ADHESIVE/RTV/BLACK TO REPAIR THE SEAM. THIS WAS DONE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE VEHICLE HAS YET TO BE PROPERLY REPAIRED. A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,163.
NHTSA ODI #10210695
75,000 miles · Nov 16, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
PT CRUISER OVERHEATING AT IDLE. NO REPAIRS HELP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10209122
75,000 miles · Nov 8, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingPower Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED AND SHE HEARD A RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS STATIONARY. SHE FELT THAT A FAILED MOTOR MOUNT CAUSED THE FAILURE. AS OF NOVEMBER 8, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT COMPLETED AN INSPECTION. THE FAILURE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED AND SHE HEARD A RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS STATIONARY. SHE FELT THAT A FAILED MOTOR MOUNT CAUSED THE FAILURE. AS OF NOVEMBER 8, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT COMPLETED AN INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATED 03/13/08. *LJ THE SOLENOID PACK WAS LEAKING. THE FOG LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA ODI #10208410
38,000 miles · Nov 2, 2007
Suspension
2002 PT CRUISER. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ARE SEPARATING FROM THE RUBBER. THIS CAN CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, RATTLES, SEVERE TIRE VIBRATION OR FRONT END VIBRATION. CURRENTLY MINE HAS 46.000 MILES AND THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING ON MINE. I HAD THEM REPLACED ONE YEAR AGO AT 38,000 MILES. THERE IS NO WAY THAT THESE TYPE OF …
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2002 PT CRUISER. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ARE SEPARATING FROM THE RUBBER. THIS CAN CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, RATTLES, SEVERE TIRE VIBRATION OR FRONT END VIBRATION. CURRENTLY MINE HAS 46.000 MILES AND THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING ON MINE. I HAD THEM REPLACED ONE YEAR AGO AT 38,000 MILES. THERE IS NO WAY THAT THESE TYPE OF BUSHINGS SHOULD BE HAVING THIS SEPARATION PROBLEM AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE. A RECALL IS IN ORDER, BEFORE A OWNER HAS A VEHICLE ACCIDENT DUE TO THE VEHICLE LOOSING STEERING CONTROL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10207795
Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2007
Tires
FILLING TIRES WITH AIR EVERY OTHER DAY . TIRE SERVICE DEALER SAID HE HAS SEEN SEVERAL OTHER PT CRUISER WITH SAME PROBLEM. WHAT CAN BE DONE . I HAVE BOUGHT 2 1/2 SETS OF NEW TIRES SINCE 5/2/06. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10206795
51,122 miles · Oct 3, 2007
Electrical System
MULTI-SWITCH FAILS CAUSING THE FOG LIGHTS TO COME ON WHEN CAR IS OFF OR RANDOMLY WHEN DRIVING. PLASTIC PART INSIDE SWITCH MECHANISM HOLDING METAL CONTACT FROM CONNECTING TWO TERMINALS OVERHEATS AND MELTS THUS BECOMES SHORTER AND CANNOT KEEP THE CONTACT AWAY FROM THE TERMINALS. DEALER TOLD ME WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THAT I SHOULD…
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MULTI-SWITCH FAILS CAUSING THE FOG LIGHTS TO COME ON WHEN CAR IS OFF OR RANDOMLY WHEN DRIVING. PLASTIC PART INSIDE SWITCH MECHANISM HOLDING METAL CONTACT FROM CONNECTING TWO TERMINALS OVERHEATS AND MELTS THUS BECOMES SHORTER AND CANNOT KEEP THE CONTACT AWAY FROM THE TERMINALS. DEALER TOLD ME WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THAT I SHOULD NOT USE THE FOG LIGHTS UNLESS NEEDED AND I DID AS TOLD. AFTER TWO BATTERIES AND MANY ATTEMPTS TO GET CHRYSLER TO FIX THE PROBLEM THEY ADMITTED WAS HAPPENING ON ALL PT CRUISERS SOLD BY MY DEALER, I HAD TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL A NEW MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH ASSEMBLY. I HAVE THE ORIGINAL AN CAN SEND IF WISHED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10204741
Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2007
Exterior Lighting
THE PROBLEM I AM HAVING STARTED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO, WHEN MY BATTERY WAS SUDDENLY DRAINED AND I HAD NO IDEA WHY. I HAD TO BUY A NEW BATTERY, AND FOUND IT DRAINING AS WELL. I FINALLY DISCOVERED THAT MY FOG LIGHTS WERE COMING ON BY THEMSELVES WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED. IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS A SHORT OR SOME WIRING PROBLEM IN TH…
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THE PROBLEM I AM HAVING STARTED ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO, WHEN MY BATTERY WAS SUDDENLY DRAINED AND I HAD NO IDEA WHY. I HAD TO BUY A NEW BATTERY, AND FOUND IT DRAINING AS WELL. I FINALLY DISCOVERED THAT MY FOG LIGHTS WERE COMING ON BY THEMSELVES WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED. IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS A SHORT OR SOME WIRING PROBLEM IN THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH LEVER, WHICH HAS THE FOG LIGHT SWITCH ON THE END, AND THE PROBLEM HAS ONLY GOT WORSE. FOR NOW, THE ONLY SOLUTION I HAVE FOUND IS TO FLIP THE LEVER DOWN TO THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED, WHICH SOMEHOW KEEPS THE FOG LIGHT SWITCH FROM ENGAGING. I HAVE ALSO FOUND THAT HEAT, RELATED TO THE TIME OF THE DAY, SEEMS TO ALSO PLAY A PART IN IT. WHEN IT IS COOL, LIKE IN THE MORNING, THE FOG LIGHTS DO NOT TURN ON. AS SOON AS IT WARMS UP FOR THE DAY, THEY COME ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. I DECIDED TO DO A GOOGLE SEARCH TODAY, AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS IN A POST REGARDING THE PROBLEM, AND THAT CHRYSLER HAS NEVER ADDRESSED IT. THE COMPLAINTS ALL DEMONSTRATE THAT THE LEFT-TURN-SIGNAL SOLUTION I FOUND ON MY OWN IS THE ONLY WAY TO HANDLE THE PROBLEM. I ALSO NOTED OTHERS HAVE SUGGESTED THE TEMPERATURE RELATIONSHIP, WHERE HEAT FROM THE TIME OF DAY MAKES THE PROBLEM WORSE. THE THREAD CAN BE READ HERE: HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.NET/FORUM/AUTOS/CHRYSLER-PT-CRUISER/TF81KHBDLDVT92AH2 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10204718
Official recalls
3Jun 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 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.
Sep 10, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED FOR A SOFTWARE ERROR IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MICROPROCESSOR. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE CLUSTER, WITH THE MAJORITY OF ITS GAUGES, ILLUMINATION, AND WARNING LAMPS, COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH AN INOPERATIVE CLUSTER COULD CAUSE A DISTRACTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-FLASH THE CLUSTER SOFTWARE TO CORRECT THE CONDITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 8, 2001. 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.
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
2PE04028 · 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.
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