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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

What owners actually said

618 reports
120,000 miles · Feb 18, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

2001 PT CRUISER OVERHEATING PROBLEMS. HAVE SPENT OVER $2,000 DOLLARS IN REPAIRS,FROM A NEW RADIATOR,NEW HOSES,FANS, BELTS,FLUSHES,ETC. AND IT STILL OVERHEATS. PEOPLE NEED TO BE WARNED OF THIS PROBLEM ABOUT THESE CARS,THEY OVERHEAT NO MATTER WHAT YOU HAVE HAD REPAIRED ON THEM. I HATE THEM THEY NEED TO BE BANNED FROM BEING PURCHAS…

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2001 PT CRUISER OVERHEATING PROBLEMS. HAVE SPENT OVER $2,000 DOLLARS IN REPAIRS,FROM A NEW RADIATOR,NEW HOSES,FANS, BELTS,FLUSHES,ETC. AND IT STILL OVERHEATS. PEOPLE NEED TO BE WARNED OF THIS PROBLEM ABOUT THESE CARS,THEY OVERHEAT NO MATTER WHAT YOU HAVE HAD REPAIRED ON THEM. I HATE THEM THEY NEED TO BE BANNED FROM BEING PURCHASED ANYWHERE WHERE CARS ARE SOLD!!!!!!! *LN

NHTSA ODI #10383295

62,000 miles · Jan 11, 2011
Suspension

K-FRAME ENGINE CRADLE RUSTED THROUGH. THIS CAR IS GARAGED 90 % AT HOME AND AT WORK. THE REST OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND BODY IS RUST FREE. REPORTED TO CHRYSLER 1 YEAR AGO. NO RESPONSE.

NHTSA ODI #10376209

36,706 miles · Jan 11, 2011
Wheels

I HAVE A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER WHICH HAS THE 5 SPOKE WHEELS ON IT AND ALL HAVE THE CHROME COMING OFF AND THE TIRES KEEP GOING FLAT. I HAVE REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES THINKING THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. THEN GOODYEAR SHOWED ME THE WHEEL WHEN THEY HAD IT OFF THE CAR AND THE TIRE OFF. IT WAS CRACKED AND THE CHROME IS COMING OFF INSIDE AND …

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I HAVE A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER WHICH HAS THE 5 SPOKE WHEELS ON IT AND ALL HAVE THE CHROME COMING OFF AND THE TIRES KEEP GOING FLAT. I HAVE REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES THINKING THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. THEN GOODYEAR SHOWED ME THE WHEEL WHEN THEY HAD IT OFF THE CAR AND THE TIRE OFF. IT WAS CRACKED AND THE CHROME IS COMING OFF INSIDE AND ON THE OUTSIDE. MY TIRES GOING FLAT IS BEING CAUSED BY THE WHEELS. NOW I NEED TO REPLACE THOSE TOO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10375572

Mileage unknown · Dec 22, 2010
Wheels

2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT 5-SPOKE CHROME-PLATED WHEELS ENDEMIC CORROSION PROBLEMS. CORROSION CAUSES TIRES TO LEAK AND GO FLAT. DUE TO OEM-EQUIVALENT SIZE TIRES BEING LOW PROFILE, DIFFICULT TO VISUALLY SEE WHEN TIRES ARE LOW OR DEFLATED. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE TIRE FAILURES DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. TIRES WITH LOW PRE…

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2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT 5-SPOKE CHROME-PLATED WHEELS ENDEMIC CORROSION PROBLEMS. CORROSION CAUSES TIRES TO LEAK AND GO FLAT. DUE TO OEM-EQUIVALENT SIZE TIRES BEING LOW PROFILE, DIFFICULT TO VISUALLY SEE WHEN TIRES ARE LOW OR DEFLATED. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE TIRE FAILURES DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. TIRES WITH LOW PRESSURES OR FLAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CREATE DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10372174

91,500 miles · Nov 29, 2010
Power Train

I HAVE A 2001 PT CRUISER. I NOTICED IN YOUR NHTSA ID #10010478 YOU STATE THAT THE FRONT HUB/HALF SHAFT CLICK/POP SOUND. MY CAR STARTING MAKING SUCH A SOUND IMMEDIATELY BEFORE ALL OF THE WHEEL STUDS WHERE SHEARED OFF AND THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE AUTOMOBILE WHILE GOING 60 MILES AN HOUR. I HAVE ALL FIVE STUDS T…

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I HAVE A 2001 PT CRUISER. I NOTICED IN YOUR NHTSA ID #10010478 YOU STATE THAT THE FRONT HUB/HALF SHAFT CLICK/POP SOUND. MY CAR STARTING MAKING SUCH A SOUND IMMEDIATELY BEFORE ALL OF THE WHEEL STUDS WHERE SHEARED OFF AND THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE AUTOMOBILE WHILE GOING 60 MILES AN HOUR. I HAVE ALL FIVE STUDS THAT HAVE BEEN REMOVED THAT CAN BE INSPECTED. I ALSO HAVE ONE OF THE LUG NUTS WITH PART OF THE STUD. THE STUDS WHERE SHEARED OFF EVEN WITH THE FACE OF THE ROTOR. THERE WAS NO WARNING THAT THERE WAS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10368187

103,000 miles · Nov 23, 2010
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED AT MILEAGE 86,795 AND THEN AT MILEAGE 103,000. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE DRIVERS FRONT WHEEL DID NOT FEEL SECURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO A MECHANIC SHOP WHO INDICATED THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS SWAY BAR LINK F…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED AT MILEAGE 86,795 AND THEN AT MILEAGE 103,000. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE DRIVERS FRONT WHEEL DID NOT FEEL SECURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO A MECHANIC SHOP WHO INDICATED THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS SWAY BAR LINK FOR $1200. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

NHTSA ODI #10367256

Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2010
Wheels

MY WHEELS ON MY 01 PT CRUISER ARE CAUSING MY TIRES TO GO FLAT EVERY 2 TO 3 DAYS. THE WHEELS ARE ALLOY WHEELS THAT ARE PEELING AND CORRODED. I HAVE SPOKEN TO CHRYSLER AND THEY SAID UNLESS THEY HAVE REGULAR MAINTENANCE THAT THEY WILL CORRODE. I THINK THAT THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FROM RUNNING YOUR TIRES TOO LOW FROM AIR LOS…

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MY WHEELS ON MY 01 PT CRUISER ARE CAUSING MY TIRES TO GO FLAT EVERY 2 TO 3 DAYS. THE WHEELS ARE ALLOY WHEELS THAT ARE PEELING AND CORRODED. I HAVE SPOKEN TO CHRYSLER AND THEY SAID UNLESS THEY HAVE REGULAR MAINTENANCE THAT THEY WILL CORRODE. I THINK THAT THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FROM RUNNING YOUR TIRES TOO LOW FROM AIR LOSE DUE TO THE WHEELS. I HAVE READ OVER HUNDREDS OF CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME ISSUES ON THIS CHRYSLER PRODUCT. WHAT CAN BE DONE? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10361055

112,005 miles · Oct 13, 2010
Exterior Lighting

HIGH BEAM HEADLAMPS WENT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THIS OCCURRED LAST OCT. 2009. I REPLACED MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH. THEN LAST WEEK OCT.3, 2010 SAME THING OCCURRED. ALMOST GOT HIT BY ANOTHER CAR WHILE STOPPING WITHOUT HEADLAMPS. I CANNOT SEE WHY CHRYSLER WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR FAULTY SWITCH. I WILL NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT …

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HIGH BEAM HEADLAMPS WENT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THIS OCCURRED LAST OCT. 2009. I REPLACED MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH. THEN LAST WEEK OCT.3, 2010 SAME THING OCCURRED. ALMOST GOT HIT BY ANOTHER CAR WHILE STOPPING WITHOUT HEADLAMPS. I CANNOT SEE WHY CHRYSLER WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR FAULTY SWITCH. I WILL NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT UNTIL CHRYSLER COMES UP WITH A FIX FOR ITS POOR SWITCH DESIGN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10360343

185,000 miles · Sep 1, 2010
Structure

THE DASHBOARD HAS BEEN CRACKING FROM THE CENTER DEFROST VENT TOWARDS THE DRIVERS SIDE AREA. THE CRACK IS APPROXIMATELY 8 INCHES IN LENGTH. THE CRACK CONTINUES TO GROW DUE TO THE FACT THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, ROAD VIBRATIONS CAUSE THE CRACKS TO OPEN AND WIDEN. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE THE CRACKS COULD CAUSE THE DAS…

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THE DASHBOARD HAS BEEN CRACKING FROM THE CENTER DEFROST VENT TOWARDS THE DRIVERS SIDE AREA. THE CRACK IS APPROXIMATELY 8 INCHES IN LENGTH. THE CRACK CONTINUES TO GROW DUE TO THE FACT THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, ROAD VIBRATIONS CAUSE THE CRACKS TO OPEN AND WIDEN. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE THE CRACKS COULD CAUSE THE DASH TO CAVE IN WHICH COULD HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE AIR BAG OR WIRING, WHICH COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. I CONTACTED CHRYSLER'S ASSISTANCE HOTLINE AND WAS TOLD THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE SINCE THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10353437

73,000 miles · Aug 13, 2010
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION IN ANY POSITION (OFF, ACCESSORY, ETC) WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING EVEN IF IT WAS NOT SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FAILURE EVERY TIME HE DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR RE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION IN ANY POSITION (OFF, ACCESSORY, ETC) WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING EVEN IF IT WAS NOT SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FAILURE EVERY TIME HE DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO REFERRED HIM TO NHTSA. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000.

NHTSA ODI #10349204

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.