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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
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

70,450 miles · Oct 22, 2007
Seat Belts

2001 PT CRUISER (TOURING EDITION) THE REAR SEAT, MIDDLE SEAT BELT DOES NOT LOCK UP WHEN THE SEAT BELT IS PULLED/YANKED ON OR THE VEHICLE TURNS CORNERS. MY SON AT 3 MONTHS OLD WENT TIPPING OVER SIDEWAYS WHEN I MADE A LEFT HAND TURN (LESS THEN 15 MPH). HE WAS SAFE AND SECURE IN HIS CAR SEAT WITH MATCHING BASE, BUT THE WHOLE …

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2001 PT CRUISER (TOURING EDITION) THE REAR SEAT, MIDDLE SEAT BELT DOES NOT LOCK UP WHEN THE SEAT BELT IS PULLED/YANKED ON OR THE VEHICLE TURNS CORNERS. MY SON AT 3 MONTHS OLD WENT TIPPING OVER SIDEWAYS WHEN I MADE A LEFT HAND TURN (LESS THEN 15 MPH). HE WAS SAFE AND SECURE IN HIS CAR SEAT WITH MATCHING BASE, BUT THE WHOLE THING TIPPED OVER. I TRIED MANUALLY GETTING IT TO LOCK SO THE BASE OF MY SONS CAR SEAT WOULD STAY IN PLACE, BUT I HAD NO LUCK. HE TIPPED A FEW TIMES, SO I DECIDED TO MOVE THE SEAT CLOSER TO THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR. SO NOW WHAT? DO I KEEP RISKING HIM TIPPING OVER OR RISK HIM BEING CLOSER ONE OF THE DOORS? *JB

NHTSA ODI #10206529

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

38,000 miles · Oct 19, 2007
Wheels

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE FLATTENED. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CHANGED THE TIRE. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE WHEELS WERE CORRODING. HE DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN MONTHS BEFORE THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE FLATTENED. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CHANGED THE TIRE. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE WHEELS WERE CORRODING. HE DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN MONTHS BEFORE THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH CHRYSLER AND THEY STATED THAT THE SEAL WAS PROBABLY LOOSE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 51,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. UPDATED 01-29-08. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10206302

Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2007
Tires

DRIVING AT 65MPH ON I75 THE CAR BEGAN TO VIBRATE. INSPECTION SHOWED APPROXIMATELY 10 CM X 2 CM SEPARATION ON THE OUTBOARD SIDE OF THE LEFT REAR TIRE BETWEEN THE STEEL BELTS. (NYLON OVERLAY MAINTAINED THE INTEGRITY OF THE TIRE). LATER INSPECTION OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE SHOWED A BELT EDGE SEPERATION OF 3 CM.

NHTSA ODI #10206282

Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2007
Wheels

I OWN A 2001 PT CRUISER. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. I HAVE A CONCERN THAT MAY LEAD TO A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT CHROME PLATED ALUMINUM WHEELS SUPPLIED WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN NOTICING ABNORMAL DETERIORATION OF THE ALUMINUM WHEELS ON THIS VEHICLE. THERE APPEARS TO BE SOME TYPE OF GALVANIC REACT…

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I OWN A 2001 PT CRUISER. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. I HAVE A CONCERN THAT MAY LEAD TO A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT CHROME PLATED ALUMINUM WHEELS SUPPLIED WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN NOTICING ABNORMAL DETERIORATION OF THE ALUMINUM WHEELS ON THIS VEHICLE. THERE APPEARS TO BE SOME TYPE OF GALVANIC REACTION BETWEEN THE ALUMINUM WHEEL AND THE STEEL OF THE WHEEL HUBS. THIS DETERIORATION APPEARS TO BE DUE TO A BAD FIT BETWEEN THE ALUMINUM WHEEL AND THE BEARING HUB. THIS DETERIORATION HAS PROGRESSED TO THE POINT WHERE THE WHEEL BOLT (LUGS) PATTERN IS AFFECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NO HELP WHEN THIS ISSUE WAS RAISED WITH THEM. MY FEAR IS THAT, IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, THE WHEEL COULD FAIL CATASTROPHICALLY AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS MAY BE TYPICAL OF SEVERAL YEAR FOR THIS VEHICLE TYPE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10205840

13,235 miles · Sep 25, 2007
Unknown Or Other

2001 PT CRUISER 21,800 MILES AND OUR DASH STARTED CRACKING AT SIDE VENTS IN 2004. CRACKS EXTEND FROM ALL VENTS TOWARD THE WINDSHIELD, SIMILAR TO OTHER PT CRUISER OWNERS IN THE USA. THE PROBLEM IS WITH CHRYSLER'S CHOICE OF SUPPLIERS IN MEXICO. UNFORTUNATELY, IT WILL TAKE A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST CHRYSLER TO CHANGE THEIR SERVIC…

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2001 PT CRUISER 21,800 MILES AND OUR DASH STARTED CRACKING AT SIDE VENTS IN 2004. CRACKS EXTEND FROM ALL VENTS TOWARD THE WINDSHIELD, SIMILAR TO OTHER PT CRUISER OWNERS IN THE USA. THE PROBLEM IS WITH CHRYSLER'S CHOICE OF SUPPLIERS IN MEXICO. UNFORTUNATELY, IT WILL TAKE A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST CHRYSLER TO CHANGE THEIR SERVICE TO CUSTOMERS. I AM INVESTIGATING SEVERAL LAWYERS INVOLVED IN THIS AREA WHO ARE AWARE OF A MASS RECALL PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS NOT ISOLATED TO ONE STATE. THE DASH WILL SHORTLY COLLAPSE IN CAUSING A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT. PERHAPS AT THAT TIME NHTSA WILL CONSIDER A RECALL. DO WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR A TRAGEDY TO RECEIVE A CORRECTIVE ACTION? *JB

NHTSA ODI #10204066

80,000 miles · Sep 6, 2007
Unknown Or Other

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. SHE NOTICED A CRACK ON THE DASHBOARD THAT WENT FROM THE CENTER VENT TO THE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK HAS EXPANDED. THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 141,000.

NHTSA ODI #10202016

62,000 miles · Aug 23, 2007
Latches/locks/linkages

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE DOORS ATTEMPTED TO AUTOMATICALLY RE-LOCK IN INTERVALS OF 20 SECONDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON FOUR OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY CONCLUDED THAT THE FAILURE WAS UNRECOGNIZABLE AND DISCONNECTED THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING SYSTEM.…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE DOORS ATTEMPTED TO AUTOMATICALLY RE-LOCK IN INTERVALS OF 20 SECONDS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON FOUR OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY CONCLUDED THAT THE FAILURE WAS UNRECOGNIZABLE AND DISCONNECTED THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING SYSTEM. HE STATED THAT MANUALLY LOCKING THE DOORS WORKED FOR A MONTH, HOWEVER, THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF, THE DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE COMPUTER SECURITY SYSTEM PREVENTED THEM FROM ACCESSING THE COMPUTER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

NHTSA ODI #10200583

109,000 miles · Aug 12, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY PT CRUISER OVERHEATED AND I REALIZED THAT THE FAN WAS NOT COMING ON. I TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR AND THE MECHANIC SAID THE SENSORS AND FUSES WERE FINE AND THAT THE FAN ASSEMBLY NEEDED REPLACING. WHICH COST $700. 2 WEEKS LATER, THE CAR OVERHEATED, AGAIN AND ONCE AGAIN A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER THAT. THIS TIME IT STALLED AND WOULD …

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MY PT CRUISER OVERHEATED AND I REALIZED THAT THE FAN WAS NOT COMING ON. I TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR AND THE MECHANIC SAID THE SENSORS AND FUSES WERE FINE AND THAT THE FAN ASSEMBLY NEEDED REPLACING. WHICH COST $700. 2 WEEKS LATER, THE CAR OVERHEATED, AGAIN AND ONCE AGAIN A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER THAT. THIS TIME IT STALLED AND WOULD NOT START BACK UP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10199330

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.