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2002 Chrysler Pt Cruiser

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Pt Cruiser years

Owner complaints for the 2002 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

351 reports with mileage · 160 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 97 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 →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 55 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

40 crash reports34 fire reports43 injury reports

Suspension complaints

40 reports
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10,000 miles · Aug 2, 2004
Suspension

BASED ON CONCERNS BY OTHER PT CRUISER OWNERS, I HAVE CHECKED THE CONDITION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ON MY TWO YEAR OLD, 11,000 MILE CAR. THE RUBBER IS SEPARATING FROM THE METAL, DUE TO A POOR BOND BETWEEN THE TWO? IN ANY CASE THIS IS INAPPROPRIATE FOR A NEW CAR WITH SO LITTLE USE. I BELIEVE DAMLERCHRYSLER SHOULD BE …

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BASED ON CONCERNS BY OTHER PT CRUISER OWNERS, I HAVE CHECKED THE CONDITION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ON MY TWO YEAR OLD, 11,000 MILE CAR. THE RUBBER IS SEPARATING FROM THE METAL, DUE TO A POOR BOND BETWEEN THE TWO? IN ANY CASE THIS IS INAPPROPRIATE FOR A NEW CAR WITH SO LITTLE USE. I BELIEVE DAMLERCHRYSLER SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH REPAIRING SAID BUSHINGS: PARTS, INSTALLATION, EXTEND WARRANTY, WORN TIRES DUE SAID LOOSE PARTS, AND OTHER SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. HAVING OWNED MANY CARS AND QUITE A FEW NEW CARS, NEVER A PROBLELM WITH THESE COMPONENTS STARTING TO DISINTEGRATE. PLEASE REVIEW OTHER COMPLAINTS AND TRUST THAT YOU WILL PROVIDE A FAIR SOLUTION TO THE MANY OWNERS OF THIS MODEL CAR, MANY OF WHICH HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR A REPAIR/REPLACEMENT FROM THEIR OWN POCKET!!!!*AK

NHTSA ODI #10083146

22,000 miles · Aug 2, 2004
Suspension

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. SOME OF MY MEMBERS HAVE HAD THIS OCCUR AS LOW AS 5000 MILES. CURRENTLY MINE HAS 36.000 MILES AND THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING ON MINE. I AM A ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN. AND THER…

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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. SOME OF MY MEMBERS HAVE HAD THIS OCCUR AS LOW AS 5000 MILES. CURRENTLY MINE HAS 36.000 MILES AND THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING ON MINE. I AM A ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN. AND 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. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10083135

18,250 miles · Aug 1, 2004
Suspension

I READ SEVERAL PT RELATED FORUMS AND MANY MEMBERS HAVE COMMENTED ABOUT LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING FAILURES, WEEL SO HAVE MINE. I AM EXPERENCING VIBERATION FROM THE FRONT END AND WILL MAKE ARANGMENTS AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ON THE FORUMS IT IS NOT A MATTER OF IF THEY WILL FAIL......BUT WHEN …

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I READ SEVERAL PT RELATED FORUMS AND MANY MEMBERS HAVE COMMENTED ABOUT LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING FAILURES, WEEL SO HAVE MINE. I AM EXPERENCING VIBERATION FROM THE FRONT END AND WILL MAKE ARANGMENTS AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ON THE FORUMS IT IS NOT A MATTER OF IF THEY WILL FAIL......BUT WHEN THEY WILL FAIL. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MATTER THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS SAFTY ITEM, AS TOTAL LOSS OF THESE BUSHINGS WOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROLL OF THE CAR CAUSING A CRASH. THANK YOU 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER DREAM SER 1.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10083124

29,400 miles · Jan 27, 2004
Suspension

WHEN DOING THE 30,000 MILE OIL CHANGE/INSPECTION I NOTICED SPLITS IN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS. THIS IS ONLY NOTICEABLE WHEN THE SUSPENSION IS UNSUPPORTED. THE CAR WAS DEALER SERVICED FOR THE RECALLS AND WAS ASKED FOR AN INSPECTION OF THE BUSHINGS WITH A WRITTEN RESPONSE A THIS TIME. DEALER MECHANIC SAID IT WAS NORMAL WEAR…

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WHEN DOING THE 30,000 MILE OIL CHANGE/INSPECTION I NOTICED SPLITS IN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS. THIS IS ONLY NOTICEABLE WHEN THE SUSPENSION IS UNSUPPORTED. THE CAR WAS DEALER SERVICED FOR THE RECALLS AND WAS ASKED FOR AN INSPECTION OF THE BUSHINGS WITH A WRITTEN RESPONSE A THIS TIME. DEALER MECHANIC SAID IT WAS NORMAL WEAR BUT RESPONSE WAS SUSPICIOUS IN NATURE AND NOT FORTHCOMING. THE CAR WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO MECHANIC AND STATED THAT THE BUSHINGS APPEARED TO BE COMING APART. THE CAR WAS THEN TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT DEALER WITH THIS CONCERN AND THEY THEN DECIDED TO REPLACE THE BUSHINGS UNDER THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY. NO PARTS RETAINED DUE TO DEALER POLICY THAT NO PARTS UNDER WARRANTY WORK WILL BE GIVEN TO THE OWNER. I REQUEST AN INVESTIGATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS FOR INFERIOR RUBBER AND DESIGN. IT APPEARS THAT IF THE BUSHINGS FAIL THE CONTROL ARM WILL FALL OFF AND MAY RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10054954

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2003
Suspension

WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH VEHICLE PRODUCES A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10038267

11,000 miles · Mar 10, 2003
Air BagsSuspensionCrash

THE VEHICLE SEVERELY PULLED TO THE RIGHT, WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, AND THE MODULE FELL OUT ALSO.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10011189

13 miles · Jan 6, 2003
Suspension

WHILE DRIVING, THE ALIGNMENT IS OFF CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE. NOTIFIED THE DEALER 5 TIMES , DEALER SAID THE TIRE IS DEFECTIVE. CONTACTED THE TIRE MANUFACTURE, THEY SAID IT'S NOT THE TIRE. PH *JG

NHTSA ODI #10002098

Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2002
SuspensionTires

SINCE DAY ONE HAVE HAD A "WOBBLE" IN FRONT END. STEERING WHEEL MOVES BACK AND FORTH. FEEL VIBRATION THROUGH FLOOR BOARD. THIS AT 35-40 MPH. NO "WOBBLE" OR VIBRATIONS AT HIGHER SPEEDS. TIRES ROTATED AND FRONT END BALANCED THREE TIMES. NO HELP. DODGE DEALER NO HELP. THEY SAID IT WAS THE GOODYEAR TIRES AND TO REPLACE THEM WITH MICH…

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SINCE DAY ONE HAVE HAD A "WOBBLE" IN FRONT END. STEERING WHEEL MOVES BACK AND FORTH. FEEL VIBRATION THROUGH FLOOR BOARD. THIS AT 35-40 MPH. NO "WOBBLE" OR VIBRATIONS AT HIGHER SPEEDS. TIRES ROTATED AND FRONT END BALANCED THREE TIMES. NO HELP. DODGE DEALER NO HELP. THEY SAID IT WAS THE GOODYEAR TIRES AND TO REPLACE THEM WITH MICHELIN. WILL BE LOOKING INTO FRONT AXLE OR DRIVELINE PROBLEMS NEXT.

NHTSA ODI #10000631

Mileage unknown · Dec 17, 2002
Suspension

ON MY 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER IT APPEARS THE GREASE FITTING ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINTS HAVE BEEN BROKEN OFF. I AM CONCERNED THAT A BROKEN GREASE FITTING CAN ACT AS A PATH FOR WATER AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS TO ENTER THE BALL JOINT AND CAUSE IT TO PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND FAIL, POTENTIALLY CAUSING VEHICLE HANDLING PR…

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ON MY 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER IT APPEARS THE GREASE FITTING ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINTS HAVE BEEN BROKEN OFF. I AM CONCERNED THAT A BROKEN GREASE FITTING CAN ACT AS A PATH FOR WATER AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS TO ENTER THE BALL JOINT AND CAUSE IT TO PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND FAIL, POTENTIALLY CAUSING VEHICLE HANDLING PROBLEMS. I HEARD RUMORS THAT THE GREASE FITTINGS ARE PURPOSELY BEING BROKEN OFF AT THE CHRYSLER ASSEMBLY PLANT.

NHTSA ODI #10000184

Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2002
Suspension

VEHICLE HAS SIGNIFICANT ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS, THE DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES TO FIX VEHICLE, HOWEVER CAN NOT, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND THEN AFTER A FRONT AND REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT IT STARTED PULLING TO THE LEFT, MIDAS DID DIAGNOSTIC MEASURMENTS WHICH SHOW THEY ARE OUTSIDE THE MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS, MIDAS A…

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VEHICLE HAS SIGNIFICANT ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS, THE DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES TO FIX VEHICLE, HOWEVER CAN NOT, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND THEN AFTER A FRONT AND REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT IT STARTED PULLING TO THE LEFT, MIDAS DID DIAGNOSTIC MEASURMENTS WHICH SHOW THEY ARE OUTSIDE THE MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS, MIDAS ALSO STATED THAT THE ALIGNMENT PROBLEM CAN NOT BE CORRECTED. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #564677

Official recalls

3

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.

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.

01V288000 · Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

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

2

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.