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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.

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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

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

13 reports
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84,042 miles · Aug 20, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO INCREASE IN SPEED AND THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKES AND MANUALLY…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO INCREASE IN SPEED AND THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKES AND MANUALLY DEACTIVATING THE MECHANISM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD ALSO ENCOUNTERED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE IN PARK. THE DEALER ADVISED HAVING A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,042. UPDATED 11/19/10. *LJ THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 12/02/10

NHTSA ODI #10350798

50,000 miles · Jun 23, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control

THE CRUISE CONTROL TURNS ON BY ITSELF, CAUSING THE CAR TO ACCELERATE. AFTER TURNING THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF, IT COMES BACK ON SEVERAL SECONDS LATER, AND ACCELERATES! VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS! THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME IT'S DRIVEN. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR SERVICE, AND THEY JUST CALLED SAYING THEY HAD COMPLETED UPDATES TO …

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THE CRUISE CONTROL TURNS ON BY ITSELF, CAUSING THE CAR TO ACCELERATE. AFTER TURNING THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF, IT COMES BACK ON SEVERAL SECONDS LATER, AND ACCELERATES! VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS! THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME IT'S DRIVEN. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR SERVICE, AND THEY JUST CALLED SAYING THEY HAD COMPLETED UPDATES TO THE CAR'S COMPUTER SYSTEM, AND IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MALFUNCTION ANYMORE. THEY ARE GOING TO KEEP THE CAR FOR ANOTHER DAY, AND DRIVE IT AROUND PERIODICALLY, TO SEE IF IT'S SOLVED, AND I'LL GET IT BACK TOMORROW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10339738

164,000 miles · Mar 10, 2010
Electrical SystemEquipmentVehicle Speed Control

INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) SOMETHING YOU MAY WISH TO LOOK AT WITH CELL PHONES AND THESE INCIDENTS WITH ACCELERATION ON CARS. WE HAVE A PT CRUISER AND SEVERAL TIMES WE HAVE PLACED THE PHONE IN THE STORAGE AREA IN THE MIDDLE IN THE DASH. WITH THE KEEY OFF, THE PH…

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INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) SOMETHING YOU MAY WISH TO LOOK AT WITH CELL PHONES AND THESE INCIDENTS WITH ACCELERATION ON CARS. WE HAVE A PT CRUISER AND SEVERAL TIMES WE HAVE PLACED THE PHONE IN THE STORAGE AREA IN THE MIDDLE IN THE DASH. WITH THE KEEY OFF, THE PHONE RINGS AND THE CAR STARTED TURNING OVER UNTIL WE MOVED THE PHONE AWAY FROM THE IMMMEDIATE AREA OF THE DASH. SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT?? [XXX] *TR

NHTSA ODI #10318748

Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2007
Vehicle Speed Control

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 65 MPH. THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER FOR A FEW MINUTES AND TURNED OFF. HE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE HOME. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 65 MPH. THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER FOR A FEW MINUTES AND TURNED OFF. HE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE HOME. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, HOWEVER; THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE ENGINE SIZE AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,266.

NHTSA ODI #10200548

Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2006
Vehicle Speed Control

2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER BRAKES FAILED. *KB WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE TO RELEASE THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE VEHICLE DID NOT REDUCE SPEED. EVENTUALLY, THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A MANAGEABLE SPEED UNTIL SHE REACHED THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT REDUCE SPEED BELOW 2000 RPM. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10160536

50,000 miles · Apr 22, 2004
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A PROBLEM WITH ELECTRICAL FAILURES IN THE DASHBOARD, INCLUDING THE SPEEDOMETER. WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 50 MPH SPEEDOMETER DROPPED TO 0 AND THE RPMS DID LIKEWISE. EVERY LIGHT AND WARNING SIGNAL CAME ON AT ONCE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10071356

19,930 miles · Jun 16, 2003
Vehicle Speed Control

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, APPLIED GAS PEDAL AND VEHICLE DOES NOT ACCELERATE. MUST COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD,WHILE VEHICLE STRUGGLES TO KEEP RUNNING. WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF, IT WILL NOT RESTART. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10023151

Mileage unknown · Sep 11, 2002
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

WHEN STOPPING AND PUTTING CAR INTO PARK IT SURGES FORWARD, WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT/ INJURIES.*AKTHE ENGINE WAS ALSO REVING AT AN EXTREMELY HIGH SPEED AND SURGING FORWARD WHILE IN THE PARK POSITION. CONSUMER HAD TO CUT THE ENGINE TO STOP THE FORWARD MOTION OF THE VEHICLE. BECAUSE CHYRSLER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEY …

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WHEN STOPPING AND PUTTING CAR INTO PARK IT SURGES FORWARD, WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT/ INJURIES.*AKTHE ENGINE WAS ALSO REVING AT AN EXTREMELY HIGH SPEED AND SURGING FORWARD WHILE IN THE PARK POSITION. CONSUMER HAD TO CUT THE ENGINE TO STOP THE FORWARD MOTION OF THE VEHICLE. BECAUSE CHYRSLER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEY WOULD NOT FIX OR REPLACE THE VEHICLE. *JG

NHTSA ODI #8018455

Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2002
Vehicle Speed Control

WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, AND WHEN DRIVER APPLY GAS PEDAL TO ACELLERATE GAS PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8016673

Mileage unknown · May 30, 2002
Vehicle Speed Control

CONSUMER STATES AFTER RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND TOOK OFF. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL AFTER IT REACHEED 70 MPH. CONDITION CAUSES THE ENGINE TO BURN UP. VEHICLE AT THE DEALER. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. INFORMATION.*JB

NHTSA ODI #8010780

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.