NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
511 reports103,000 miles · Aug 19, 2011
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THE FOG LAMPS WOULD REMAINED ON AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT HAD TO REMOVED THE FUSE IN ORDER TO TURN THE FOG LAMPS OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SWITCH THAT OPERATED THE EXTERNAL LIGHTS WAS DEFECTIVE AND …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THE FOG LAMPS WOULD REMAINED ON AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT HAD TO REMOVED THE FUSE IN ORDER TO TURN THE FOG LAMPS OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SWITCH THAT OPERATED THE EXTERNAL LIGHTS WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY OF THE RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA ODI #10420714
100,000 miles · Aug 18, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
MY CAR HAS DECIDED TO "SOMETIMES" NOT START AT THE END OF THE DAY. IT RUNS JUST FINE IN THE MORNING, BUT THEN ON MY RETURN TRIP HOME, YOU TURN THE KEY AND NOTHING. THE LIGHTS GO ON, BUT NO IGNITION, NO SOUND OF THE ENGINE TURNING OVER. THREE BATTERY REPLACEMENTS, AND THAT IS NOT THE PROBLEM. CALLED CHRYSLER PERSONALLY AS DIR…
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MY CAR HAS DECIDED TO "SOMETIMES" NOT START AT THE END OF THE DAY. IT RUNS JUST FINE IN THE MORNING, BUT THEN ON MY RETURN TRIP HOME, YOU TURN THE KEY AND NOTHING. THE LIGHTS GO ON, BUT NO IGNITION, NO SOUND OF THE ENGINE TURNING OVER. THREE BATTERY REPLACEMENTS, AND THAT IS NOT THE PROBLEM. CALLED CHRYSLER PERSONALLY AS DIRECTED BY A WEBSITE THAT SITED HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OVER THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM, BUT THEY DENIED KNOWLEDGE OF ANY SUCH COMPLAINT. COMPLAINTS DATE BACK TO 2002. TRIED HAVING OUR TRUSTED MECHANIC LOOK AT IT, BUT SINCE HE CAN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM, HE IS AT A LOSS. CAR HAS 100K MILES AND RAN FINE UP UNTIL THE START OF SUMMER. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10419967
145,000 miles · Aug 4, 2011
Exterior Lighting
FOG LIGHTS AUTOMATICALLY TURNING ON BY THEMSELVES WITHOUT THE OWNERS KNOWLEDGE...LATER ON IN THE DAY IT WOULD CAUSE ISSUES WITH THE HEADLIGHTS NOT WANTING TO WORK OR THEM GOING OFF WHEN YOU NEED THEM WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE AN ISSUE. PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE FOR OTHER POTENTIAL ISSUES WITH OTHER CONSUMERS: HTT…
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FOG LIGHTS AUTOMATICALLY TURNING ON BY THEMSELVES WITHOUT THE OWNERS KNOWLEDGE...LATER ON IN THE DAY IT WOULD CAUSE ISSUES WITH THE HEADLIGHTS NOT WANTING TO WORK OR THEM GOING OFF WHEN YOU NEED THEM WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE AN ISSUE. PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE FOR OTHER POTENTIAL ISSUES WITH OTHER CONSUMERS: HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/CHRYSLER-PT-CRUISER/TF81KHBDLDVT92AH2/P7. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10417027
88,000 miles · Jul 14, 2011
Suspension
I OWN A 2002 PT CRUISER. IT RECENTLY ALMOST CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SUB-FRAME THAT HOLDS THE FRONT SUSPENSION TOGETHER. THE GARAGE THAT IT IS BEING WORKED ON SAID THAT IT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND HE HAS NEVER SEEN SUCH A THING. ALSO, WHEN IT BROKE, IT ALSO BROKE THE TIE ROD, THE STEERING RACK AND THE A-ARM. I WA…
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I OWN A 2002 PT CRUISER. IT RECENTLY ALMOST CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SUB-FRAME THAT HOLDS THE FRONT SUSPENSION TOGETHER. THE GARAGE THAT IT IS BEING WORKED ON SAID THAT IT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND HE HAS NEVER SEEN SUCH A THING. ALSO, WHEN IT BROKE, IT ALSO BROKE THE TIE ROD, THE STEERING RACK AND THE A-ARM. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 40 MPH AT THE TIME WHEN IT HAPPENED, HAD I BEEN GOING ANY FASTER I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A SEVERE ACCIDENT. I GOOGLED THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10412222
32,000 miles · Jul 11, 2011
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, THE FOG LIGHTS BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT INTENT. THERE WERE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE FOG LIGHTS WOULD TURN OFF. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE AP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, THE FOG LIGHTS BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT INTENT. THERE WERE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE FOG LIGHTS WOULD TURN OFF. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
NHTSA ODI #10411746
28,550 miles · Jun 29, 2011
Electrical System
PARKED 2002 PT CRUISER IN SHOPPING CENTER. UPON RETURN VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. PUSHED TO ADJACENT GOODYEAR DEALER (REMAINED 3 DAYS) SAID IT NEEDED A NEW BATTERY, STARTER & #11 FUSE. ALL REPLACED AND WHEN BACKING OUT OF GOODYEAR, VEHICLE DIED & #11 FUSE AGAIN BLEW. OWNER HAD OLD STARTER EXAMINED ELSEWHERE AND FOUND IT TO…
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PARKED 2002 PT CRUISER IN SHOPPING CENTER. UPON RETURN VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. PUSHED TO ADJACENT GOODYEAR DEALER (REMAINED 3 DAYS) SAID IT NEEDED A NEW BATTERY, STARTER & #11 FUSE. ALL REPLACED AND WHEN BACKING OUT OF GOODYEAR, VEHICLE DIED & #11 FUSE AGAIN BLEW. OWNER HAD OLD STARTER EXAMINED ELSEWHERE AND FOUND IT TO BE IN PERFECT WORKING ORDER. GOODYEAR REPLACED OLD STARTER PLUS REPAIRED BATTERY GROUND CABLE. DROVE 45 MILES TO DOCTOR AND VEHICLE DIED WHEN STOPPING IN LOT. TARZANA GOODYEAR CAME, REPLACED #11 FUSE AND DROVE TO THEIR GARAGE. UNABLE TO DETECT ANY PROBLEM. OWNER DROVE VEHICLE HOME WITH NO PROBLEM. WIFE DROVE VEHICLE TO DENTIST & WHEN PULLING OUT OF LOT AND IN WITH FLOW OF TRAFFIC, VEHICLE DIED. #11 FUSE REPLACED AND DROVE HOME. LATER TOOK VEHICLE TO CROWN CHRYSLER IN VENTURA, CA & SIGNED CONTRACT FOR $100.00 BENCH FEE FOR THEM TO LOCATE PROBLEM. VEHICLE REMAINED THERE "SIXTEEN DAYS" UNTIL CROWN REFUSED TO CHECK ANY FURTHER UNTIL OWNER WOULD SIGN CONTRACT TO PAY $500.00 FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. CROWN SAID THAT IT MIGHT NEED $700.00 POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE. CROWN ADVISED THAT ONCE INSTALLED, IF THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM, THEY WOULD NOT REMOVE IT & OWNER WOULD INCUR $700.00 PLUS INSTALLATION CHARGE. VEHICLE WAS THEN BROUGHT TO OWNER'S RESIDENCE WHERE IT REMAINS GARAGED. PLEASE ASSIST IN THIS MATTER.......................THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10409413
55,000 miles · Jun 21, 2011
Structure
2002 PT CRUISER 55,000 MILES DASH CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10407717
114,000 miles · Jun 16, 2011
Suspension
I HAVE A 2002 PT. CRUISER I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE FRONT CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AND WHEEL BEARINGS AND NOW I AM HAVING TO REPLACE THE LEFT SIDE CONTROL ARM BUSHING AND WHEEL BEARING WITH IN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER. THIS IS FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 3 YEARS I ALSO THINK THIS IS TO OFTEN FOR THEM TO BE REPLACED AND THE MANU…
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I HAVE A 2002 PT. CRUISER I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE FRONT CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AND WHEEL BEARINGS AND NOW I AM HAVING TO REPLACE THE LEFT SIDE CONTROL ARM BUSHING AND WHEEL BEARING WITH IN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER. THIS IS FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 3 YEARS I ALSO THINK THIS IS TO OFTEN FOR THEM TO BE REPLACED AND THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GET HURT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10407165
153,349 miles · Jun 10, 2011
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DOES NOT ELIMINATE LIKE OTHER CARS CLUSTER SUPPOSED TO ELUMINATE. IT,WHEN THE CONTACT TURNS ON THE HEADLIGHTS THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS TURN ON BUT REALLY U CAN HARDLY SEE THE SPEEDOMETER OR THE GAUGES WHICH IS DANGEROUS. ON 6/09/11 W…
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THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DOES NOT ELIMINATE LIKE OTHER CARS CLUSTER SUPPOSED TO ELUMINATE. IT,WHEN THE CONTACT TURNS ON THE HEADLIGHTS THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS TURN ON BUT REALLY U CAN HARDLY SEE THE SPEEDOMETER OR THE GAUGES WHICH IS DANGEROUS. ON 6/09/11 WHILE DRIVING HOME THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS WHEN OUT I COULD SEE ANYTHING,MY HEADLIGHTS AND BACKLIGHTS STOP WORKING AND ALSO MY POWER DOOR LOCKS ARE NOT WORKING EITHER ALL THIS HAPPEN ON MY WAY HOME AROUND 7:30PM AND I HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO MAKE IT SAFE HOME..WHEN I GOT HOME MY POWER LOCKS WERE NOT WORKING WHEN I WENT TO LOCK THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10405854
153,349 miles · Jun 9, 2011
Electrical System
TODAY 06/09/11. DRIVING HOME AROUND 7:30 PM MY CLUSTER WENT OUT COULDN'T SEE THE SPEED OR RPM OR ANY OTHER GAUGES,AND MY HEADLIGHTS AND BACKLIGHTS STOP WORKING TOGETHER WITH MY POWER DOORLOCKS. I HAD TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP AND TAKE MY TIME GOING HOME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10405814
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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