NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
511 reports120,000 miles · Oct 26, 2016
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND METAL FRAGMENTS STRUCK THE CONTACT'S FACE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND METAL FRAGMENTS STRUCK THE CONTACT'S FACE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #10919006
116,500 miles · Oct 4, 2016
SteeringSuspension
..ON MY 2002 PT CRUISER THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER HAS ROTTED SO BAD THAT IT BROKE IN A FEW PLACES CAUSING THE LOWER A ARM TO MOVE IN SUCH A WAY AS TO CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO PULL OUT OF YOUR HANDS ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT AND OR RIGHT,THE CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN MORE THEN 15 MPH,..AND THAT WAS WHILE HOLDING THE WHEEL …
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..ON MY 2002 PT CRUISER THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER HAS ROTTED SO BAD THAT IT BROKE IN A FEW PLACES CAUSING THE LOWER A ARM TO MOVE IN SUCH A WAY AS TO CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO PULL OUT OF YOUR HANDS ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT AND OR RIGHT,THE CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN MORE THEN 15 MPH,..AND THAT WAS WHILE HOLDING THE WHEEL TIGHTLY....IF THIS CROSS MEMBER WAS TO BREAK WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THERE WOULD BE A VERY BAD CRASH,..I SUGGEST ANY ONE THAT HAS A PT CRUISE HAVE IT CHECKED FOR THE CROSS MEMBER ROTTING BEFORE A CRASH TAKES PLACE,,,I WAS ABLE TO BUY A NEW CROSS MEMBER AND THE CHEAPEST PRICE WAS $514 PLUS TAX AND SHIPPING,..NOW COMES THE COSTS TO INSTALL IT...WHAT IS ODD THE CROSS MEMBER ROTTED OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ONLY,...I HAVE SOME PICS OF IT WITH THE A ARM OFF THE CROSS MEMBER..
NHTSA ODI #10913849
112,884 miles · Aug 19, 2016
Unknown Or Other
STRUCTURE - NOTICED SLIGHT CLUNK FROM FRONT SUSPENSION ON BUMPS. ON MECHANIC'S LIFT, FOUND ALL SUSPENSION PARTS STILL GOOD OR RECENTLY REPLACED, BUT FRONT K-MEMBER SEVERELY RUSTED THROUGH. DECLARED UNSAFE AND UNFIXABLE, ALTHOUGH AT 112,000 MILES THE REST OF THE CAR IS STILL IN GREAT SHAPE.
NHTSA ODI #10897162
130,000 miles · Jun 22, 2016
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED, A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND AN ALARM SOUNDED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TEN TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALARM SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED, A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND AN ALARM SOUNDED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TEN TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALARM SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #10875997
83,500 miles · Jun 5, 2016
Power Train
ENGINE STARTS AND RUNS, BUT AS SOON AS I PUT IT INTO ANY GEAR BUT PARK, THE CAR IMMEDIATELY DIES. IT WILL RESTART, BUT AGAIN DIES WHEN PLACED IN A GEAR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT. HE CHECKED FOR CODES AND THIS IS THE CODE THAT CAME UP (P0601). IT HAS 83500 MILES. HE SAYS IT NEED A NEW COMPUTE…
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ENGINE STARTS AND RUNS, BUT AS SOON AS I PUT IT INTO ANY GEAR BUT PARK, THE CAR IMMEDIATELY DIES. IT WILL RESTART, BUT AGAIN DIES WHEN PLACED IN A GEAR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT. HE CHECKED FOR CODES AND THIS IS THE CODE THAT CAME UP (P0601). IT HAS 83500 MILES. HE SAYS IT NEED A NEW COMPUTER. THIS INITIALLY STARTED BACKING INTO TRAFFIC, THE CAR JUST QUIT. I STARTED IT BACK UP AND WENT TO PUT IT IN DRIVE AND IT AGAIN QUIT. THIS HAPPENS OVER AND OVER, UNTIL SOMEONE PUSHED ME OUT OF THE STREET. CAR IS NOW PARKED UNTIL IT IS REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI #10872620
180,000 miles · Apr 25, 2016
Exterior LightingFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOG LIGHTS ILLUMINATED INDEPENDENTLY AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ODOR AND EVIDENCE OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTERWARDS, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE FOG LIGHTS OFF AND THE ODOR DISSIPATED. THE VE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOG LIGHTS ILLUMINATED INDEPENDENTLY AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ODOR AND EVIDENCE OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTERWARDS, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE FOG LIGHTS OFF AND THE ODOR DISSIPATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
NHTSA ODI #10861357
75,000 miles · Mar 8, 2016
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD EXHIBITED A LONG CRACK WHICH ORIGINATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD THAT CROSSED OVER THE DASHBOARD VENT AND EXTENDED TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD EXHIBITED A LONG CRACK WHICH ORIGINATED ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD THAT CROSSED OVER THE DASHBOARD VENT AND EXTENDED TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA ODI #10845519
84,000 miles · Dec 2, 2015
StructureSuspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. THE CONTACT EXIT THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUB FRAME HAD EXCESSIVE RUST AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT M…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. THE CONTACT EXIT THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUB FRAME HAD EXCESSIVE RUST AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER FRAME, THE CV AXLES AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS WITH BALL JOINT AND THE STABILIZER LINK HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
NHTSA ODI #10808040
Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2015
EngineFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE SEVERELY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUMES AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT N…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE SEVERELY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUMES AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10787742
100,755 miles · Oct 31, 2015
EngineUnknown Or OtherFire
OK THIS IS THE 10TH COMPLAINT FILED ON THIS VEHICLE BOTH BY MYSELF AND MECHANICS WHO HAVE WORKED ON IT IN LAST 6 MONTHS. MY VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE BESIDE MY HOUSE THIS MORNING AT 6AM. NOBODY IN CAR AND THE ONLY THING THAT ALERTED ME WAS WHEN MY DOGS WENT OUT AND WERE BARKING LIKE CRAZY. I WILL HAVE THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR REPORT ON M…
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OK THIS IS THE 10TH COMPLAINT FILED ON THIS VEHICLE BOTH BY MYSELF AND MECHANICS WHO HAVE WORKED ON IT IN LAST 6 MONTHS. MY VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE BESIDE MY HOUSE THIS MORNING AT 6AM. NOBODY IN CAR AND THE ONLY THING THAT ALERTED ME WAS WHEN MY DOGS WENT OUT AND WERE BARKING LIKE CRAZY. I WILL HAVE THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR REPORT ON MONDAY OR TUESDAY. I SUGGEST CHRYSLER WHO HAS ALL THE SAME COMPLAINTS AS YOU DO PAY ATTENTION WHEN YOU ARE TOLD A CAR IS UNSAFE. I COULD HAVE LOST EVERYTHING THIS MORNING SO CHRYSLER BETTER BE GLAD WAS JUST CAR. I AM STILL SHAKING AND I AM A SINGLE DISABLED MOM THANK GOD FIRE DEPARTMENT GOT HERE WHEN THEY DID. I WANT ANSWERS!
NHTSA ODI #10787454
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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