Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
04V268000DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONfrom 01/17/2000 to 04/26/2004V (Vehicle)43839109/20/2004ODICHRYSLER GROUP LLC06/03/200406/03/2004
Defect SummaryOn 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 SummaryPower steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire.
Corrective SummaryDealers 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.
NotesDaimlerchrysler recall no. d18.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
STEERING
190080511/02/20051900805A10017651Revised power steering system bleeding procedures. *sc11/14/2005
190030408/27/20041900304A10009785Steering column click sound. *tt10/25/2004
STEERING - COLUMN
190040204/06/2004190030410007587Steering column click sound. *mj07/01/2004
STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
190040204/29/20021900601634066Subject regarding steering column click sound. *slc09/27/2002
1900601A11/23/20011900601628191Experiencing steering column click sound when the steering wheel is turned. *tt03/06/2002
190060109/07/2001620956Subject regarding steering column click sound. *tt09/04/2001
0005510/12/2000618880Advance service information regarding steering wheel foam pad installation. *tt05/03/2001

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
STEERING
PE04028CHRYSLER GROUP LLC03/15/200406/18/2004ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES04V268000
 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
PE04028CHRYSLER GROUP LLC03/15/200406/18/2004ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES04V268000
 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
PE04028CHRYSLER GROUP LLC03/15/200406/18/2004ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES04V268000
 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
PE04028CHRYSLER GROUP LLC03/15/200406/18/2004ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES04V268000
 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.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STEERING
03/18/2012130000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. while parked, the contact noticed power steering fluid was leaking from the vehicle. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number: 04v268000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections) but had already been repaired. the vehicle was not further repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
03/18/2012130000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. while parked, the contact noticed power steering fluid was leaking from the vehicle. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number: 04v268000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections) but had already been repaired. the vehicle was not further repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000. kmj
03/18/2012130000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 pt cruiser. while parked the contact noticed power steering fluid leaking from the vehicle. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vehicle was included in the recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 04v268000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections) but had already been repaired. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000. ds
06/24/201185000
 Front suspension................after front end alignment check .....both side of new tires wore out...left and right....a check later bushings wore out after 4,000 miles...................replace bushings and alignment recheck
08/21/2009980001
 In 2004 chrysler recalled pt cruisers with automatic transmissions for a fault with the power steering hose which caused fires in a few cars. they did not however cover 2001 pt cruisers with manual transmissions. *tr last week (8-20-09) my wife drove to the post office (2 miles from home) and smelled burning rubber, she drove the car directly back home. i examined the car that night and could find nothing wrong with the drive belts, tires, and there didn't seem to be any leaks. i took it for a quick test drive and everything seemed fine. the following day (8-21-09) my wife again drove the car to the post office, this time it started making grinding noises and was difficult to steer. she drove the car straight home again. there still didn't seem to be any leaks but when i test drove it i could tell the power steering was non functional. i opened the fill cap for the power steering fluid to check its level and the remaining fluid in the system drained onto my driveway. it seems like there had been a leak in the power steering hose that was being burnt off on the engine. we were fortunate that we were only using the car for local trips as it would have been much more dangerous if the hose had let go while we were driving on the highway. recall 04v268000, nhtsa action number pe04028, should be extended to the pt cruisers with manual transmissions as well before someone gets hurt. *tr
11/27/200768000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact purchased the vehicle in november of 2007 and the wiring harness was replaced due to electrical failures. in april of 2008, while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle accelerated on its own. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they replaced the brake pads and calipers. recently, the engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. the dealer's diagnostic indicated that the transmission solenoid switch needed to be replaced, along with the power steering pump. the dealer stated that the warranty does not cover the parts. the manufacturer stated that there were no recalls that applied to her vin. the failure mileage was 68,000 and current mileage was 75,551.
12/06/200536000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. while driving over a bump at approximately 20 mph, the control arm bushing failed. the contact heard a loud clunking noise prior to the failure. the vehicle began jerking and swaying across the road, which caused great steering difficulty. the vehicle was driven to an authorized dealer. the mechanic stated that the failure was related to the control arm bushing. the control arm bushing was replaced. the failure has occurred a total of 4 times. the contact was very concerned of the safety risk involved. the failure mileage was 36,000 and current mileage was 50,000.
07/03/2004688701
 While driving 25 mph the power steering failed without warning. the driver was able to maintain control and pulled off the road. the dealer states the rack and pinion, the power steering pump and hoses needed to be replaced. the cause has yet to be determined. please provide additional information. *jb
05/26/200457559104/10/2001
 I had no advance warning that my water pump was failing. luckily, i was just pulling in at home when the temperature bell sounded and the thermostat was advancing near the red area. when i shut the car off, i heard a noise and looked under the hood. the water in the reservoir was down to the add lin and was boiling furiously. had i been on the interstate, i fear that my car could have blown while driving. my car is a pt cruiser and i have heard about a similar incident from a friend who has an intrepid. i am very disappointed and upset about this incident! i have had recurring problems with the steering, and the service people told me that they couldn't hear the sound and that it was just the car. i am becoming apprehensive about driving my car - especially on big roads or a few miles from home. i am thankful that, so far, only my finances and temperament are damaged. *la
06/30/200331000112/15/2000
 2001 chrysler pt cruiser: the battery light keeps coming on. i've taken to dealer four time now for that problem. had the battery replaced twice. had the regulator in the computer replaced. i am still having problems. the transmission had to be replaced. it is a manual transmission. had the clutch replaced. all of this due to faulty parts! the vehicle keeps pulling to the right. had it fixed once and it still pulls. the date entered is when everything started. *cb
11/20/20017525207/01/2001
 Car pulls to the right and vibration. dealer has switched tires from front to back, side to side, and have replaced 4 original tires and 7 additional tires. dealer still claims it is a tire problem instead of something is wrong with vehicle. vehicle still has a pull and vibration. steering column squeaks. steering column replace, lubed and still have a squeak. *ts *jb ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis***763033
12/06/200236000103/01/2002
 The consumer hit a cement divider head on, on the drivers side. the steering and wheel traction had gone out, also the air bags did not deploy. refer odi #770588, 1006108 scc
STEERING - COLUMN
03/01/200865000102/14/2004
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. the vehicle speed control was previously disconnected. while driving 25 mph, the contact noticed smoke coming from the steering column. the dealer stated that the failure was electrical and related to the vehicle speed control. the high and low beam switch was also burned. the manufacturer stated that there was no existing recall. the contact allowed the vehicle to cool down and was able to drive home. a mechanic will repair the vehicle since the manufacturer stated that they were unable to offer any assistance. she is unable to drive the vehicle due to the safety risk involved. the failure mileage was 65,000 and current mileage was 65,100.
10/10/200757388102/11/2001
 The clockspring in my steering column broke. i noticed a rubbing noise and the steering wheel would stick when i turn the wheel to the right. the right turn signal when activated would not turn off when the steering wheel is turned in the opposite direction. i took it to the dealer and had the clockspring replaced at my expense. the dealer told me that the airbag would not deploy until the clockspring is replaced. for a item to fail on a vehicle that involves safety equipment and not be replaced at the manufactures expense is quite irresponsible and careless for the publics safety. *tr
10/03/2002444930
 Clock spring broke in steering column while making a right hand turn
STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
11/24/200347066301/15/2001
 I have a 2001 pt cruiser. i had an incident in wisconsin 11/24/03 where my steering wheel locked and could not be unlocked, thus i could not start the car. i had it towed to the dealership the next day. they found nothing wrong. on 2/26/04 the steering column was clicking. i took it to a dealership in st. louis. the steering column had to be replaced a bearing went out at 38913 miles. then 8/31/04 i had just pulled into my subdivision after a long trip and the car would rev but did not accelerate. i took it to a local garage due to the mechanics strike at the dealerships. the front pump of the transmission is out and needs a new transmission at 47066 miles. in addition, neither of the two dealerships mentioned a fuel system recalls the were issued in 8/02 and not completed on my car.*ak
STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
06/15/20054100011/08/2000
 My 2001 pt cruiser has been diagnosed with a leak in the steering gear which can only be observed by checking the boot which holds the steering fluid. this vehicle has 41,000 miles and has never been driven hard. it is garage housed and i do not feel this probelm should have happened with the miles and the use it has been subjected to. i have heard that the pt cruiser has had this complaint lodged a number of times so i feel it may be a defect which should be addressed by chrysler corp.
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
08/21/2009980001
 In 2004 chrysler recalled pt cruisers with automatic transmissions for a fault with the power steering hose which caused fires in a few cars. they did not however cover 2001 pt cruisers with manual transmissions. *tr last week (8-20-09) my wife drove to the post office (2 miles from home) and smelled burning rubber, she drove the car directly back home. i examined the car that night and could find nothing wrong with the drive belts, tires, and there didn't seem to be any leaks. i took it for a quick test drive and everything seemed fine. the following day (8-21-09) my wife again drove the car to the post office, this time it started making grinding noises and was difficult to steer. she drove the car straight home again. there still didn't seem to be any leaks but when i test drove it i could tell the power steering was non functional. i opened the fill cap for the power steering fluid to check its level and the remaining fluid in the system drained onto my driveway. it seems like there had been a leak in the power steering hose that was being burnt off on the engine. we were fortunate that we were only using the car for local trips as it would have been much more dangerous if the hose had let go while we were driving on the highway. recall 04v268000, nhtsa action number pe04028, should be extended to the pt cruisers with manual transmissions as well before someone gets hurt. *tr
01/10/200838621109/28/2000
 Owner noticed a slight puddle (size of a silver dollar) on garage floor. owner jacked up car to inspect and identify where leak was originating. noted a misplaced bushing on the bracket holding the power steering hose in place under the engine. one end of the bushing had broken allowing the hose to chafe against the bracket and leak fluid. owner immediately took car into the dealer to have repaired. upon examination, dealer informed owner that the motor mounts (2) had broken allowing the engine to sit lower on the frame and that is what caused the bushing to fail. owner paid over $1,000 to replace motor mounts (2) and replace bushing and power steering hose. owner feels that motor mount failure was premature as the car only has 38,000 miles on it and has never been driven hard and has been garaged its entire lifetime. owner has in his possession the defective motor mounts. although there were no injuries or deaths, there certainly could have been if the owner had not been so observant and vigilant about maintaining the car. loss of power steering function or engine detachment would be catastrophic on the road, particularly at freeway speeds. *tr
12/27/200558000008/18/2005
 My 2001 pt cruiser which i purchased in august 2005 suddenly caught fire on deember 27, 2005 and was a total loss. there had been a recall for sudden engine fires caused by leaking power steering fluid. the dealer where i purchased the car, reseda dodge in reseda, ca, had records showing the recall repair had been done, but my insurance company, state farm, found the the fire was caused by leaking power steering fluid. chrysler denied my claim with no reason given. *nm
05/05/200560000205/01/2003
 Dt: the contact states there is a nhtsa recall campaign 04v268000 concerning the steering hydraulic power assist hoses, piping, and connections. this vehicle experienced the same symptoms as indicated in the recall, but this affected the brake fluid lines as well. she repaired the vehicle at her own expense prior to receiving the recall letter. *ak
07/01/20052
 2001 pt cruiser developed a problem where it stalled in traffic on several occasions.*mr the engine light illuminated before the vehicle stalled. the consumer received a recall regarding the power steering pressure hose. the consumer wanted the dealer to inspect the vehicle to see if recall related issue was causing the vehicle to stall, however the dealer wanted more money. *jb
04/12/200515001003/01/2001
 Steering fluid leaked in my car for its life--no dealer ever identified this as the problem when complaining about rough steering noise and other issues. discovered the level of fluid was down when an employee added fluid after hearing the noise ,and the noise went away. the constant leak has damaged the rack and pinion--i was told this by a service dealer and an independent mechanic. crysler will not replace r&p. when having the recall done dealer said it was not covered (r&p)--just the hose--dealer claimed to have done recall work but a neighbor who is a mechanic inspected the car the next day and said the work was not done---old hose still there--leak still active. crysler not responsive to this safety issue. *ak
10/01/2004104/01/2002
 Re: automobile recalls. *bf recall#04v268000 the consumer contacted the dealer to make an appointment to have the recall fixed, but was told by the dealer no parts were available. *jb
11/04/20041
 Consumer received recall 04v268000 concerning power steering hose. no parts were available. *ak no new parts or replacements were used. *sc
07/05/2004508222
 Power steering fluid leaked. *bf prior to receiving the power steering hose safety recall, the consumer had the power steering pump, pulley and access belt replaced after she noticed fluid leaking. after receiving the recall notice, she felt that all the replaced parts didn't need to replaced - just the power steering hose. the consumer wrote a letter to chrysler and requested reimbursement for part of the repair cost which totalled $503.24. *ph campaign id number : 04v268000 recall date : jun 02, 2004 component: steering:hydraulic power assist:hose *tc *jb
110/30/2002
 Due to the location of the power steering line, it could be struck causing the fluid to leak. *ph the detector loss it's ps on the consumer's driveway. the consumer felt that this part should be protected. *sc
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID
10/03/2004770001
 While driving consumer lost power steering. consumer pulled over and had the vehicle towed. dealer informed the consumer that the problem pertained to power steering pump fluid leakage. the problem was not resolved. *ak
10/27/200206/13/2000
 Prior to receiving a recall notice on the power steering hose. on 2 separate occasions i had my oil changed the mechanic said he topped off my power steering fliud it was a little low. when i received the recall notice i arranged to have the hose repaired (serra crysler,jeep etc). i was told by the mechanic that the hose was damaged and must be replaced. the check engine light came on after diagonistic checking i was told that the power steering switch was bad and needed replacing. this cost $68.00. my question is if the powering steering assist hose,piping & connections are bad, did that contribute to the power steering switch going bad? the manager jay jordon said that one had nothing to do with the other. so i paid for the switch & labor. could someone let me know if this is a contributing factor so others will be prepared to pay the extra cost.
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP
11/25/2004301911
 While driving 70 mph steering failed. as a result, vehicle lost power steering. the dealer had to replace the power steering pump. *ak
12/11/2002242265
 At 24,226 miles, i noticed a loud noise coming from under the hood. i was told that the power steering pump had to be replaced. this again has happened 4 more times since dec 11, 2002. each time the power steering pump had to be replaced, two rack and pinion steering assemblies, and all of the hoses. the last two times, my extended warranty service has had to pay for the repairs as chrysler tells me that since i have the warranty, they will not except responsibility even though this has been happening over and over again since 24,000 miles. i am very disappointed in the fact that chrysler will not stand behind their products. these 5 failures have all happened in less than 31,000 miles. i am very afraid to drive the car now as i have been lucky to catch the problem before the power steering pump fails completely.*ak
03/02/200423700203/20/2003
 While driving the car and the power steering unit failed. took vehicle to dealer and was told they could not find a problem. approximately 2 months later problem recurred, returned to dealer and was told the car was no longer under warranty, unit needed replacement. took to different repair shop, was told that unit was shot, had a grey substance in steering fluid that appeared to be some form of leak sealant, destroyed seals in unit, had to replace unit at my own cost,($400). dealer denied adding anything other than steering fluid. was informed that there was a recall by another pt owner, never informed by chrysler. dealer said it was no longer they're responsibility because third party repair was made. no response from chrysler.*ak
04/04/2003260003
 Steering pump failed 3 times within a month. the last failure resulted in an accident.*ak
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
06/14/20081340001
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. whenever the contact approaches a stop or begins to decelerate, the vehicle shuts off completely. prior to the failure, he noticed that the vehicle idled roughly while at a stop. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the timing belt tensioner was manufactured incorrectly. the vehicle is currently being diagnosed by the dealer. the current and failure mileages were 134,000. updated 07/31/08. *lj the consumer also stated the power steering failed. updated 08/05/08
03/31/200847700109/23/2003
 I got a power steering leak in my 2001 pt cruiser. it was the power steering fluid cooler. but i was told my the chrysler dealer that there was an upgrade, that i couldn't get the oe cooler, i had to get a new cooler, hose, and resorvoir. to be purchased by me and the labor to install them to be paid by me. i said i didn't want an upgrade, i just wanted the oe cooler. once again i was told that i had to get the upgrade. i said that i would pay for the cooler and labor to install it, i thought that chrysler should pay for any additional parts and labor. i was told that chrysler would not do this. i feel that they should either replace the part that is defective and charge me, or do any additional work at their expense. they wouldn't do it. *tr
08/28/200661500106/01/2004
 Dt*: the contact stated a puddle of fluid was noticed under the front end of the vehicle. also, while reversing out of the garage, the power steering pump was not working properly. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined the power steering fluid reservoir had a pin-sized hole. the reservoir was replaced.
06/04/2003103/27/2002
 Dt: the clutch cable assemblies, the bushings that are suppose to be around the cable were never put on vehicle. the vehicle was not able to put into gear . took the vehicle to the mechanic and was told both cables had to be replaced because all bushings were missing. the part the mechanic received from chrysler had the bushings on it. the problem started last year, but she did not know the bushings were missing until the vehicle would not shift in the beginning of june. at that time, the sensor light for the engine check came on. that was because the power steering sensor had to be replaced.*ak
02/18/200460000101/30/2002
 During routine inspection dealership informed the consumer that power steering fluid was leaking from the vehicle. the problem was not resolved. evoq filed by:ted earl 44 brairwood drive, glastonbury, ct 06033, 860-657-9497. *ak *nm
10/06/20031
 While applying brakes steering failed without warning, causing vehicle to roll into traffic.*ak
10/07/2001109/01/2001
 Power steering hose, no protection under car. mr
09/01/2002110/27/2000
 While traveling on the highway the steering column has a noise coming from underneath the vehicle. the dealership is aware of the problem. nlmthe fluid line underneath the vehicle is mounted low which hits curbs and speed bumps unless driving 5 to 10 mph. *jg
STEERING - LINKAGES
03/01/2001
 On 12/6/02 i was traveling 60 mph. i tried to make a lane change and the whole car lost control. the car started rocking side to side for about a mile. the car would not give tranction to the ground. i kept thinking on each rocking motion that the car was going to flip over at any moment. i did not hit the brake for fear this would make the car flip due to the aggressive side to side rocking the car was doing. the steering system seemed to be out. the car felt as it was going to tip over. the car eventually slammed into a concrete embarkment divider on the freeway head-on. the air bags on the car did not deploy. i've had this same problem twice before making lane changes in town but the aggessiveness of the motion was not the same as this highway incident. i'd like this vehicle to be investigated for defectiveness. i'd like the scene of my accident to be invesigated to see the traction marks. i'd like to know of any similar compolaints about this make and model of car. 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. i'd like the damages of my car to be compensated for as well as my own injuries and to fix the original problem with this vehicle. dt
STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
05/26/200782500110/01/2006
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact stated that the tire rod disconnected from the left front tire and cannot steer the vehicle. she stated that the part is non-serviceable. the mechanic stated that the tie rods are meant to fail and are normally self-greasing, however the tire rods are not. she notified the manufacturer who stated that there is no recall and the part is not under warranty. the manufacturer also stated that the part is usually not due for inspection until 90,000 miles. she also notified the local dealer and asked to speak with the regional sales manager. the representative has yet to respond. the current mileage is 82,580 and failure mileage was 82,500. updated 02/01/08. *lj
07/05/200532191107/15/2001
 Dt: the consumer stated the front end of the vehicle did not respond to a quick turn in either direction. the consumer took the vehicle the to dealership for an inspection and discovered that both front tie rod ends were worn and would not pass inspection. in addition the control arm had lost a bushing which created a knocking noise. the consumer has replaced tie rod ends as well as the control arm bushing. dealer noted this was a common problem with the pt cruiser and this was a design flaw. the consumer contacted the manufacturer and they denied there was an issue with the pt cruiser and that all cars have grease fittings called zirks since repairs no problems as of yet. this failure occurred 32,191 miles. chrysler did say they would reimburse $150 for the tie rods ends but that was all. *jb
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
06/12/200331000402/01/2001
 Consumer states: 1st time heard a crushing noise when he would turn the wheel. the dealer replaced the steering column, then in july 2003 heard a noise sound like rubber on rubber. the steering rack and pinion assembly was replaced. in july 2004 the noise was back and the steering rack and pinion was replaced again. now, the noise is back and they are going to replace the rack and pinion again. *ak *jb
500001
 While traveling 5 mph consumer noticed that when making a turn vehicle did not respond to turning, vehicle continued to travel straight. dealership serviced vehicle, and noticed rack and pinion needed to be replaced. *ak
1
 When the consumer attempted to make a left turn, the vehicle suddenly veered into a hard left turn, the driver loss control of the vehicle and hit a concrete base of a light pole. there was oil on the ground near the collision. a front end suspension specialist indicated the rack and pinion broke, which caused loss of control/crash. consumer felt this was a safety issue which should be investigated further. if it would be decided by someone from nhtsa to investigate the incident further, it should be done quickly since the vehicle has been released by the farmers texas county mutual insurance company for auction/sale. by central texas salvage pool at 721 north general bruce drive, temple, texas 76501, contact 254-777-111. owner has asked insurance company to put a temporary hold on sale of vehicle. insurance adjuster has agreed to a two week hold until february 7, 2003. unless there was further action by nhtsa or chrysler to indicate a further investigation for security reasons. this information should be added to odi id 770890. see 10009888 for vehicle owner's information. *ak
01/11/200330806303/01/2001
 When a moderate left turn was made, there was a rubbing noise heard. later, as the vehicle made another left turn, there was a loud pop/bang heard, and the vehicle suddenly veered sharply into a hard left turn. the vehicle hit a concrete base. a front end specialist stated that the steering rack and pinion had broken. scc *jb. see 10014911 for more details. *ak
03/01/2001
 On 12/6/02 i was traveling 60 mph. i tried to make a lane change and the whole car lost control. the car started rocking side to side for about a mile. the car would not give tranction to the ground. i kept thinking on each rocking motion that the car was going to flip over at any moment. i did not hit the brake for fear this would make the car flip due to the aggressive side to side rocking the car was doing. the steering system seemed to be out. the car felt as it was going to tip over. the car eventually slammed into a concrete embarkment divider on the freeway head-on. the air bags on the car did not deploy. i've had this same problem twice before making lane changes in town but the aggessiveness of the motion was not the same as this highway incident. i'd like this vehicle to be investigated for defectiveness. i'd like the scene of my accident to be invesigated to see the traction marks. i'd like to know of any similar compolaints about this make and model of car. 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. i'd like the damages of my car to be compensated for as well as my own injuries and to fix the original problem with this vehicle. dt
STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
12/01/201062000
 K-frame engine cradle rusted through. this car is garaged 90 % at home and at work. the rest of the undercarriage and body is rust free. reported to chrysler 1 year ago. no response.
07/13/2001403/01/2001
 I have had my pt cruiser in 4 different times in the passed 11/2 years. there is a serious wobble in the steering, and each time the dealer looks at my complaint. they rotate and balance the tires. i have told them on each consecutive visit that the problem has not been resolved. at one point a dealer told me that they had used the wrong kind of wheel weights and they were loosening up. another visit warranted a new steering column. the problem persists i have looked for recalls, and service bulletins but none are in affect for this particular problem. it has been quite frustrasting to not see the problem solved. i am looking for help, and am considering filing the minnesota lemon law. thinking that i should start here. dt
06/14/2000
 1. steering wheel became loose on shaft while traveling at 68-70 mph; 2. headlights would flicker from bright to dim, and 3. front weels out of alignment. most problem was corrected by dealer. >> please feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak
06/01/200005/01/2000
 A popping, or cracking sound occurs in the steering column when i turn sharply to the left, i.e. turning into a parking space or a driveway, which is always at low speeds. the dealership checked it, said they didn't think it was a problem, wouldn't know what to do to fix it, and hadn't gotten any tsbs on it. i have talked to several other pt owners with the problem, but only one actually had the steering column replaced.*ak