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
190100411/29/200410011958Power steering fluid contamination. *tt02/08/2005
190030408/27/20041900304A10009785Steering column click sound. *tt10/25/2004
190010403/16/200410006448Whistling sound when the steering wheel is turned. *tt05/03/2004
STEERING - COLUMN
190040204/06/2004190030410007587Steering column click sound. *mj07/01/2004
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
180360510/07/200510017630Flash: rough idle or idle fluctuation with power steering operation. *sc11/14/2005

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
08/12/2012933301
 While pulling into parking space car became difficult to move forward. inspection of the car reviewed the front tires were pointing in opposite directions. visual inspection of the car showed the passenger side outer tire rod end separated from the steering knuckle. car was towed, tie rod end replaced. ( have part if needed). *tr
08/12/201293330
 While pulling into parking space car became difficult to move forward. inspection of the car reviewed the front tires were pointing in opposite directions. visual inspection of the car showed the passenger side outer tire rod end separated from the steering knuckle. car was towed, tie rod end replaced. ( have part if needed)
07/30/200968000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the steering became difficult to maneuver. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test. the mechanic stated that the power steering pressure hose would have to be replaced because it was fractured and was causing steering fluid to leak. the vehicle was repaired. after the repair, the failure occurred a second time. the vehicle was taken to another mechanic for a diagnostic test. the mechanic stated that the power steering pressure hose would have to be replaced a second time. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 04v268000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections) that may be related to the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
07/30/200968000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the steering became difficult to maneuver. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test. the mechanic stated that the power steering pressure hose would have to be replaced because it was fractured and was causing steering fluid to leak. the vehicle was repaired. after the repair, the failure occurred a second time. the vehicle was taken to another mechanic for a diagnostic test. the mechanic stated that the power steering pressure hose would have to be replaced a second time. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 04v268000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections) that may be related to the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 68,000. sm.
07/30/200968000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pt cruiser. while driving approximately 45 mph the steering became difficult to maneuver. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic. the mechanic stated the power steering pressure hose would have to be replaced because it was fractured and was causing steering fluid to leak. the vehicle was repaired. after the repair the failure occurred a second time. the vehicle was taken to another mechanic for diagnostic. the mechanic stated the power steering pressure hose would have to be replaced a second time. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 04v268000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections) that may be related to the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 68,000. da
12/01/201150000
 My pt crusier has had to have all of the front end replaced, car started acting up at 50,000 miles and i now how almost 81,000 and i have replaced everything in the front end except the cv joints, which i hope does not need after i send this. i just had to have the rack and pinion done. when speaking with crysler directly they state that the pt cruiser has had a lot of recalls due to front end, but i am told that my vin number does not fall in the mix. i am the only owner of my pt cruiser. i have replaced parts on my car starting back in 2010 early 2011.
01/20/2010720001
 My 2004 pt cruiser needs the front hub assembly replaced again after approximately 40,000 miles. the bearings are shot and you have to buy a whole assembly rather than an individual bearing. i've spoken to numerous owners and they too have this problem is there a chance of a recall?? *tr
06/01/200846000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact heard a loud grinding noise in the steering column. he took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the power steering hose needed to be replaced at the cost of $200. the manufacturer stated that his vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 04v268000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections); therefore, they would not assume financial responsibility for the repair. he has not had the vehicle repaired. the failure mileage was 46,000 and current mileage was 50,647.
07/09/2008430001
 Grinding noise, wobble in steering-left front wheel bearing gone at 43000 miles-replacement cost $300.00. *tr
10/14/20041
 While driving, the vehicle veered off the road hitting a culder. once this occurred the vehicle struck a telephone pole flipping on the nose of the vehicle. the consumer had to be cut out of the vehicle after being trapped for over an hour. the consumer died on the scene. please complete form. *jb *sc
STEERING - COLUMN
04/22/2005402/23/2004
 I have had my chrysler pt cruiser in the shop for the same steering column noise 4 times. in 2 times they have scratched my steering wheel twice . they replaced the steering wheel already once. i took the car back in on friday april 22 and i received the car back tonight. i saw 2 scratches on the steering wheel again i immediately took the car back to the dealership to have the service rep look at the steering wheel. i'm not happy that i have to keep bringing the car back in for the same thing, i would like to register the pt under the lemon law. *ak
STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
12/03/2004100801/26/2004
 I have had problems with my automatic 2004 pt cruiser since i have purchased the vehicle in january of 2004. the car has been in the shop for weeks at a time due to the car stalling while i am driving which is extremely dangerous since the power steering locks, and this action can potentially cause me to lose control of the car. the car is currently in the shop due to it stalling and driving rough. every time i take the car to the chrysler service department it seems like they find an issue but it is the wrong issue. last time they told me the car was fine and nothing was wrong with it and the next day the car stalled while i was driving. i have rented pt cruiser rental cars to verify that all pt cruiser do not run rough and stall and the rental cars run like a dream compared to my car. if the troubles with the car do not change and the car cannot be fixed i would like out of the deal. i am very scared to drive my new car due to a potential accident.*ak
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID
07/07/2004101/24/2004
 On july 7, 2004, i had an coming out of a parking lot when all of a sudden my steering wheel became very hard to turn and i hit a pole on the right side of my vehicle. *ak when i informed daimler chrysler of the accident, they had an investigator tow my car to mancari's chrysler jeep in crestwood, illinois on july 15, 2004 to inpect the damages. when finished, the investigator called me and told me that chrysler would contact me regarding the damages. after the investigator contacted me, i called daimler chrysler about two times a week asking for a status and would get put on hold for a long time only to be told that my file is still under review. when i asked for a manager, they would tell me no one is available. in addition, i sent emails to get to chrysler to get a response. one response was about contacting chrysler financial. i called and spoke to a mr. lambert and he gave me an extension on my car payment until september 2004. i told mr. lambert i do not feel safe in the pt cruiser due to my accident and articles that i found. the articles are explaining defects of the pt cruiser (www.theautochannel.com and www.daimlerchryslervehicleproblems.com). therefore, mr. lambert told me that he would review the lemon law to see if i can get a new car. mr. lambert has not informed me of a decision about a new car but i have obtained a copy of the lemon law statutes to protect myself. according to magnuson-moss warranty act, i have a right to demand a new vehicle if i find that my current vehicle is defective. as of now, my insurance company is paying to have my car fixed. my car is currently at mancari's chrysler auto body shop in oak lawn, illinois. mancari's has supposedly been fixing my car since the end of july 2004 and they still have my car. thanksfatimah r. muhammad
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
11/30/2007580001
 Chrysler is claiming that all of power steering repairs are not due to the recall id no. 04v268000. the power steering hoses have failed, which caused the pump to fail. chrysler charged us for failure of the pump, but now at this time we are having to pay for the hoses, which has caused the belt to be replaced, which now causes pump damage. we paid for the hoses to be replaced as well, but now find out now it is caused by chrysler not fixing the right power steering components that are listed on this recall. we would like all compensation for our rental car fees that we have had to pay for while our car has been in the shop twice now for power steering issues. our vehicle is a 2004 chrysler pt. *tr