229 of the
3,420 complaints filed about the Chrysler PT Cruiser
are about the steering —
7% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2001.
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the contact was informed that the power steering fluid hose was leaking. The contact stated that at that time, it was a small leak; however, the power steering fluid hose then developed a severe leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected. The contact was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be performed. The contact declined to pay for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
NHTSA complaint #11719373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking with and an abnormal odor emanating through the vents. Additionally, the steering wheel became firm. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering system needed to be repaired because the hose was disconnected. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11620679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hello My name is [XXX]. I own a 2002 Chrysler Pt cruiser and for some reason the power steering went out while I was driving! I was able to make it home because I wasn’t far away! My power steering stopped out of no where and my fluid is full and my belt is attached I was also told my pump was in great condition! I’m really concerned because I had my 6 year old child in the car! I now can’t make appointments work or even take my child to school I’m in need for help! INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11526442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On the way home from work my vehicle began smoking. The next exit off the freeway I80 was taken. As I exited my vehicle became hard to steer. I was able to get it to the closest auto repair shop which was Firestone. The power steering hose had a leak which caused the smoke and my vehicle being hard to steer. After 3 attempts with Firestone and them consulting with Chyrsler Service Department in Fairflied, California I had my vehicle towed to my mechanic. He also had trouble getting the new hose to fit on my vehicle. My mechanic also consulted with the Chrysler Service Department in Antioch, California. They assured him that was the correct replacement hose that Chrysler had replaced because the original hose had been recalled and they no longer carried the orignal hose. The only problem is my mechanic nor the Firestone mechanics could get it to fit. I have contacted Chrysler several times with them not taking reponsibility for the non fitting hose as the claim my VIN is not one of the vehicles affected. Attached you will find the original recall notice sent to me in 2011, the letter I sent to the address on the recall notice and all the receipts of attempts to fix my vehicle. The letter I sent to the address on the recall notice was returned as "unable to forward". I'm hoping other PTs with VIN not listed had the same problem as I and can cause Chrysler to repair and reimburse such vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11459151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Answers and explanations to all of the above questions: My power steering assembly is leaking pretty bad and is only getting worse. I have a bad shoulder that I had surgery on and if it goes completely out I am afraid i wont be able to turn the steering wheel & cause an accident. The rims on the vehicle are cracked/cracking & I believe one has a hole or 2 & another 1 is forming one. It's also scratching & ruining the rotors. Its not the pads they are fine but I need at least 1 new rotor & can't because the rims are defective causing it to happen again which can easily damage the calipers locking up the wheel causing a crash plus sometimes theres a loud crunching noise not grinding like the pads are bad cause they are not. I know the difference. The trac off & airbag lights are on then they go off then come back on again.The dashboard is cracked and it caused the vent to break where anything can get in it.The clear coat is peeling and yet the paint under it is in great shape.I also believe that the instrument cluster is causing the lights to come on the dashboard.The vehicle can be picked up when ever you have a spot open for it. I would like 48 hours notice due to work. This is a safety issue if the power steering goes while driving I cant steer it because I didn't know it was leaking it went out and I was stuck blocking traffic and couldn't turn it the passenger had to do it for me, If the rims get worse or hole bigger it can crack or break in half while I am driving. The defrost vent is open to particles that can get in there that shouldn't. The airbag light on could be a defect or the air bags defective. Nothing has been inspected on it since I just found out when looking up this make, year and model a price on power steering to find out there's a recall on it as well as other issues. There were no warnings and the only code that came up was the high fan relay switch. Since then the trac off light goes on and off as well as airbag light and now is currently on.
NHTSA complaint #11441234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I bought this car and seen online there was a safety recall for the power steering/hoses malfunctioning. This cars power steering is non-existent and WILL NOT HOLD any power steering fluid. I'd like to file for the recall. This makes my car dangerous to drive. It's my only transportation. Thanks! [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11422896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A SHARP LEFT TURN INTO HER GARAGE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK FROM A HOLE ON THE POWER STEERING HOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO OLYMPIA CHRYSLER JEEP LOCATED AT 2110 CARRIAGE DR SW, OLYMPIA, WA 98502, (360) 754-5500, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 197,000.
NHTSA complaint #11325441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I HAVE A PROBLEM WHIT MY STEERING WHEEL PUMP ON MY 06 PT. CRUISER AND FOR WHAT I HAVE. READ ON THE INTERNET THERE'S IS OTHER YEARS LIKE 03 04 05 THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND IS BEEN FIX BY DEALER BUT NOT ON THE 06 WHICH I KNOW ALOT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE AS ME AND HONESTLY THIS IS PRETTY UNSAFE FOR DRIVERS
NHTSA complaint #11319590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DROVE THE VEHICLE 12 MILES TO GET HOME. (THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY) IMMEDIATELY TURNING OFF ENGINE AFTER MAKING IT HOME. POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE (BIG LEAK) FROM HOSE AND SMOKE SMELL FROM UNDER HOOD. (ENGINE LOOKS CHARD)
NHTSA complaint #11271512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHETHER IN MOTION OR STANDING STILL, TILT STEERING WHEEL CLAMPING MECHANISM HAS WORN THROUGH WIRES CONNECTED TO THE AIR BAG AND ITS WARNING SYSTEM, CREATING INTERMITTENT (SHORT?) FAILURE OF AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT, PRESENTING POSSIBILITY OF SUDDEN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS OFF, HORN WILL NOT SOUND BUT VENTILATION FAN RUNS. WITH AIRBAG LIGHT ON, HORN WILL SOUND, BUT IF ACTIVATED, VENTILATION FAN STOPS RUNNING. MUST CONSTANTLY ADJUST STEERING WHEEEL TILT TO MAKE FAN RUN OR HONK HORN - CREATING A DISTRACTED DRIVING HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #11267038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE IS LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID. FOUND RECALL NOTICE FOR MY YEAR MODEL BUT CHRYSLER SAYS MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. ADDED FLUID ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO AND STEERING WAS FINE UNTIL A WEEK AGO. SINCE THEN, FLUID ONLY LASTS A DAY BEFORE IT HAS TO BE REFILLED.
NHTSA complaint #11165261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE DRIVING ON 10/7/2018 THE STEERING BECAME HARD AND UPON STOPPING THERE WERE FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. I DID RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON PT CRUISERS IN THE PAST, 04V268000. WHEN I CONTACT DAIMLER CHRYSLER I WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY VIN. BEFORE DRIVING THE CAR ON 10/7/2018 THERE WAS NOT ANY STEERING FLUID UNDER THE CAR. LUCKILY THE FIRE WAS NOTICED PRIOR TO LEAVING THE CAR OR THE CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I WILL LIKE CHRYSLER TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR. THE CAR ONLY HAS 70,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN CARED FOR VERY WELL. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP WITH THIS CLAIM. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11139029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND AN ABNORMAL WHINING AND GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE FAILURE ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE DUE TO THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE RUBBING AGAINST THE TRANSAXLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 131,000.
NHTSA complaint #11101207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I HAD PURCHESED A USED 2003 PT CRUISER AND ON THE HWY HOME SHORT TIME LATER I HEARD CLUNKING SOUND THREE TIMES FIRST WHEN MERGING ONTO HWY FROM CAR DEALERSHIP. FUTHERMORE, ABOUT 10 MIN INTO MY HWY DRIVE HOME I BECAME FRIGHTEND WHEN MY CAR ENDED UP HAVING A MIND IF ITS OWN AND STARED GOING TO THE LEFT SO I TRIED TO TURN STEARING WHEEL TOWARDS RIGHT AND I WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT IT FOR FEW SECONDS AND ENDED ON THE OTHERIDE OF WHITE LINE JUST ABOUT OFF HWY AND INTO GRAVEL BUT AT THAT POINT I SEENED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF MY CAR STEARING AND PROCEEDING BACK BETEEEN YELLOW AND WHITE LINE ON THE HWY, FOLLOWING WAS ANOTHER INCIDENT WAS WHEN I CAME TO COMPLETE STOP FOLLOWING WITH LEFT TURN (STARTED TO MAKE A CLUNKING SOUND EVEN LOUDER).DURNING MY ROUTE I MADE A RIGHT TURN THE SOUND AGAIN. I ENDED UP TAKING IT TO A DEALERSHIP TO TAKE A LOOK AT . THE MECHANIC SAID HE KNEW AT ONE POINT THEY HAD A SAFTY RECALL ON THE SUSPENSION FOR PT CRUSIERS BECAUSE THEY COULD CAUSE INJURY WITH MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS DUE TO LOSS OF CONTROL AS A RESULT OF LOWER CONTOL ARM /SWAY BAR / AND BAD BALL JOINTS WHICH I PERSONALLY PROB EXPERICEND ON MY WAY HOME FOLLOWING MY PURCHESE OF THE CAR. THE MECHANIC I SPOKE TO CHECKED MY VIN NUMBER AND IT DID NOT HAVE A RECALL ON IT HOWEVER THERE WAS RECALLS FOR A SET AMOUNT AND THAT MINE WASNT ONE OF THEM BUT SHOUKD HAVE BEEN AND THAT I SHOULD INFORM " NHTSA "ABOUT MY SITUATION BECAUSE THERE COULD BE OTHERS EXPERIENCING SAME SITUATION DUE TO MALFUNCTIONING PARTS BECAUSE A MALFUCTION CAN HAPPEN TO EVEN AFTER MARKET PARTS CAN LEAD TO DEADLY ACCIDENTS EVEN DEATH BECAUSE OF LOSS OF CONTROL. I STRONGLY AGREE WITH MECHANIC THAT THE RECALL SHOULD BE UPDATED EVEN ON THE AFTER MARKET PARTS FOR THE SUSPENION SUCH AS CONTROL ARM AND CALLED FOR EVERY 2003 PT CRUSIER GT BECAUSE OF LOSS OF CONTROL THAT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO BE IN ACCIDENT EVEN COULD OF BEEN FATAL. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #11079804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE RECALLED IN 2004 FOR POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE LEAK POTENTIAL. RECALL WAS COMPLETED. POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE IS NOW LEAKING. CHRYSLER WILL NOT HONOR A REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #11045674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND OBSERVED FLUID LEAKING UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE LEAK ORIGINATED FROM THE RACK AND PINION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED OR MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #11033993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE HORN DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY AND IS DEFECTED. IT ONLY WORKS WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL TURNS TO THE LEFT AND SOMETIMES IT GETS STUCK AND WON'T TURN OFF. WON'T WORK WHILE TRAVELING STRAIGHT OR TURNING RIGHT. THE HORN DID NOT ALLOW ME TO WARN A DRIVER THAT ALMOST BACKED INTO ME, THIS FORCED ME TO MOVE AWAY FROM HIM IN AN UNSAFE POSITION AND HE STILL DID NOT SEE ME AND KEPT ON BACKING OUT. HAD THE HORN WORKED IT WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS ISSUE THAT ALMOST CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I DROVE HOME TO INSPECT THE HORN AS TO WHY IT WASN'T WORKING IS WHEN I LEARNED THAT IT ONLY WORKED WHILE SITTING STILL AND TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND AT TIMES IT STUCK AND WOULDN'T TURN OFF. I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN LIKE THIS BECAUSE I DON'T USE IT VERY OFTEN, UNTIL THIS PARTICULAR INCIDENT HAPPENED. ALSO THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SHOWS TO BE OFF WITH AIR BAG LIGHT ON.
NHTSA complaint #11005994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.