2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser fuel system problems

Filed Aug 15, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 107,000 miles · MA · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed white smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle then became engulfed in flames. The contact exited the vehicle and rushed away from the scene. The contact stated that the vehicle exploded. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. It was not indicated if a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a salvage yard. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent a technician to inspect the vehicle. No further assistance was offered. There were no injuries. The failure mileage was 107,000. The VIN was not provided.

Filed Apr 6, 2015 · Fuel system · 209,999 miles · TN

Fuel line was chafing against the air conditioning service port causing a leak in the fuel line. Fuel was spraying in the engine compartment. Extreme fire hazard.

Filed May 31, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 123,570 miles · KY

I first sent this complaint on mar 7, 2014 and received an email reply acknowledging it, but since haven't heard anything. Is my complaint being taken seriously? It is a serious complaint as follows: on feb 5, 2014, my 2001 pt cruiser shut down while it was being driven down a busy street. It didn't make a sputter or a sound, it just died. Luckily, it coasted long enough for me to pull off onto a quieter street and up against a curb. We had it towed to the automotive shop the explanation for the motor shutting down was alarming. The automotive tech reported the crankshaft position sensor needed replacing. As I understand, when this sensor goes bad, the engine automatically shuts down. With no warning. I had gas in my pt. I don't think people know about this; the tech said most cars that are 'newer' (as far back as 2002, at least) have this sensor. This is a serious safety concern and appears to be widespread. I looked through every page of my 2001 pt cruiser owner's manual and didn't find any indication that there would be a problem like this or that the crankshaft position sensor should be tested regularly, if it could be tested, that is. The federal safety agency would be doing the public a lifesaving service to look into the danger of this failed design, not to just replace them in all cars with a new one, but with one that is not designed to fail at the risk of the drive and anyone else in the vicinity when a moving car decides to just shut down. With no warning. There is not a time frame for this part to fail, but cars that are around my cruisers may be ready to give out. Please look into this dangerous situation. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 3, 2014 · Fuel system · 122,118 miles · KY

On feb 5, 2014, my 2001 pt cruiser shut down while it was being driven down a busy street. It didn't make a sputter or a sound, it just died. Luckily, it coasted long enough for me to pull off onto a quieter street and up against a curb. We had it towed to the automotive shop the explanation for the motor shutting down was alarming. The automotive tech reported the crankshaft position sensor needed replacing. As I understand, when this sensor goes bad, the engine automatically shuts down. With no warning. I had gas in my pt. A car can shut down completely while in motion? With no warning? I am mortified that this is possible! Is it really possible? But, evidently, it is true, since that's what the tech is replacing. I am thankful that it didn't happen 2 days earlier when I had my elderly mother in the car on the watterson expressway. I don't think people know about this; the tech said most cars that are 'newer' (as far back as 2002, at least) have this sensor. This is a serious safety concern and appears to be widespread. I looked through every page of my 2001 pt cruiser owner's manual and didn't find any indication that there would be a problem like this or that the crankshaft position sensor should be tested regularly, if it could be tested, that is. The federal safety agency would be doing the public a lifesaving service to look into the danger of this failed design, not to just replace them in all cars with a new one, but with one that is not designed to fail at the risk of the drive and anyone else in the vicinity when a moving car decides to just shut down. With no warning. There is not a time frame for this part to fail, but cars that are around my cruisers may be ready to give out. Please look into this dangerous situation. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed May 22, 2013 · Fuel system · 138,000 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, a strong odor of gasoline fuel emitted inside of the vehicle. The failure occurred thirty minutes after refueling. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where they noticed a large amount of fuel leaking from the fuel tank return line. The mechanic installed two clamps as a temporary repair. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was awaiting diagnosis. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v214000 (fuel system, gasoline) but was advised that the VIN was not included in the recall campaign. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.

Filed Apr 10, 2012 · Engine, Fuel system · NJ · fire

The engine starting making a ticking sound while I was driving uphill about 40 MPH. I stopped to check oil which was about 1/2 quart down. I proceeded to continue driving I went about another mile and the car started losing power. Unknown to me but the car was already on fire. Someone behind me alerted me and within a minute or two the pt cruiser was engulfed in flames.

Filed Apr 29, 2010 · Fuel system · 63,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact received recall notice id number: 02v214000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings) and had the vehicle towed to the dealer for the recall repairs. The dealer stated that because the fuel line was missing from the vehicle, they were unable to perform the recall repairs. The contact stated that since he was in possession of the recall notice which was addressed to him that he should be able to have the recall repairs performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that they would escalate his request. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileages were 63,000.

Filed Sep 14, 2009 · Fuel system · PA

2001 chrysler pt cruiser had a hole in fuel line. *nj the consumers wife was driving home, when she smelled gas. The consumer opened the hood and saw fuel coming from the fuel line that was rubbing against the air conditioner pipe and fitting. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed there was a recall regarding this issue and according to their records, the recall was performed in 2002. The consumer stated either the recall was never done or the recall fix did not work and is seeking reimbursement for the new fuel line that was installed.

Filed Jul 28, 2009 · Fuel system · 178,703 miles · CO

The fuel line was recalled in 2002 under pt cruiser fuel line leaks against air conditioner and I had that repaired in 2002. I have done nothing to the fuel line since then. On july 25 2009, the fuel line sprung a leak. Upon further investigation I noticed the line rubbed against the top of the engine which caused the hole in the fuel line. Obviously fuel was leaking onto the engine the consequences of the leak could have been catastrophic and life threatening to myself and family. The fuel line is threaded under the power steering pump hose and over the engine to the fuel injection rail. Over the miles the line rubbed the top of the engine which caused the hole in the fuel causing gas to squirt and leak in the engine compartment. I replaced the line to repair. I did keep the old fuel line and took pictures of the engine where it rubbed. I believe this to be a design flaw, by allowing the fuel line to rub on the engine and held down by the power steering pump hose.

Filed Jul 7, 2009 · Fuel system · 39,000 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. Upon starting the vehicle, the contact smelled a strong odor of gasoline. She also noticed fuel leaking underneath the front hood. Through online research, she discovered the federal safety agency campaign id numbers 02v214000 and 02v215000, but her VIN was excluded from both recalls. The dealer stated that they could not assist with any repairs and would not assume liability. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unable to be entered into the system. The failure and current mileages were less than 39,000. Remailed 10/20/09.