2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser: fuel leak

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 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.

Filed Apr 14, 2009 · Fuel system · 87,629 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact noticed an odor of gasoline emanating from the vehicle. Upon further inspection, he noticed fuel leaking from the hose. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was excluded from the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v214000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings); therefore, they would not assume financial responsibility for any repairs. However, according to his VIN was included in the recall. He took the vehicle to a local repair shop and had the component repaired according to the remedy referenced in the recall. The failure mileage was 87,629 and current mileage was 110,000.

Filed Nov 10, 2008 · Fuel system · 190,000 miles · PA

Hole in exhaust system near fuel tank caused the plastic fuel tank to literally melt and leak fuel. The metal shield near the tank does not adequately protect the tank. It is a miracle that the vehicle did not catch fire. The entire fuel tank assembly and fuel lines near the tank have to be replaced.

Filed Feb 6, 2003 · Fuel system · VA

Vehicle fuel tank was over filled, resulting in fuel leaking inside vehicle rear right door and rug. Please provide further information. Ph

Filed Dec 2, 2002 · Fuel system · PA

Consumer states that fuel line rubs against metal air conditioning line and is chafing. Has not yet resulted in fuel leakage. Related recall 02v214000, consumer's v.I.n. Is not included. Ts

Filed Nov 18, 2002 · Fuel system · KY

The federal safety agency# 15106-02-v-215-000. The fuel pump module mounting flange could leak fuel if vehicle involved in rollover crash... Consumer states vehicle at any speed smell strong chemical fumes into the passenger compartment. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information.. Ts

Filed Aug 2, 2002 · Fuel system · CA

I came to a stop after a long freeway trip and noticed a very strong gas smell. I looked under hood and could smell and see gasoline had sprayed all over the engine compartment. Later, I found a link to a pt club website problem area, where someone had posted about the same problem just a few weeks earlier. Her milage was at the same point as mine (around 40,000  45,000 miles) (I remember conversing with her when she and I were waiting for our cars to arrive in aug 2000  so our cars were made around the same time). Other posts reflected that others were having the same problem in their pts  the fuel line is getting worn on a spot on the underside (not visible) where it rubbed against a part of the airconditioning line. Comparing notes, it seems some pt's had come out of the factory with the fuel line tied away from the airconditioner, some didnt. Chrysler recognizes this because they have put a tsb out for the problem. Our own observation is that cars made a few months earlier are configured differently and don't have the problem. I dont know how much later after mine was built they began tying the hose away as a regular practice. My car was built aug 2, 2000. When getting the fuel line replaced at the dealership the week of 7/12 - I pointed out that this was an obvious, and known safety defect and asked them to fix it with no charge. The service manager said that because there was no recall, and because it was out of warranty, I would have to pay for it. So I paid $312.66 to replace the hose. On a car event a week after my car was repaired, we looked at the hoses on about 10 other pt's - those that werent tied back all showed wear in the same area. One with about 35,000 miles had significant wear such that the line should probably be replaced and not just tied back to prevent further damage. I suspect there are alot of pt's out there that were made around the same time that are facing an unexpected fuel leak.

Filed Jul 6, 2002 · Fuel system · TX

Fuel line on pt cruiser rubs against the refrigerant line, causing wear on the fuel line. I was notified of this problem thruough ptcruiser club membership. I caught mine before it was worn completely through, and prevented a high-pressure fuel leak that has occurred on other ptcruisers. This not an issue that can wait for other occurances to surface. I will be taking mine to the dealer for remedy.

Filed Apr 6, 2002 · Fuel system · 18,653 miles · FL

Fuel line rubbed on AC line and wore through plastic cover and hose was leaking gas. Dealer said that the line was on back order from manufacturer. On new model there is a clip to locate the line away from other parts. A check of a friends car shows wear to the plastic cover also. Since this could cause a fire, I think cars should be checked for wear and repaired by chrysler. *jb ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****760343***