2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser steering problems

Filed Nov 26, 2016 · Steering · 98,500 miles · PA

Power steering fluid is leaking from the high pressure hose where it is routed under the engine casing. The high pressure hose appears to have been warn through by rubbing against one of the clamps which secure the hose to the bottom of the engine casing. Power steering pump was making whining noises. Power steering fluid reservoir was checked. Dipstick was dry.

Filed Oct 24, 2016 · Steering · 101,295 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact observed a heavy leak from the undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact determined that the fluid was power steering fluid. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v268000 (steering). The approximate failure mileage was 101,295.

Filed Mar 24, 2016 · Steering · 162,400 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. While making a turn at 5 MPH, an abnormal noise was heard and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver without warning. The failure recurred constantly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering hose failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v268000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,400.

Filed Sep 9, 2015 · Body, Steering · 155,621 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that the service engine warning light flickered and suddenly remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the underbody prematurely rusted and could fracture at any moment. The vehicle was also taken to an independent repair who diagnosed that the casing for the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that power steering fluid had to be constantly added to the vehicle. The vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v268000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,621.

Filed Jul 27, 2015 · Steering · 46,403 miles · MI

Front sub frame (cross member) broke apart at weld.

Filed Oct 23, 2014 · Airbags, Steering · 140,000 miles · VA

Center of steering wheel (where airbag is located) became so hot that it could not be touched with your bare hand. Pulled over and got out of the vehicle and turned vehicle off. Waited until it cooled down to normal temperature then got back in and restarted vehicle and moved seat all the way back from the steering wheel just in case. The heating phenomenon did not recur in the short drive home (5-10 minutes). Has not happened again. Scheduling a visit to local dealer to determine if this is a known problem. Nothing found on chrysler recall information and email to chrysler got no response. This is a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser with package 28g that included supplemental side airbags.

Filed Aug 20, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 130,000 miles · OH

My car just shuts off leaving me no control to stop, turn, or get out of the way of traffic behind me..... @ 55mph to nothing is asking to be hit from behind. Or if turning across a divided highway, to be left stuck with 2 lanes of semi coming for me and my kids. Now it sometimes wont even do anything when I crank over the ignition (like there is no battery) or if it cranks and starts it will shut off right away. It wants to idle down at stops and stall. I have had it in the shop more than I like n spent more money to have to be told they can't find anything. I read of so many other owners with the same problems who end up junking these cuz they just stop starting....sad, we need our cars to run. Chrysler knows they r riddled with serious issues including the lights and transmissions.....these are a bad combination on the road. Someone needs to look @ some stats! Thanks.

Filed Aug 6, 2014 · Steering · 130,000 miles · SD

Made a right hand turn and heard a metal clunk noise, proceeded another block - from a stop made a left hand turn onto a highway - at that time a very loud metal noise, no brakes, no steering, no control of veh at all. Somehow managed to get to side of road without rolling veh, wheels turned opposite directions, had veh towed to shop. Engine cradle was rusted out on right side and gave way, which disconnected steering control arm and axel from the wheels, mechanic - stated dripping from air conditioner had rusted the parts on that side only - rest of under veh was in good shape - stated had seen this in pt's often - a known chrysler issue with the pt cruisers and the neons also - which have the same platform. If had been going at highway speeds - would have been a very bad, possibly fatal accident. Own two of these vehs - took the second veh to have inspected (only has 50,000 miles) - has the exact same issue. Researched the pt cruiser forums and found many complaints on the same issue. Chrysler is non responsive - this should be recalled as is a deadly problem. Vehicle is unrepairable.

Filed Jun 6, 2014 · Steering · 193,892 miles · MI

I purchased a used pt cruiser that drove fine until the components near the power steering house touched and created a major leak and caused my car to smoke very badly close to causing a fire while driving.

Filed May 28, 2014 · Steering · 90,000 miles · MT

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that while traveling 20 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the power steering failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage and current mileage was 90,000.