2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser: loss of power steering

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 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.

Filed Aug 14, 2013 · Body, Suspension · 76,000 miles · ME

The front suspension cross-member is severely rusted and will require replacement before the car will pass inspection. The car was in for routine service when my mechanic pointed out that the only rusted part on the vehicle was the front suspension cross-member and that it was bordering on unsafe. This car has relatively low miles at 76k and is in excellent condition otherwise. This rusted part could fail with no indication that danger was imminent and cause loss of steering and ultimately a vehicle crash at any speed.

Filed Jul 14, 2008 · Engine, Steering · 134,000 miles · TN

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. Whenever the contact approaches a stop or begins to decelerate, the vehicle shuts off completely. Prior to the failure, he noticed that the vehicle idled roughly while at a stop. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the timing belt tensioner was manufactured incorrectly. The vehicle is currently being diagnosed by the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 134,000. Updated 07/31/08. *lj the consumer also stated the power steering failed. Updated 08/05/08

Filed Jan 14, 2008 · Engine, Steering · 38,621 miles · CA

Owner noticed a slight "puddle" (size of a silver dollar) on garage floor. Owner jacked up car to inspect and identify where leak was originating. Noted a misplaced bushing on the bracket holding the power steering hose in place under the engine. One end of the bushing had broken allowing the hose to chafe against the bracket and leak fluid. Owner immediately took car into the dealer to have repaired. Upon examination, dealer informed owner that the motor mounts (2) had broken allowing the engine to sit lower on the frame and that is what caused the bushing to fail. Owner paid over $1,000 to replace motor mounts (2) and replace bushing and power steering hose. Owner feels that motor mount failure was premature as the car only has 38,000 miles on it and has never been driven hard and has been garaged its entire lifetime. Owner has in his possession the defective motor mounts. Although there were no injuries or deaths, there certainly could have been if the owner had not been so observant and vigilant about maintaining the car. Loss of power steering function or engine detachment would be catastrophic on the road, particularly at freeway speeds.

Filed Nov 4, 2004 · Steering · 77,000 miles · IN

While driving consumer lost power steering. Consumer pulled over and had the vehicle towed. Dealer informed the consumer that the problem pertained to power steering pump fluid leakage. The problem was not resolved.

Filed Oct 12, 2004 · Steering · 68,870 miles · IL

While driving 25 MPH the power steering failed without warning. The driver was able to maintain control and pulled off the road. The dealer states the rack and pinion, the power steering pump and hoses needed to be replaced. The cause has yet to be determined. Please provide additional information.

Filed Aug 3, 2004 · Suspension · WI

I have a 2001 pt cruiser with 46,000 miles on it, I have to replace lower control arms on both sides because the bushings have seperated from the bubber. I have had cars with over 200,000 miles on them and never had this problem. I feel that a recall is in order before some one gets hurt due to loss of steering control.

Filed Jan 8, 2002 · Engine · TX

While driving on highway engine mount bolts broke, causing a loss of steering. Had been in contact with dealership.