2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser: sudden loss of power

Filed Feb 17, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · 156,263 miles · OH

Low voltage light came on, lost all power on the highway.I had to hit the shoulder quickly. I then tested code with key (3 clicks off/on) got code p0622 and p2403..towed to a shop, to find out the wires from alternator to the computer shorted out, it's a known problem, wiring harness runs along cv shaft and rubs against a bolt near the frame, thus shorting out the charging system and burning out the computer. So now the bill for repairs are almost $650.00 and lucky we got off the highway in time, almost got hit by a semi cause we lost power so quick. I am glad we didn't get killed. If chrysler and the government knows this is a problem why is there no recall.....or a safety warning .

Filed Feb 15, 2011 · Steering · MN

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the contact stated that the vehicle lost all power steering without warning. The contact replaced the steering pump in october 2008 and the steering hose in april of 2009; however, the failure continued to occur. The vehicle was not repaired nor was the failure diagnosed due to the cost. The current mileage was 96,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Sep 27, 2010 · Engine · 70,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact was driving approximately 45 MPH when the engine exhibited hesitation with a slight loss of power. The failure was sporadic. On a separate occasion, the engine completely stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer six times for diagnosis pertaining to the failure. The technician was unable to duplicate the failure. A mobile computer was installed in the vehicle to possibly detect future failure occurrences. When the engine failure recurred, the mobile computer was unable to project an accurate reading. The technician recommended the oxygen senor be replaced however he could not guarantee that the repair would correct the problem. The contact planned to take the vehicle back to the dealer to have the oxygen sensor replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Updated 01/14/11 *bf the consumer stated both oxygen sensors were replaced and the vehicle is operating as designed. Updated 02/23/11

Filed Jul 5, 2007 · Steering · 42,000 miles · PA · fire

As my wife was driving the car she noticed a sudden loss of power assist in the steering. She was able to direct the car into a parking space, and upon exiting ,noticed large amounts of smoke coming from under the car. She asked others to call the fire department, and by the time they arrived, the car was totally engulfed in flames. Upon review at the accident scene there was a noticeable trail of power steering fluid on the road bed for approximately 4-500 feet before she came to a stop.

Filed Jan 17, 2007 · Engine · 51,747 miles · FL

Tl* - the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. The vehicle would not start. The tow truck mechanic jump started the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a repair shop, the vehicle began to smoke. During diagnosis the repair shop found the vehicle to be operating with our errors. The following day the vehicle would not start and the contact had to jump start the vehicle. The contact purchased a new battery, and while driving at 40 MPH the vehicle lost power in traffic. There was smoke under the hood, and the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop where the mechanic removed the head gasket and discovered the motor was burned and would need to be replaced. The vehicle is currently at the dealer waiting to be repaired. The contact stated there were no warning indicator lights. The failure mileage was 51,747.

Filed Jul 16, 2004 · Electrical · 17,240 miles · OH

I have taken my 2003 pt cruiser gt back to the dealer eight times to have a check engine light problem repaired. The first visit to the dealer occured on july 3, 2003 the second visit to the dealer occurred on july 9-12, 2003 the third visit to the dealer occured on august 15-18, 2003 the fourth visit to the dealer occurred on may 7-12, 2004 the fifth visit to the dealer occurred on may 26-27, 2004 the sixth visit to the dealer occurred on june 9th, 2004 the seventh visit to the dealer occurred on june 28th., 2004 (replace leak detection pump) the eighth visit to the dealer occurred on july 16th., 2004 (car towed) general syptoms leading to the light coming on were hard starting several days or weeks prior to light coming on, as well as hesitation under acceleration (occured twice), and the latest incident in which the car completely lost power while accelerating away from a stop sign onto a main road. During the course of my many dealership visits, they have reprogrammed the computer, replaced the solenoid duty cycle purge, contacted chrysler's star technical center and replaced what they claimed to be a bad leak detection pump. Upon the last failure, the car was driven back to my residence and the dealer contacted to tow to the dealership.