2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser: engine failure

Filed Oct 17, 2017 · Steering · 135,000 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact pulled the vehicle over and observed fluid leaking under the driver side wheel. The contact believed the leak originated from the rack and pinion. The vehicle was towed home. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted or made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Filed Sep 28, 2012 · Steering · 100,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited a loud, whining sound as the steering wheel seized. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that power steering fluid was leaking and took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer advised the contact that the hose to the steering needed to be replaced. In addition, there was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04vv268000 (steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections) however, the contact's vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 150,000.

Filed Feb 9, 2012 · Engine · 82,000 miles · PA

Recently, I noticed a puddle of oil forming under my car when it was parked briefly. A check of oil showed that it was slightly below normal, but well within range. Topped up oil and started engine, and steady stream of oil was seen to be coming from crank oil seal. The day before this car did not drip a drop of oil. Mechanic found seal was in tact, but completely loose from engine. Had seal replaced by certified mechanic, and in less than 15 miles the oil leak returned. After seeing multiple similar accounts on internet, had the mechanic open the engine and found the crank end play to be well over .020" and the thrust bearing wiped along with damage to the crank thrust face. Oddly chrysler seems to only install the thrust bearing on only the top half in this design. The problem seems to be the thrust bearing fails, the crankshaft then walks into the back of the seal and knocks it out. Fortunately, I noticed the puddle, before this failed at highway speed. This could have emptied the oil in minutes and seized up the engine at speed. This is clearly a known design flaw that chrysler is avoiding taking responsibility for. No engine should have this sort of failure in the 21st century!

Filed Aug 26, 2011 · Engine · 80,000 miles · OH

I purchased a 2005 pt cruiser in june 2008. Several months later I noticed that my car would shake once I turned on my AC. While it was under warranty, I took it back to the car dealership and they advised me that I needed a tune up. So I had my car serviced for a tune up to only find out that the problem on persisted. I took the car to several mechanics and no one could figure out the problem. They all said I needed spark plugs although I just had them replaced. Flash forward to november 2010, on my way to work out of no where my car started putting and my engine was shaking as if my car was about to explode. Again I took it to a mechanic and he said the same thing... Tune up. Clearly this was not the case, however I had my gaskets changed to see if that was the issue...negative. So I decided to google what the problem was myself just to see if I missed a recall or if this is a problem. T o my surprise I found several forums specificallly for teh chrysler pt cruiser. To top the cake their issues was the exact same issues I was having with my car. Engine shaking, car putting, and the car cutting off while driving! I called chrysler to see if there was a recall and I was so baffeled that there was not. This is clearly a safety issue and I'm very dissapointed that chrylser is ignoring the seriousness of the matter! This can potentially cause a fatal accident. How scary is it driving on the highway and your car just stops or starts putting! I have spent over $500 trying to fix this issue and others have spent thousands on chryslers behalf. My car still has the same issues today 8/26/2011. I can't afford a new engine especially when this is a more than common issue. Please google "pt cruiser engine shaking problems" and see the many blogs and complaints. Each blog has the same issues listed, and I know this has been brought to chrysler's attention but they choose to ignore it. Fyi.. It only took toyota 11 complaints for them to recall their vehicals.

Filed Jun 22, 2009 · Engine · 55,805 miles · LA

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that the timing belt inside of the engine failed while driving 60 MPH. A near crash almost occurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the warranty only covered three years and 36,000 miles. The dealer informed the contact that he would have to pay for the repairs; however, he does not want to pay. The failure mileage was 55,805.