The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the contact was informed that the power steering fluid hose was leaking. The contact stated that at that time, it was a small leak; however, the power steering fluid hose then developed a severe leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected. The contact was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be performed. The contact declined to pay for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser steering problems
18 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 71,000.
- owner complaints
- 18
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- typical mileage
- 71,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Linkages: tie rod assembly1
- Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections1
- Column1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Chrysler PT Cruiser steering problems in other years
Related recalls
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4l non-turbocharged engines and automatic transaxles, the power steering pressure hose may contact the automatic transaxle differential cover, potentially damaging the hose.
- Risk
- Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and relocate, or replace as necessary, the power steering hose and confirm torque of the hose fastener at the steering gear end. The recall began on september 20, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 04V268000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Engine compartment fires
Pe04-028 was opened to investigate seven complaints alleging that the engine compartment caught fire on my 2002 pt cruiser vehicles.on june 3, 2004, daimlerchrysler (dcc) notified the federal safety agency of a safety defect in my 2001-2005 pt cruiser vehicles equipped with naturally aspirated 2.4l engines and automatic transaxles (recall 04v‑268).the notification identified variation of the high pressure power steering hose routing, which allowed the hose to contact the transaxle differential cover, as the factor contributing to this defect.contact between the power steering hose and the transaxle differential cover can cause hose damage and power steering fluid leakage, which can potentially result in a fire. (note: the failure data in this resume is limited to my 2001-2003 vehicles per dcc's pe04-028 information responses.)this condition was limited to vehicles with automatic transaxles as vehicles with manual transmissions have substantial clearance between the transaxle differential cover and the power steering hose due to a smaller transaxle design.this condition also does not adversely affect vehicles with turbo engines, which have a different power steering hose routing that provides substantial clearance between the transaxle differential cover and hose.daimlerchrysler will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer to have the power steering hose assembly inspected and relocated, or replaced, as necessary, and to confirm the torque of the hose fastener at the steering gear end.
PE04028
What 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking with and an abnormal odor emanating through the vents. Additionally, the steering wheel became firm. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering system needed to be repaired because the hose was disconnected. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage unknown.
I bought this car and seen online there was a safety recall for the power steering/hoses malfunctioning. This cars power steering is non-existent and WILL NOT HOLD any power steering fluid. I'd like to file for the recall. This makes my car dangerous to drive. It's my only transportation. Thanks! [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Whether in motion or standing still, tilt steering wheel clamping mechanism has worn through wires connected to the air bag and its warning system, creating intermittent (short?) failure of air bag warning light, presenting possibility of sudden airbag deployment without warning. When air bag warning light is off, horn will not sound but ventilation fan runs. With airbag light on, horn will sound, but if activated, ventilation fan stops running. Must constantly adjust steering wheeel tilt to make fan run or honk horn - creating a distracted driving hazard.
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.
There is a clicking sound when the steering wheel is turn to either side. I had the power steering pressure switch replace twice and the rack and pinion replace and the car still makes a clicking sound when the wheel is turn. Dealership replace the part and an individual mechanic has replace the same switch. To no avil , I'm having this problem.
The power steering system in general is faulty. We have paid to fix the power steering pressure switch & the high pressure power steering hose & now the pump itself has gone out. Would love to see this whole line of vehicles recalled. We were driving when all of these problems persisted & I know that our vehicle isn't the only one having this problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving 15 MPH, the power steering pressure line failed and caused power steering fluid to seep into the engine, which caused the loss of power steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 100,000.
In july 2014 noticed back window on passenger was loose, window fell out while driving 11 2014... Had times when car was acting like it wasn't getting gas while driving and check eng. Light came on but would go out after it quit. Finally made it to an auto repair to have it scanned and part replaced after 9 mos. Setting. Ran good for one week then started acting up again doing the same thing. In august of 2015 I was approaching my home going down a big hill on my rd. Where the speed limit was 45 MPH with a semi right behind me. The cars speed was 45 thenwent down to 20 in a matter of seconds fast enough for the tires to squeal. I had my 2 yr. Old grandson in the back seat when this happened. I knew I couldn't make it in my driveway so I immediately turned on my 4ways and pulled in my neighbors house across the street so I didn't get ran over by the semi truck. Also when I had the car repaired in june of 1915 the steering in the car was real stiff and still is only when turning but has power steering fluid. Bought my own scanner and it says I now need to replace a trans. Control unit part # p0700 along with the part that was just replaced. I'm at wits end, would like to know if there are any recalls on any of these problems . Please help me because I really need my car and feel right now it is a death trap and don't know where else to turn.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving at 20 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Questions about the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser steering
Does the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser have steering problems?
Owners have filed 18 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 10% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 71,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 04V268000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Chrysler PT Cruiser have bad steering?
The Chrysler PT Cruiser model years with the most steering complaints are 2001 (61 complaints), 2002 (45 complaints) and 2003 (29 complaints).
Other 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
Engine 35Electrical 27Visibility 22Suspension 18Lights 17Fuel system 16Transmission 13Wheels 11Acceleration 10Airbags 10Brakes 10Tires 9Body 8Driver assistance 2Seat belts 2Seats 1
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