Chrysler PT Cruiser fuel smell problems

Filed Jan 5, 2021 · Fuel system · 77,000 miles · AZ

Fuel odor in passenger compartment investigated and fuel leak in the engine compartment was found. The leak is at the connection from the fuel tank to the fuel rail connection. The connection is on the vehicle right/passenger side and against the fire wall. If no recall, at least all registered drivers should be notified of the issue. Leak was discovered on 1st look due to google search of issue. Issue is noticed at start up and disappears (leak continues) with vehicle speed or with air flow dilution. Customers need to fix or face the possibility of a under hood fire. Thanks.

Filed May 16, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 145,000 miles · OH · fire

Tl-the contact owned a 2005 chrysler pt cruiser. Started the vehicle and the vehicle stalled. Fuel odor, vehicle would not start for an additional hour vehicle restarted and caught on fire, fire department stated that the fire started along the firewall manufacturer not contacted, fire report filed, fire extinguished by fire department stated that upon start up the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor. The vehicle was then restarted almost an hour later. The contact then noticed fire coming from under the hood of the vehicle on the passenger's side of the vehicle. The fire department was contacted and was able to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed. The fire marshall stated that the fire seemed to have originated in a wiring harness installed behind the fuel lines for the fuel injectors. There was no injuries sustained in the fire. The vehicle remained at the residence. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were contacted. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000. The VIN was not available. Piir = y. Ah *dt

Filed Jan 22, 2018 · Fuel system · 138,528 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to jerk and stalled without warning while in traffic. The contact restarted the vehicle and was able to resume driving. The failure recurred twice. When the contact looked under the hood, she noticed fuel around the engine and the area where the power steering fluid was located, which caused a fuel odor to emit through the air conditioner blower. The contact also noticed that the rear of the vehicle was leaking fuel, which came from the fuel line. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 138,528.

Filed Aug 12, 2017 · Fuel system · 65,000 miles · AL

I have a 2006 convertible pt cruiser turbo lite (turbo tuned to take regular gas) - and have the exact same problem this guy I quoted below had/has. Raw gas fumes fill the car every time I turn a corner or accelerate the car to pass a slow moving vehicle on the interstate. Usually the slow vehicle is going about 60 so it's not like I think I'm on the speed-limit-free autobahn. The gas tank is always less than 1/2 full since I rarely drive out of town. Quote from facebook - warning: all pt cruiser owners. Fire hazard.. I just submitted the following complaint to the federal safety agency. There is a short jumper fuel line (plastic) that connects the main fuel line that runs from the tank up to the fire wall with the fuel rail. This line leaks fuel where it connects to the main line. It has been replaced three times and continues to leak. This is dangerous because this line is only a few inches from the turbo or exhaust and on a right hand turn could drip on to the turbo or exhaust and ignite...the smell of fuel enters the cabin. Please note that I am a ase certified master technician and besides owning a pt cruiser have worked on several others and almost every single one has this problem whether it is a turbo engine or not...it is only a matter of time before someone experiences an engine compartment fire because of this problem... What really bothers me the most is that if you ask any chrysler dealer (ask the tech) they will tell you this is a common problem so there is no doubt chrysler is aware. I guess someone is going to have to die or suffer severe injury before chrysler does anything about this. "

Filed Dec 12, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · FL

For all you chrysler pt cruiser lovers! Problem solved today! Dashboard lights repeatedly go on and off, engine stalling while driving or idling, I have a 2006 and have been plagued with this issue for a few years now. Dealer mechanics are idiots who go for the big ticket items and hope that solves the problem. This problem for me, was caused by a faulty key ignition module, in the steering wheel. Internal parts are loose and fail to keep an electrical connection. A $60-90 retail part. Easily replaced by anyone who can use a torx screwdriver. You will get a new key to start the car with but it does not include a skip anti-theft rf module, so just keep the old key on the chain to open your car doors with. Now, how about chrysler man up and fix all these including providing new rf keys so I don't need to keep 2 on my chain. My original complaint: the federal safety agency id number: 10823650 tipm already replaced 1x for same issues occurring again now, a few years later and for at least the last 8 months from this posting, occurring more and more frequently now and last time occurring was feb 01, 2016. All dash / engine status lights come on for no reason, then off seconds later, occurring anytime while engine is running. Engine stalls - sputtering, power steering and breaks fail to work properly during this time, fuel level gauge wildly fluctuates and smell of gas is noticeable, all causing a dangerous situation when at highway speeds. Head lights and interior lights randomly go bright or dim for a fraction of a second. Dealership unable to diagnose as it does not stay broke long enough for their techs to diagnose with their equipment even after having the car for 2 full days, despite this problem seen visually by dealer and on video recording. Suspect tipm / ECM, integrated voltage regulator is at fault...

Filed Feb 2, 2016 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 85,000 miles · FL

Tipm already replaced 1x for same issues occurring again now, a few years later and for at least the last 8 months from this posting, occurring more and more frequently now and last time occurring was feb 01, 2016. All dash / engine status lights come on for no reason, then off seconds later, occurring anytime while engine is running. Engine stalls - sputtering, power steering and breaks fail to work properly during this time, fuel level gauge wildly fluctuates and smell of gas is noticeable, all causing a dangerous situation when at highway speeds. Head lights and interior lights randomly go bright or dim for a fraction of a second. Dealership unable to diagnose as it does not stay broke long enough for their techs to diagnose with their equipment even after having the car for 2 full days, despite this problem seen visually by dealer and on video recording. Suspect tipm / ECM, integrated voltage regulator is at fault. Extended warranty refuses to replace without a certified diagnosis by authorized repair shop. 2nd major problem with 4 engine mounts needing replacement several times, more than 10 mount replacements during life of my car, so far. 3rd major problem, transmission sometimes will not auto shift gears in a timely manor, taking up to 4 seconds to engage drive or other from park setting. I have the entire life of vehicle paperwork on all repairs and regular maintenance done for this car. Hoping there is a class action lawsuit I can get in on for this problem, seen reported numerous times on various forums like this dot site.

Filed Feb 2, 2013 · Fuel system · 33,000 miles · CA

There is a short jumper fuel line (plastic) that connects the main fuel line that runs from the tank up to the fire wall with the fuel rail. This line leaks fuel where it connects to the main line. It has been replaced three times and continues to leak. This is dangerous because this line is only a few inches from the turbo or exhaust and on a right hand turn could drip on to the turbo or exhaust and ignite. Also if sitting in traffic or driving at slow speeds with the A/C or heater on it must be kept in recirculate or the smell of fuel enters the cabin. Please note that I am a ase certified master technician and besides owning a pt cruiser have worked on several others and almost every single one has this problem whether it is a turbo engine or not. The dealer will do nothing about it because there is no recall on it. I am pretty certain it is only a matter of time before someone experiences an engine compartment fire because of this problem. Anyone owning a pt cruiser should have this line inspected to see if it is leaking and if so file a similar complaint. It is very easy to spot as the line will appear wet or covered in moist dirt at the connector. Also with the engine not running there will be a very strong fuel smell towards the back of the engine on the passenger side. For those like myself that also detest the lousy fuel economy this car gets, the fuel leak mentioned above is surely a contributing factor. What really bothers me the most is that if you ask any chrysler dealer (ask the tech) they will tell you this is a common problem so there is no doubt chrysler is aware. I guess someone is going to have to die or suffer severe injury before chrysler does anything about this.

Filed Nov 3, 2010 · Fuel system · 135,000 miles · MI

Gas fumes interior of car no physical gas under vehicle.

Filed Jul 2, 2009 · Fuel system · 146,000 miles · TX

Fuel line abrasion and leakage on fuel line from firewall to fuel rail. 2003 mpt cruiser with 5 speed and 146,000 miles fuel abraded thru fire wall insulation and rubbed while thru protective sleeve and fuel line fuel line sprayed fuel all over engine, converter and firewall driver noticed fuel smell and stopped car.

Filed Sep 15, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · VA · 1 injury

Approached vehicle after visit and noticed strong fuel smell from 20 ft. Away. Opened car door, fumes even stronger. Felt dizzy & disoriented. Called service to have it towed (did not want to start car with strong fumes). Was told there was a problem with fuel line (recall) and that it was repaired. Nearly 1 year later, same problem, check engine light on. 1/2 tank of gas leaked in one day. No obvious source of leak from exterior. Lingering gas smell in interior. Was told nvld pump was replaced. Very concerned about safety, possible adverse health consequences, likelihood of fire. Car has had many other issues as well, including smell from AC system (originally non-functional) which smells like an electrical fire/burning plastic. Dealership is dismissive. Possible lemon.