Chrysler PT Cruiser power steering loss problems

Filed Jun 11, 2023 · Steering · OR

Hello My name is [XXX]. I own a 2002 Chrysler Pt cruiser and for some reason the power steering went out while I was driving! I was able to make it home because I wasn’t far away! My power steering stopped out of no where and my fluid is full and my belt is attached I was also told my pump was in great condition! I’m really concerned because I had my 6 year old child in the car! I now can’t make appointments work or even take my child to school I’m in need for help! INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Oct 8, 2018 · Steering · 70,000 miles · PA · fire

While driving on 10/7/2018 the steering became hard and upon stopping there were flames under the hood. I did research and found that there had been a recall on pt cruisers in the past, 04v268000. When I contact daimler chrysler I was told there were no recalls on my VIN. Before driving the car on 10/7/2018 there was not any steering fluid under the car. Luckily the fire was noticed prior to leaving the car or the car would have been engulfed in flames. I will like chrysler to pay for this repair. The car only has 70,000 miles and has been cared for very well. Please let me know if you can help with this claim. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 19, 2016 · Steering · 110,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds and turning, the steering wheel failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering hose and auto belt transmitter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired twice for power steering failure. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v268000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Aug 25, 2016 · Acceleration, Electrical · 44,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving various speeds, all of the warning indicators illuminated. The acceleration and power steering failed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The failure recurred two additional times. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated they would respond back to the contact. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

Filed Jun 21, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 60,000 miles · MI

This occurs all the time wether I am driving on residental road or on a highway going 70 MPH. My car feels like it is losing power which it is. All the lights on my dash are lit up like a christmas tree and I have to pull over to the side of the road very carefully as I lose steering as well. Sometimes I can just restart the car and everything is fine, sometimes it is a few minutes and a few times it has taken a few hours. I have taken the car in to get the codes read but they tell me it is either the gas cap is loose or another issue with the fuel. I took it to my mechanic and they put it on their computer and got different readings. I was told it was a fuel vacuum problem which was corrected. I still have the issues. Now sometimes the engine jerks and pulls but I don't loose power. Mechanic is unable to find problem. Did not take to dealership after reading all the horror stories about paying dealers tons of money and still not having a working car. Also if I have more then one key on my keyring then the ignition switch doesn't work. If I limit my keyring to just my car key and house key then my car starts everytime and no cutting out while at complete stop like it has in the past. We bought the car used in july 2011 and it now has aprox. 66,000 miles.

Filed Jan 21, 2016 · Steering · 100,000 miles · VA

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.

Filed Mar 9, 2015 · Brakes, Electrical · 100,000 miles · CA

I was coming home from work and driving down the street when the lights on the dashboard went out, the gas gauge went to zero and the car just died. I lost power steering and braking and I was lucky there was no one behind me at the time. The key was locked in the steering wheel and I could not restart. I called 911 for help as cars were now zooming up behind me stalled in the lane. I was so scared that someone would hit me. I sat waiting for the tow truck for about 15 minutes when the lights suddenly came on again and the gas gauge went back to full. I tried to start it and it started right up. I was able to drive it 2 blocks home. The next day I drove to the cleaners and while trying to park it died in the parking lot. I again waited and it finally started again. I took it to the chrysler dealership and they say they can find nothing wrong. They suggested I junk it for about $100. I have also taken to an independent mechanic and he said he could not find a problem. I see there are others who have reported a similar problem. And now there is a chrysler recall on other 2008 models with what seems like the same problem. I cannot drive this car because it is unsafe in traffic.

Filed Jan 9, 2015 · Steering · 166,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the power steering failed without warning. In addition, there was fluid leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering return line hose had a hole. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 166,000.

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 Jun 24, 2014 · Electrical · 71,000 miles · AL

While driving all instrument gauges began flashing and going up and down. Could not accelerate. Was able to pull over and turn off ignition. Restarted and proceeded on my way with no further problems. 3 days later while driving 70 MPH down a busy interstate it happened again. I jiggled the key in the ignition and everything went back to normal. I was able to replicate the issue by jiggling the ignition switch. This incident occurred on 4 separate occasions. Took vehicle to dealer and no codes were found. Had the ignition switch replaced and after 1 week have not had the problem again. The ignition switch has always been easy to move and now with a new switch it feels "normal". With the recent recalls of ignition switch issues perhaps this needs to be investigated on chrysler models. This could cause serious injury and/or death if the engine stalls completely in traffic. Not to mention the fact of having no steering control if the engine does stall. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.