2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Steering Problems
Owners have filed 61 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 10% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 58,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “steering fluid” (21% of reports).
- 61steering complaints
- 58,000median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 15%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Steering fluid: mentioned in 13 of 61 complaints (21%)
- Rack pinion: mentioned in 7 of 61 complaints (11%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 45 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 61 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 2 an injury.
Chrysler PT Cruiser steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 PT Cruiser | 3 | 14% | 42,000 |
| 2009 PT Cruiser | 6 | 6% | 44,350 |
| 2008 PT Cruiser | 5 | 4% | 89,000 |
| 2007 PT Cruiser | 11 | 7% | 62,500 |
| 2006 PT Cruiser | 18 | 5% | 71,000 |
| 2005 PT Cruiser | 18 | 10% | 71,000 |
| 2004 PT Cruiser | 24 | 11% | 86,000 |
| 2003 PT Cruiser | 29 | 11% | 46,449 |
| 2002 PT Cruiser | 45 | 9% | 49,000 |
| 2001 PT Cruiser | 61 | 10% | 58,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Power steering fluid is leaking from the high pressure hose where it is routed under the engine casing. The high pressure hose appears to have been warn through by rubbing against one of the clamps which secure the hose to the bottom of the engine casing. Power steering pump was making whining…
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. The contact observed a heavy leak from the undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact determined that the fluid was power steering fluid. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vin was not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. While making a turn at 5 mph, an abnormal noise was heard and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver without warning. The failure recurred constantly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2001 Chrysler PT Cruisers have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 61 owner complaints about steering for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser (10% of the 618 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser steering?
Yes: 1 safety recall list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do steering problems start?
The median reported mileage is 58,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about steering problems on the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
The most frequent phrase is “steering fluid”, in 13 of 61 complaints, followed by “rack pinion” (7).
Other 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
See all 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems or steering problems across all PT Cruiser years.