Chrysler PT Cruiser Steering Problems
Owners have filed 220 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Chrysler PT Cruiser across 10 model years. The 2001 model year has the most (61). The words owners use most often: “steering hose” (15% of reports).
- 220steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 13mention a crash
- 5mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 21%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 hose: mentioned in 33 of 220 complaints (15%)
- Rack pinion: mentioned in 17 of 220 complaints (8%)
- Fluid leaking: mentioned in 16 of 220 complaints (7%)
- Power assist: mentioned in 13 of 220 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 169 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 220 complaints, 13 mention a crash, 15 a fire, 5 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
Model years: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
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.
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…
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…
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 wasnât 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…
On the way home from work my vehicle began smoking. The next exit off the freeway I80 was taken. As I exited my vehicle became hard to steer. I was able to get it to the closest auto repair shop which was Firestone. The power steering hose had a leak which caused the smoke and my vehicle being hard…
Answers and explanations to all of the above questions: My power steering assembly is leaking pretty bad and is only getting worse. I have a bad shoulder that I had surgery on and if it goes completely out I am afraid i wont be able to turn the steering wheel & cause an accident. The rims on the…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Chrysler PT Cruisers have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 220 owner complaints about steering for the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 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.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Chrysler PT Cruiser?
The most frequent phrase is “steering hose”, in 33 of 220 complaints, followed by “rack pinion” (17).
Other Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
- Electrical System problems (560)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (249)
- Air Bags problems (226)
- Suspension problems (222)
- Exterior Lighting problems (220)
- Power Train problems (213)
- Engine problems (193)
- Structure problems (175)
See all Chrysler PT Cruiser problems.