2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser: problems, recalls and reliability

“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).”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2021

“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.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2019

“Tl* the contact owned a 2005 chrysler pt cruiser. Approximately ten minutes after parking and turning off the vehicle, it caught on fire. The contact noticed smoke and flames under the front driver's side of the vehicle where the engine was located. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was invalid.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2018

“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pt cruiser. While the vehicle was stationary, the contact noticed smoke coming from the root of the turn signal switch. The contact immediately pulled the fog lamp switch, which diffused the smoke. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that the fog lights were illuminated at the time of the failure. An unknown chrysler dealer was made aware of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 106,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2018

“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.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2018

“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pt cruiser. While driving 40 mph, the brakes failed and the brake pedal became stiff. After removing pressure from the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated rapidly without warning. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2018

“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.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2017