2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 61about this part
- Share
- 10%of 618 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 61 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 10% of the 618 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchased a used Pt Cruiser that drove fine until the components near the power steering house touched and created a major leak and caused my car to smoke very badly close to causing a fire while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10596578, filed 2014-06, 193,892 miles“For a month I have been putting power steering fluid in my Pt Cruiser and went to get new tags and could not pas emissions because of a power steering problem. I was so upset I went to the salon and was talking about how I need to get my vehicle checked .. A woman in the office told me about this website. I checked and there is a recall for this problem with my car. How do I get it repaired? Will they honor it ? Is there a list of special dealers? Help I need to pass emissions to keep my car legal.”
NHTSA complaint #10575657, filed 2014-03, 152,888 miles“Steering fluid leaked in my car for its life--no dealer ever identified this as the problem when complaining about rough steering noise and other issues. Discovered the level of fluid was down when an employee added fluid after hearing the noise ,and the noise went away. The constant leak has damaged the rack and pinion--I was told this by a service dealer and an independent mechanic. Crysler will not replace r&p. …”
NHTSA complaint #10116921, filed 2005-04, 1,500 miles“My 2001 Pt Cruiser which I purchased in august 2005 suddenly caught fire on deember 27, 2005 and was a total loss. There had been a recall for sudden engine fires caused by leaking power steering fluid. The dealer where I purchased the car, reseda dodge in reseda, ca, had records showing the recall repair had been done, but my insurance company, state farm, found the the fire was caused by leaking power steering fluid. Chrysler denied my claim with no reason given.”
NHTSA complaint #10149629, filed 2006-02, 58,000 miles“2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser: the battery light keeps coming on. I've taken to dealer four time now for that problem. Had the battery replaced twice. Had the regulator in the computer replaced. I am still having problems. The transmission had to be replaced. It is a manual transmission. Had the clutch replaced. All of this due to faulty parts! The vehicle keeps pulling to the right. Had it fixed once and it still pulls. The date entered is when everything started.”
NHTSA complaint #10053260, filed 2004-01, 31,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V268000Jun 3, 2004On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4l non-turbocharged engines and automatic transaxles, the power steering pressure hose may contact the automatic…Covers: Chrysler PT Cruiser 2001–2005
Related service bulletins
- 10017651Nov 2, 2005Revised power steering system bleeding procedures.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 3 | 14% |
| 2009 | 6 | 6% |
| 2008 | 5 | 4% |
| 2007 | 11 | 7% |
| 2006 | 18 | 5% |
| 2005 | 18 | 10% |
| 2004 | 24 | 11% |
| 2003 | 29 | 11% |
| 2002 | 45 | 9% |
| 2001 | 61 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
78 complaintsBody and structure
67 complaintsSuspension
66 complaintsEngine cooling
62 complaintsWheels
61 complaintsFuel system
52 complaintsExterior lighting
48 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsAir bags
43 complaintsBrakes
39 complaintsOther or unknown
33 complaintsTires
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology