Power Steering Fluid problems of the 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser

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 noises. Power steering fluid reservoir was checked. Dipstick was dry.

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 included in NHTSA campaign number: 04v268000 (steering). The approximate failure mileage was 101,295.

Tl- the contact owns 2001 Chrysler pt. The contact stated that the service engine warning light flashed randomly as the failure was progressing and as the condition continued the warning light stayed lit. The contact tok the vehicle to a dealer who indicated that the casing under the vehicle near the underbody prematurely rusted and may fracture at any point in time. The vehicle was also taken to an independent repair shop who also diagnosed that the casing for the k frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was to be repaired. The contact stated that she constantly had to refill the power steering fluid and was unable to determine what was causing the leakage. The contact was included in NHTSA campaign id number: 04v268000 (steering) but did not receive notification of the safety recall and was to check with the manufacturer and the dealer to determine when the recall repair would be performed. The manufacturer was notifed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,621. Dyd.

The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. While parked, the contact noticed power steering fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 04v268000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections) but had already been repaired. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

In 2004 Chrysler recalled Pt Cruisers with automatic transmissions for a fault with the power steering hose which caused fires in a few cars. They did not however cover 2001 Pt Cruisers with manual transmissions. Last week (8-20-09) my wife drove to the post office (2 miles from home) and smelled burning rubber, she drove the car directly back home. I examined the car that night and could find nothing wrong with the drive belts, tires, and there didn't seem to be any leaks. I took it for a quick test drive and everything seemed fine. The following day (8-21-09) my wife again drove the car to the post office, this time it started making grinding noises and was difficult to steer. She drove the car straight home again. There still didn't seem to be any leaks but when I test drove it I could tell the power steering was non functional. I opened the fill cap for the power steering fluid to check its level and the remaining fluid in the system drained onto my driveway. It seems like there had been a leak in the power steering hose that was being burnt off on the engine. We were fortunate that we were only using the car for local trips as it would have been much more dangerous if the hose had let go while we were driving on the highway. Recall 04v268000, NHTSA action number pe04028, should be extended to the Pt Cruisers with manual transmissions as well before someone gets hurt.

While driving consumer lost power steering. Consumer pulled over and had the vehicle towed. Dealer informed the consumer that the problem pertained to power steering pump fluid leakage. The problem was not resolved.

Prior to receiving a recall notice on the power steering hose. On 2 separate occasions I had my oil changed the mechanic said he topped off my power steering fliud it was a little low. When I received the recall notice I arranged to have the hose repaired (serra crysler,Jeep etc). I was told by the mechanic that the hose was damaged and must be replaced. The check engine light came on after diagonistic checking I was told that the power steering switch was bad and needed replacing. This cost $68. 00. My question is if the powering steering assist hose,piping & connections are bad, did that contribute to the power steering switch going bad? the manager jay jordon said that one had nothing to do with the other. So I paid for the switch & labor. Could someone let me know if this is a contributing factor so others will be prepared to pay the extra cost.