Power Steering Pump problems of the 2001 Chrysler Pt Cruiser

While driving 70 mph steering failed. As a result, vehicle lost power steering. The dealer had to replace the power steering pump.

While driving the car and the power steering unit failed. Took vehicle to dealer and was told they could not find a problem. Approximately 2 months later problem recurred, returned to dealer and was told the car was no longer under warranty, unit needed replacement. Took to different repair shop, was told that unit was shot, had a grey substance in steering fluid that appeared to be some form of leak sealant, destroyed seals in unit, had to replace unit at my own cost,($400). Dealer denied adding anything other than steering fluid. Was informed that there was a recall by another pt owner, never informed by Chrysler. Dealer said it was no longer they're responsibility because third party repair was made. No response from Chrysler.

Steering pump failed 3 times within a month. The last failure resulted in an accident.

At 24,226 miles, I noticed a loud noise coming from under the hood. I was told that the power steering pump had to be replaced. This again has happened 4 more times since Dec 11, 2002. Each time the power steering pump had to be replaced, two rack and pinion steering assemblies, and all of the hoses. The last two times, my extended warranty service has had to pay for the repairs as Chrysler tells me that since I have the warranty, they will not except responsibility even though this has been happening over and over again since 24,000 miles. I am very disappointed in the fact that Chrysler will not stand behind their products. These 5 failures have all happened in less than 31,000 miles. I am very afraid to drive the car now as I have been lucky to catch the problem before the power steering pump fails completely.