Problems with 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser STRUCTURE

Was hit in rear as i was slowing at stop light

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact stated that the service engine warning light flickered and suddenly remained illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the underbody prematurely rusted and could fracture at any moment. the vehicle was also taken to an independent repair who diagnosed that the casing for the frame needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. in addition, the contact stated that power steering fluid had to be constantly added to the vehicle. the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v268000 (steering). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 155,621.

I filed a claim with chrysler about the rusted out engine cradle and they refused to replace it. *tr

While driving the down the highway, the entire rear quarter window on the passenger side including the frame and the glass separated from the body of my vehicle and went into the roadway. this is already a recall issue for the 2005 and 2006 models of the pt cruiser, but since it is not an existing recall issue with the 2001 models chrysler refused to replace the window that fell out or the remaining rear quarter window on the drivers side, which could potentially do the same thing at some point. fortunately, the window that fell off my car didn't injure anyone, but it certainly seems like a pretty serious road hazard. *tr

Upon inspection during a repair for another problem it was discovered that the front suspension crossmember known as the k-frame is severely corroded and will likely not pass another safety inspection. the rest of the underneath of this car is relatively rust-free and this is a low mileage vehicle for its age. if this part fails going down the highway the engine, transmission, etc. will all drop and cause the vehicle to lose control. *tr

I was making a right hand turn from a main road onto a side street. while the car was turning, i heard a clunk and the steering wheel was jerked from my hands. the car pulled hard to the right and crashed into the curb. the car was towed to the repair shop and the service tech showed me the engine cradle was completely rusted out and the k frame was cracked all the way thru. it's to rusted to be welded and i was told this is a common problem with the cruiser and dodge neon, since they use the same frame. the tech also told me i was lucky that i wasn't moving at high speed or the results could have been fatal. he also told me that chrysler is aware of this problem, they are completely out of replacement parts, and they basically ignore any complaints. *jb

The front suspension cross-member is severely rusted and will require replacement before the car will pass inspection. the car was in for routine service when my mechanic pointed out that the only rusted part on the vehicle was the front suspension cross-member and that it was bordering on unsafe. this car has relatively low miles at 76k and is in excellent condition otherwise. this rusted part could fail with no indication that danger was imminent and cause loss of steering and ultimately a vehicle crash at any speed. *tr

The top of dash has cracked and broken in multiple pieces. *tr

Dash board has 2 split/cracks from windshield to radio. *tr

I was not initially going to file a complaint until i seen others with the same problem. the dash cracked into many pieces. i originally thought that my wife had done something to crack the dash, and she thought that i had. the part remained basically intact until the service department at the local chrysler dealer had to remove the dash for other repairs. at that time we had to pay for another dash because it fell completely apart and could not be re-assembled. i am not sure if this is exactly a highway traffic safety concern, but only because there was not an accident, nor an incident. *tr

Front cradle found to be rotten on a car with low mileage. *tr

The dashboard has been cracking from the center defrost vent towards the drivers side area. the crack is approximately 8 inches in length. the crack continues to grow due to the fact that when the vehicle is being driven, road vibrations cause the cracks to open and widen. i am concerned because the cracks could cause the dash to cave in which could have an effect on the air bag or wiring, which could be a safety issue. i contacted chrysler's assistance hotline and was told that nothing could be done since there was no recall on the vehicle and the vehicle was out of warranty. *tr

Dashboard cracked in half in 2001 pt cruiser. the dashboard is no longer stable near the windshield and pieces are starting to break off from the cracked area. if this continues it could potentially expose wiring and electrical connections. this could also pose additional dangers in the event of a collision with or without airbag deployment. *tr

My 2001 pt cruiser's dash has failed, there is a crack from the windshield almost all through to the front. i've read it can cause problems when it finishes breaking, which from appearances it will soon do. *tr

The dashboard of my pt cruiser is suffering from multiple cracks that seem to continually grow and increase in numbers. the cracks have sharp edges and seem to present the potential of an eventual dashboard failure of this padded surface. the crack also present sharp edges. the protective aspect of this dashboard in the event of a crash is suspect. *tr

Hatch back will not stay up if the temperature gets below 60in temp. the hydraulics slip and the hatch comes down on person without warning. estimated cost of repairs 250.00 - 600.00. *tr

Dash crack down the middle of the dash. entire dash will have to be replaced. *tr

Outside door handle chrome (on all four doors) flaking off and causing a deep cut on the hand upon entry. this has happened at least once to my young daughter, my wife, myself, and several others on this same vehicle. *tr

My 2001 pt cruiser have 3 huge cracks on the dashboard. have always used protection against the sun and still got them. i fear that if ever have an impact the pieces of the dashboard will be dangerous debris if airbags open (if they do open and doesn't get stuck). *tr

2001 pt cruiser: multiple cracks in the dashboard from the windshield to the front console running through the center vent. *tr

Dash board developed a crack at the center vent and as of this point the entire middle of the dash panel is cracked in two! other cracks are also developing! these started to develop three years ago. *tr

I have had to replace the entire front "engine cradle", also known as the "k-frame" or "front sub-assembly". it is the structural steel framework bolted to the underbody that the lower control arms attach to. the steering rack is bolted to the top of it. the lower engine torsion connector is mounted to it. the reason? total rust out! the right wheel hub and lower control arm broke away from the k-frame because of rust. the car was being driven slowly at the time, and that was a good thing, because the car could barely be driven after. no accident occurred. *tr

2001 chrysler pt cruiser: dashboard has cracked in several locations - cracks radiating out form defroster vent. defroster vent grill has completely disintegrated into small pieces. *tr

Dashboard is cracking all over. it is very weak in the center. *tr

2001 pt cruiser with 44,500 miles. abt 3 months ago a small crack appeared in the dashboard. it grew larger and larger, and in october the vent screen piece popped out on its own. the crack finally bisected the dashboard, so i had it replaced at my own expense. this car has gotten normal usage and there appears to be no incident or reason for this to have occurred. *tr

Dashboard cracks - 3 total. first one appeared late 2007 on the left side of the center vent. then, shortly after another one popped up from the back of the center vent. approximately one month later a 3rd on (the largest one) appeared from the front of the vent straight to the front edge of the dash board. part of the center vent spokes are breaking now and when i put the armourall on the dash i have to be very careful not to put too much pressure on it as i'm wiping it on. *tr

My 2001 chrysler pt cruiser has discolorations (white stripes) on the dark gray front and back bumpers because the auto maker put plastic and tape on them to protect them in delivery. the adhesive in the tape has destroyed the finish on the gray plastic. this started to show up after 6 years of owning it when it sat in the sun. most of the time i have owned this vehicle it was parked in a garage. for the past year it has been parked outside. this was when the stripes started to show up. chrysler is aware of the problem and says they have a "tsb" on it but says they are not willing to fix it and that i (the consumer) have to go buy products to fix it myself, which i don't understand how you can make sun bleaching and fading go away, it's permanently damaged. they stated that under no circumstance will this be covered under warranty. i have driven around to see if other pt's are having the same problem and every pt cruiser i have seen with a gray plastic bumper has the same defect. i have taken photos of 5 different ones just today. this is irresponsible for chrysler to deny they are at fault when clearly they caused the problem by putting tape on our bumpers. if my car had been in to a repair shop and they had placed tape on the bumpers they would be responsible and liable for their actions. i am frustrated that they won't do anything to fix this problem. these discolorations are a permanent problem and are sun bleached, they won't just go away. i would like my bumpers either replaced or painted to match the rest of the car. i am also spreading the word to other pt cruiser owners, in hopes that chrysler will see that this is a big problem and is not going to go away on its own. this will cause a financial hardship on my family to repair this ourselves. *tr

My 2001 pt cruiser has suddenly developed large cracks on the dash. i've never put any heavy things on it or used it to hold myself when cleaning the windshield and out of the blue, it's cracked. of course it's out of warranty and the purchase price through the dealer is only $40.00 or so more than the installation price. the part costs about $250.00. chrysler is gouging us. there is no way that part takes over 2 hours to replace and that's what it would be at today's mechanic's labor prices! *tr

Cracked dashboard on 2001 pt cruiser. *tr

Cracked dashboard. the crack has now spread across the entire dashboard, separating the dash into two pieces. the crack extends from the windshield to the center console. the current mileage is 98,000. *tr

The dashboard on my 2001 pt cruiser is cracked and sinking in. *tr

Dashboard on pt cruiser 2001 began cracking recently. cracking progressing daily and dashboard is about to cave in. *tr

2001 cracked dashboard that the chrysler dealer, and corporation will not fix. dashboard is almost in half now. *jb

I just noticed the 2001 pt cruiser dashboard had cracks. it was garage kept and always had sun shades on. only had 50000 miles. i hope that chrysler stepped up and accepted responsibility for their product. they did on the trucks, so why not on the cruisers. *ak

The dashboard on my 2001 pt cruiser started cracking about 9 months ago, and is gradually cracking and crumbling right in front of my eyes. it makes me sick every time i get my car now. i was so proud to buy the pt cruiser in 2001. now it's a shame and embarrassment to me. *tr

Dashboard cracking and falling to pieces. concerned about damaging other parts of the car if cave-ins happen while driving. *tr

Pt cruiser dashboard cracked. *ak

I own a 2001 pt cruiser and the dashboard cracked and appeared to be collapsing in the vent area. this started about a month ago and was getting worse fast.*ak

The dashboard is cracking on the 2001 pt cruiser ,and i contacted the chrysler corporation ,and they said they were not going to help in fixing the problem. i was told to contact your organization through the local media. now i know i am the cars second owner, but i still feel that chrysler should fix the problem regardless!*ak

The dashborad is broken and falling in. *ak

2002 pt cruiser developed cracks in dashboard- from windsheild to dashboard grill and from dashboard grill to glove box panel. *ak

Recenlty on my local news they had a story saying that 2001 dodge vehicles were having a problem with dashboards caving in on the driving while driving. i have a 2001 chrysler p.t. cruiser (chrysler is a dodge) my dashboard has a crack in it and i'm concerned that this is not a isolated problem and my dash board could sind at any moment. this is happening as the drivers are driving down the road and shutting everything down in the dashboard that you need to drive safely with, just wanted to place my concern that this could be effecting other dodge model cars. *tr

Cracked dashboard in my 2001 pt cruiser.

The dashboard of my 2001 chrysler pt cruiser is cracking in many places through the middle section. i'm afraid it may collapse as others have. the cracks also run through the top air vent. i've researched the web and found many other cases of this happening which some have caused accidents. has chrysler acknowledged this problem and is there a recall possibility? this is the first vehicle i have ever owned that has done this. *tr

I am the original owner of 2001 pt cruiser with 55,000 miles. babout 6 months ago when driving i would hear a cracking and popping sound. the dashboard began cracking and has now cracked completely through, and was beginning to cave in. the local news channel has done investigative reporting on this problem. various chrysler and dodge vehicles were experiencing this dangerous failure across the nation.dealer was no help.*ak

The dashboard in the 2001 pt cruiiser cracked into two pieces. *ak

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. the contact stated that when the vehicle was transported from the manufacturer to the dealer, adhesive tape was affixed to the rear bumper to secure the covering during delivery and then removed. however, over a period of time the tape residue caused the paint color to fade. the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure who were unable to provide any assistance. the approximate failure mileage was 47,000.

In 2001 bought a brand new 2001 chrysler pt cruiser. in the last 2 years the dashboard has started collapsing on itself. this has exposed the wiring harness in the dash to direct sunlight and i am afraid will melt the wiring. i have done nothing to cause this problem. chrysler should replace this. *tr

Cracks in dashboard at center vent (in 3 locations), all exceed 4 inches in length. *tr

2001 pt cruiser dashboard cracking and breaking up. *ak