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