Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the contact was informed that the power steering fluid hose was leaking. The contact stated that at that time, it was a small leak; however, the power steering fluid hose then developed a severe leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected. The contact was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be performed. The contact declined to pay for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking with and an abnormal odor emanating through the vents. Additionally, the steering wheel became firm. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering system needed to be repaired because the hose was disconnected. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage unknown.
I bought this car and seen online there was a safety recall for the power steering/hoses malfunctioning. This cars power steering is non-existent and WILL NOT HOLD any power steering fluid. I'd like to file for the recall. This makes my car dangerous to drive. It's my only transportation. Thanks! [redacted] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Whether in motion or standing still, tilt steering wheel clamping mechanism has worn through wires connected to the air bag and its warning system, creating intermittent (short?) failure of air bag warning light, presenting possibility of sudden airbag deployment without warning. When air bag warning light is off, horn will not sound but ventilation fan runs. With airbag light on, horn will sound, but if activated, ventilation fan stops running. Must constantly adjust steering wheeel tilt to make fan run or honk horn - creating a distracted driving hazard.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that she was unable to turn her steering column. She also smelled a strong burning odor emanating from her vehicle. A local mechanic stated that the rack and pinion and steering hose needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 04V268000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections). They would not assume any financial responsibility for the repairs. The failure and current mileages were 67,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving at 20 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible. While driving various speeds, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and caused the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering hose was faulty and caused the power steering fluid to leak out. The vehicle was repaired. The local dealer (jeff wyler Chrysler, 1117 state rt. 32, batavia, oh) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact pulled the vehicle over and observed fluid leaking under the driver side wheel. The contact believed the leak originated from the rack and pinion. The vehicle was towed home. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted or made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
The power steering system in general is faulty. We have paid to fix the power steering pressure switch & the high pressure power steering hose & now the pump itself has gone out. Would love to see this whole line of vehicles recalled. We were driving when all of these problems persisted & I know that our vehicle isn't the only one having this problem.
There is a clicking sound when the steering wheel is turn to either side. I had the power steering pressure switch replace twice and the rack and pinion replace and the car still makes a clicking sound when the wheel is turn. Dealership replace the part and an individual mechanic has replace the same switch. To no avil , I'm having this problem.
Related recalls
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4l non-turbocharged engines and automatic transaxles, the power steering pressure hose May contact the automatic transaxle differential cover, potentially damaging the hose.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and relocate, or replace as necessary, the power steering hose and confirm torque of the hose fastener at the steering gear end. The recall began on September 20, 2004.
NHTSA investigations
Engine compartment fires
Pe04-028 was opened to investigate seven complaints alleging that the engine compartment caught fire on my 2002 pt cruiser vehicles.on June 3, 2004, daimlerchrysler (dcc) notified NHTSA of a safety defect in my 2001-2005 pt cruiser vehicles equipped with naturally aspirated 2.4l engines and automatic transaxles (recall 04v-268).the notification identified variation of the high pressure power steering hose routing,…
Steering complaints in other PT Cruiser years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 9% of the model year's 256 complaints. The component named most often is column (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-268 (hose, piping, and connections, Jun 3, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.