The contact owns a 2001 Chrysler PT CRUISER. While driving over a bump at approximately 20 mph, the control arm bushing failed. The contact heard a loud clunking noise prior to the failure. The vehicle began jerking and swaying across the road, which caused great steering difficulty. The vehicle was driven to an authorized dealer. The mechanic stated that the failure was related to the control arm bushing. The control arm bushing was replaced. The failure has occurred a total of 4 times. The contact was very concerned of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 36,000 and current mileage was 50,000.

- Gerard, PA, USA

Premature failure of front lower control arm bushings. This vehicle had 37,000 miles with both right and left bushings failed. Without replacement, this can lead to additional suspension wear and in an extreme case, loss of control. Bushings of this type in typical vehicles lasts the life of the vehicle. According to my independent garage this component shows an inordinately high failure rate, as evidenced by their experience in replacing them in many pt crusiers. They see them at a rate of one every two weeks, and this was an independent garage, not a Chrysler dealership. This problem was caught at Pennsylvania annual state inspection.

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

: the contact stated during an annual inspection the dealership determined the front control arm bushing was cracked. There was not a noticeable problem while driving the vehicle. An independent repair shop replaced the front control arm. Updated 6/19/2006 - the consumer feels that the rubber of the bushing poorly bonds to the steel outer ring causing failure.

- East Holden, ME, USA

: the contact stated the rear front bushing on the control arm fractured. The vehicle was making a humming sound when turning to the right. The bushing fracture was discovered by an independent mechanic during normal routine maintenance. The local dealership was contacted; however they have been unsuccessful in getting the part from the manufacturer.

- Cape Coral, FL, USA

Front control arm bushings were replaced in Feb of 2005 3 months they were replaced again and now November the noise that caused them to be replaced is present again. 2001 PT CRUISER touring 60,000 miles.

- Boonville, NY, USA

Consumer's vehicle was involved in a minor accident. Was in a small accident. Took vehicle to a repair shop, a repair shop, and they referred him to a dealership. They said that the bushing has been forced out of the control arm. Previously, the steering wheel shimmied and rattled back and forth. The consumer had the accident repair work done. But not the bushing and the control arm. This problem occurred for about a year.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

The consumer stated the front end of the vehicle did not respond to a quick turn in either direction. The consumer took the vehicle the to dealership for an inspection and discovered that both front tie rod ends were worn and would not pass inspection. In addition the control arm had lost a bushing which created a knocking noise. The consumer has replaced tie rod ends as well as the control arm bushing. Dealer noted this was a common problem with the PT CRUISER and this was a design flaw. The consumer contacted the manufacturer and they denied there was an issue with the PT CRUISER and that all cars have grease fittings called "zirks" since repairs no problems as of yet. This failure occurred 32,191 miles. Chrysler did say they would reimburse $150 for the tie rods ends but that was all.

- Depew, NY, USA

Consumer states that the control arm bushing is defective causing tires to wear fast.

- Willis, TX, USA