Follows is a copy of letter sent to Chrysler customer 'service' hoping for response.

April 16, 2012 Chrysler Motors Customer Service To whom it may concern: I wish to complain regarding the condition of our 2006 PT Cruiser. It has only 48,300 miles on it, and we have owned it since we purchased it new. It has had regular service from our local dealer (Royal Gate Dodge, Ellisville, MO). Recently it developed a noise which we could not locate or determine the cause. Upon investigation, the dealer informed us that the motor had serious problems and required replacement. They called it a ‘short block’. The charge is $4,000.! This car has been cared for carefully and driven an average of 10 miles per day in an easy local commute to my job. We are greatly distressed that this car with relatively low mileage has suffered such a serious problem, especially in light of the low mileage and gentle driving it has been used for. Our only recourse is to have this serious repair done but we are very disappointed in the quality of this vehicle. Perhaps in light of the fact that you no longer manufacture this model, there is an indication of some problem you knew but would not care to be responsible for. Upon investigation, we found that the warranty on the power train was only for three (3) years and 36,000 miles. This is very meager warranty in light of what your competitors offer these days. To have such a major engine failure with such low mileage is shocking and extremely disappointing. If you wish to retain Chrysler loyalty, we would like to see some good will offer from you to help cover the cost of this engine replacement. We own two other vehicles which are not American-made and one has over 190,000 miles with no major problems. We wonder why our Cruiser suffered such a major failure with such low mileage. Can you offer some assistance??

We would appreciate a reply soonest as this repair is currently under way at Royal Gate Dodge.