Steering wheel moves by itself in a jerking motion, while driving and at times will locks in place. It's like when I'm driving the car is making moves and sharp turns on its own. Also when I turn loud noises are coming from the motor. My cruiser is a 2007, I've owned it from brand new, still making payments!!! *tr
2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser steering problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
2crashes
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 11 steering complaints filed for the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Chrysler PT Cruiser in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 PT Cruiser steering system shows multiple failure patterns. Most serious: loss of power steering assist occurs during highway driving (45–50 mph) without warning, and in at least one case at 82,052 miles, steering input did not transmit to wheels, causing a crash. A rollover occurred at 45 mph with minimal steering input (37,000 miles); another owner heard banging from the steering column and was told the rack needed replacement (50,000 miles). One car developed self-moving steering wheel that jerks and locks unpredictably with loud motor noise during turns. Repairs attempted by independent mechanics included belt replacement, hose work, and power steering fluid flush, but failures recurred. Power steering fluid leaks from the rack-and-pinion gearbox appear common, one occurring just after warranty expiration. The horn circuit is tied to the steering wheel—it only works with left-turn input and sometimes sticks on. Multiple owners report needing suspension bushings and tie rods, suggesting heavy undercarriage wear. One recall for power steering lines and radiator was issued but excluded some VINs from coverage.
Same Chrysler PT Cruiser steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering loss of assist
Steering wheel becomes suddenly difficult to maneuver during highway driving without warning. Engine restart required to restore function. Some owners report recurrent occurrence.
When: 45–50 mph highway driving; one failure recorded at 82,052 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering assist; Steering wheel becomes hard to turn; Function returns after engine restart
Repairs/costs cited: Steering belt replacement, hose replacement, power steering fluid flush, and belt reconnection performed by independent mechanics; failures persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; power steering lines and radiator replacement cited as part of a recall but owner's VIN was excluded from coverage
Steering input not transmitted to wheels
Steering wheel turned but vehicle wheels remained straight, preventing directional control during highway exit. Owner crashed into light post; two passengers injured.
When: 45 mph on highway exit ramp; 82,052 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel turned but wheels did not respond; Vehicle continued traveling straight despite steering input; Complete loss of steering control
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed for inspection; failure not inspected and cause not determined
Steering column banging noise and rack failure
Banging noise from steering column during driving; independent mechanic diagnosed steering rack failure requiring replacement.
When: 35 mph; approximately 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud banging noise from steering column while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement needed; vehicle not repaired by owner
Steering wheel self-movement and locking
Steering wheel moves on its own in jerking motions while driving and locks in place unpredictably. Sharp turns occur without driver input, accompanied by loud motor noises during steering.
When: During regular driving; 2007 model owned from new
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel jerks and moves on its own; Steering wheel locks in place; Vehicle makes sharp turns without driver input; Loud noises from motor when turning steering wheel
Power steering fluid leak from rack-and-pinion
Fluid leaks from rack-and-pinion gearbox after warranty expiration, causing steering noise and fluid loss.
When: One month after 36-month warranty expired; 2004 model
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fluid leak from rack-and-pinion gearbox; Considerable noise when steering wheel turned
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost estimated at $600 plus labor for rack-and-pinion replacement
Horn switch malfunction tied to steering wheel
Horn only functions when steering wheel is turned left; will not work while driving straight or turning right. Horn sometimes sticks and will not turn off. Passenger airbag shows off with airbag light illuminated.
When: During ownership; duration unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Horn only works when steering wheel turned left; Horn does not work when steering straight or turning right; Horn sticks and will not turn off; Passenger airbag light on; airbag shows as off
Rollover during gentle lane change
Vehicle rolled over three times during a slight steering input at 45 mph on level highway. Glass shattered and passengers sustained broken bones and bruising. Police report filed.
When: 45 mph; 37,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolled over three times during slight steering input; Glass shattered
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; insurance totaled vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated they will investigate the failure
Suspension and steering component wear
Owner reports vehicle in need of bushings, tie rods, and other undercarriage components. Owner states this is common across PT Cruiser models.
When: Used vehicle purchase 2007–2008
Symptoms owners cite: Need for bushings replacement; Need for tie rods replacement; General steering and suspension wear
Repairs/costs cited: Motor reported as fine; undercarriage work required
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chrysler pt cruiser. The contact was traveling 45 MPH and exiting the highway from an off ramp. The steering wheel was turned, but the wheels on the vehicle remained straight. The failure caused the contact to continue traveling straight until crashing into a light post. The vehicle was towed by the contact's insurance company for inspection. Two passengers were…
Had steering trouble with your 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 37,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Chrysler/PT Cruiser.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.