Chrysler recalls 464,315 PT Cruisers

By Ed Garsten
Associated Press

DETROIT — The Chrysler Group yesterday announced the recall of every PT Cruiser built in the "retro look" auto's first two model years because of a fuel pump leak.

The PT Cruiser has been one of the most successful vehicles in Chrysler's lineup since the subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler AG introduced the car two years ago.

The recall covers all of the 464,315 PT Cruisers built for the model years 2001 and 2002. All but 39,000 of those had been sold as of the end of July.

Chrysler spokeswoman Ann Smith said the leak was discovered after government crash tests in May. If a spark should come in contact with leaking fuel, it could ignite a fire, she said.

Chrysler subsequently conducted an internal investigation into the leaks.

There are no known instances of a Cruiser catching fire that way or customer complaints related to the problem, according to DaimlerChrysler. The company will install a secondary seal to the top of the fuel pump module.

A quarter of the cars also will be recalled for a separate problem with the underhood fuel line, which may rub against the air-conditioning service port, the automaker said.