On 32403 I leased a brand-new 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser from Don Jordan Chrysler Jeep at 25855 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood, OH. I had leased my previous vehicle from the same dealer. The dealer was always very helpful in resolving issues and I had intended to continue giving them my business. My reason for choosing this dealer was that they were very close to my place of employment. In 2005 my job location changed and I was more than 30 miles from the original dealer,

I began taking my PT Cruiser to my local Midas shop for routine maintenance. They have an excellent reputation in the area and were within walking distance of my home. The car at that time had over 40,000 miles on it and I was under the impression that I had a standard 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty and that I was no longer covered for any repairs. In February, I had several expensive repairs; replacement of the water pump and power steering pump, timing belt and system maintenance for a total of 1354.23.

In March of 2006, when my lease was expiring, I contacted the dealer. However, they were in the process of being purchased by Crestmont, and my sales representative was no longer on staff. I explained that my lease was ending and needed someone to contact me. I did not receive any communication.

Chrysler Financial contacted me with end-of-lease options. I have always leased, and have never purchased a vehicle. At this time I was facing a potential layoff and decided the best decision was to purchase car. A new vehicle and lease decision would depend on where my new job would be and the commute and it would be wise to reduce my monthly expenses until I was secure in a new position. I purchased the vehicle on 33506 from Chrysler financial. I did not interact with the dealer or a salesman as “my Chrysler Dealership” was no longer in business.

My job was terminated in November 2006. In mid-December I noticed an oil spot had formed in my driveway. I took my car to my Midas mechanic for my routine oil change and inspection on December 14. This was another expensive repair. I had developed oil leaks, which from my research is common in these cars. I had to replace the intake gasket, and the valve covers, spark plugs and ignition wires. The total bill was 751.75.

The first time I drove the car, I found another oil spot under my car. I immediately returned to the mechanic. They took the car in for an additional in-depth inspection. They cleaned the engine as it was difficult to see where the leak came from. In this inspection, it was discovered that the leak was coming from the crankshaft compartment. With the engine running there was an excess of vibration and when stopped, the oil would leak.

My mechanic spoke to Chrysler and found out that there have been a number of cases of warped crankshafts in this engine. The least expensive option was to replace the engine. I agreed to let him fix the car. He did some research to find the appropriate parts to complete the repair.

I was very upset that a car that had only 57,000 miles on it and had been well maintained should fail to this degree. It was just before Christmas, and I was in the middle of a job search and could not be without my car.
While the repair was in process, I emailed Chrysler explaining how unhappy I was with the quality of the car and this extreme failure. They returned an email stating that according to their records, this would be covered under my extended 7 year , 70,000 mile warranty. I was not aware that I had this additional coverage.

I contacted my mechanic, the work was under way for the new engine. He suggested I contact the Chrysler dealer to see how to go about getting Chrysler to authorize the work so that I would be eligible for re-imbursement. I contacted the former dealer, (Crestmont), and left a message. I did not hear back for two days. It was now Christmas and with the holiday, the dealer was not open the usual hours. I called again and spoke to the finance manager, he told me I would need a copy of the original warranty and gave me another number to call. I called again and left a message. I received no return call.

My mechanic completed the repair. There was another Chrysler dealer in town and the mechanic suggested that I take the repaired vehicle to them for inspection and to find out how to apply for reimbursement. On January 2, I picked up the vehicle and contacted Spitzer Chrysler in Lakewood, OH.

I took the car in to have the recall service on the power steering pressure hose done. While there, I attempted to raise the issue of how to get re-imbursement for the repairs that would have been covered under warranty. Unfortunately, the attitude of the general manager and finance manager was that they had no proof that these repairs were necessary. My Midas mechanic had the damaged parts and I suggested that the Spitzer manager meet with my mechanic to make sure the work done was necessary and correct.

The Midas mechanic contacted the dealer and offered to provided anything needed to help me get reimbursed for the repair. The dealer did not respond.

I sent the repair receipts to Chrysler customer service to request re-imbursement. They were not helpful and refused reimbursement claiming that I should have taken the car to a Chrysler dealer.

I have heard of several other cases of the warped crankshaft problem in Chrysler engines. The fact that Chrysler admits the repairs should have been covered indicates that this should not have happened. The fact that they refuse to even discuss how to resolve the issue indicates that they have a customer service department in name only.

I have heard many similar stories from Chrysler customers. It appears that the chances of getting any satisfaction from Chrysler are very slim. I would love to see this become a class action suit.