Chrysler Recalls PT Cruisers

Almost every PT Cruiser built since the line went into production a little more than two years ago is being recalled to repair a problem that could cause a leak in the fuel tank, the Chrysler Group said Friday.

The only ones not being recalled are 2003 model year vehicles that went into production in July. Owners will be notified by mail.

The PT Cruiser has been one of the most successful vehicles in the Chrysler Group’s lineup. Of the 464,315 built in the 2001 and 2002 model years, 425,083 had been sold through the end of July.

One analyst said nothing should be inferred about the overall quality of the car.

“It’s a bum part that may or may not reflect a real-world problem,” said Jim Hall, vice president of automotive consulting firm AutoPacific Inc. He added that it could be a sign of quality issues with the part supplier.

Chrysler would not reveal the name of the supplier, as is customary when announcing a recall.

If a spark should come in contact with leaking fuel, it could ignite a fire, Chrysler spokeswoman Ann Smith said. Officials discovered the leak after a government crash test in May, she said. Chrysler subsequently conducted an internal investigation into the leaks before issuing the recall.

Shares of Chrysler’s parent, DaimlerChrysler, rose 40 cents to close at $43.90 on the New York Stock Exchange.