2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 618 |
| 2002 | 511 |
| 2003 | 258 |
| 2004 | 217 |
| 2005 | 187 |
| 2006 | 349 |
| 2007 | 149 |
| 2008 | 115 |
| 2009 | 97 |
| 2010 | 22 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
37% of complaints: electrical system — 42 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
I HAD STOPPED AT A SIGNAL LIGHT AND WAS HIT IN AN FRONT /HEAD ON CRASH THERE WAS NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT - THECAR WAS DEEMED AS A TOTAL LOST PER MY INSURANCE THE DAMAGE WAS FRONT LEFT FINDER - HOOD = BUMPER - GRILL LEFT SUSPENSION PARTS RADIATOR OIL...
NHTSA ODI report, 20140608
Problems reside in the total integrated power management module. TPIM whereas vehicle will shut off while driving. No indicator lights to give warning before the vehicle shuts off.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231228
21% of complaints: air bags — 24 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN A VEHICLE WAS HIT CROSSED INTO MY LANES AND I HIT THE VEHICLE HEAD ON, POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. INJURIES TO KNEE, CHEST AND LAP FROM BELT. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TT *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20180205
I HAD STOPPED AT A SIGNAL LIGHT AND WAS HIT IN AN FRONT /HEAD ON CRASH THERE WAS NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT - THECAR WAS DEEMED AS A TOTAL LOST PER MY INSURANCE THE DAMAGE WAS FRONT LEFT FINDER - HOOD = BUMPER - GRILL LEFT SUSPENSION PARTS RADIATOR OIL...
NHTSA ODI report, 20140608
ON APRIL 8TH, THIS YEAR, I WAS IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT IN MY 2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER AND BROKE MY BACK; THERE IS A CHANCE I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO WORK AS A HOSPITAL INPATIENT NURSE EVER AGAIN BECAUSE I HAVE TO BE ABLE TO LIFT 100 POUNDS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090609
13% of complaints: engine — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN A VEHICLE WAS HIT CROSSED INTO MY LANES AND I HIT THE VEHICLE HEAD ON, POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. INJURIES TO KNEE, CHEST AND LAP FROM BELT. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TT *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20180205
Problems reside in the total integrated power management module. TPIM whereas vehicle will shut off while driving. No indicator lights to give warning before the vehicle shuts off.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231228
8% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (15 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.