Chrysler / PT Cruiser / 2008
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
Owners have filed 171 complaints about the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 26.3% of them — the clear leader, ahead of air bags at 14%.
Complaints171
Crashes17
Fires9
Injuries17
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 26.3% · 45
Air bags 14.0% · 24
Engine 8.8% · 15
Power train 5.8% · 10
Exterior lighting 4.1% · 7
Service brakes 4.1% · 7
Seat belts 4.1% · 7
Vehicle speed control 3.5% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 17 describe a crash, 9 describe a fire and 17 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 9 model years of the Chrysler PT Cruiser in this data, 2008 draws comparatively few complaints; 2001 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 18 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 59,750 miles.
In owners' own words
The engine will not turn over, all other power seems to be on. Taken to mechanic and it will start. Had it for a few days and it did the same thing. I had to pay for two tows so far, and they are saying that it turns on for them. I'm seventy years old and afraid to drive this car, because it might do it again when I'm further away from home. I live alone and drive the car alone. Each time the car was parked. Electrical system
The contact owns a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the instrument cluster would flash on and off while driving at various speeds on an intermittent basis. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised him that the vehicle would have to be reprogrammed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000. Electrical system · reported at 48,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the dashboard light indicators would all illuminate erroneously while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised him that they were unable to diagnose the failure and that he would have to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. Electrical system · reported at 45,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…