2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is among the quieter years of the PT Cruiser on NHTSA's books: 171 complaints (36% below the model's median year), no recalls, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 17 injuries in total across these filings.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 47 reports (28% of the total).
171
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
17
Crash-involved
9
Fires reported
17
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2008 compare to other PT Cruiser years?
What are the most common 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 47 | 27% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 24 | 14% | — flat |
| Engine | 21 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 10 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Other | 9 | 5% | — flat |
| Brakes | 8 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 7 | 4% | — flat |
| Lighting | 7 | 4% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 7 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 6 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 4 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*THE CONTACT RENTED A 2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE CONTACT PUSHED THE HORN AND RECEIVED AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED DUE TO THE SHOCK. SHE SPOKE WITH THE BRANCH MANAGER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS CRASHED INTO BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED BACK AND FORTH AS IF THE BRAKES WERE BEING DEPRESSED AND RELEASED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED BACK AND FORTH AS IF THE BRAKES WERE BEING DEPRESSED AND RELEASED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE…”
“THIS IS THE REQUEST TO FIND ALL UNITED STATES, FOREIGN AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL STATUTES. PLEASE INCLUDE IN THE INSPECTIONS ANALYSIS TOYOTA, MITSUBISHI, HONDA MOTOR CARS. PLEASE INSPECT ANALYZE FOR DEFECTS IN ENGINE, ELECTRICAL, FUEL, EMISSIONS, SUSPENSION, COOLING, TIRES…”
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser — common questions
Is the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 171 NHTSA complaints, below the typical PT Cruiser year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2008 PT Cruiser problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (47 complaints), airbags (24 complaints), engine (21 complaints).
Does the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Which Chrysler PT Cruiser years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the PT Cruiser years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 2006. The cleanest record among PT Cruiser years belongs to 2010.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.