Most common 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
Share of the 115 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chrysler PT Cruiser complaints by model year
Best PT Cruiser years: 2010, 2009, 2008. Years to avoid: 2001, 2002, 2006. Compare all years →
What 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser owners say
Electrical system all 45 →
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. Has on occasion shut off and recovered power multiple times within a minute This is a very dangerous scenario to conduct a road test or have someone confirm the issue on the road.
I was coming home from work and driving down the street when the lights on the dashboard went out, the gas gauge went to zero and the car just died. I lost power steering and braking and I was lucky there was no one behind me at the time. The key was locked in the steering wheel and I could not restart. I called 911 for help as cars were now zooming up behind me stalled in the lane. I was so scared that someone would hit me. I sat waiting for the tow truck for about 15 minutes when the lights suddenly came on again and the gas gauge went back to full. I tried to start it and it started right up. I was able to drive it 2 blocks home. The next day I drove to the cleaners and while trying to park it died in the parking lot. I again waited and it finally started again. I took it to the Chrysler dealership and they say they can find nothing wrong. They suggested I junk it for about $100. …
Air bags all 24 →
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. Has on occasion shut off and recovered power multiple times within a minute This is a very dangerous scenario to conduct a road test or have someone confirm the issue on the road.
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the contact was involved in a head on collision with another vehicle. A police report was filed. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the back, arm, and neck that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a impound lot where it was deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 172,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Engine & cooling all 20 →
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. Has on occasion shut off and recovered power multiple times within a minute This is a very dangerous scenario to conduct a road test or have someone confirm the issue on the road.
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 diagnosis was unknown. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,000.
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 26 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 25 / 22 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 24 / 21 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser a good car?
Based on 115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 PT Cruiser rates better than average: 48% fewer complaints than a typical year of the PT Cruiser at the same age. It is one of the best PT Cruiser years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
The electrical system — 45 complaints, 39% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the air bags (24) and engine & cooling (20).
How many recalls does the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chrysler PT Cruiser?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2009 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001, 2002 and 2006. See the full Chrysler PT Cruiser years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 56,000 miles; 37% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.