Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
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. My 6 air bags did not deploy and my seat belt malfunctioned (it lengthened during the flipping of the car) allowing my body to turn around, facing the rear, and crushed my spine against the steering wheel. I had just finished a 12-hr night shift at the hospital, was just one mile from home, swerved to the shoulder to avoid a rabbit. The tires slipped off the shoulder into the grass (the speed limit was 50mph & I usually drive a little under), I was very tired & over-corrected which caused the car to roll sideways 4 times and then hit two trees. It was about 8 am and no one found me for almost 1/2 hr. I was conscious the entire time. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, another vehicle at a high rate of speed switched lanes and crashed into the driver side of the contact's vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. The contact mentioned that the windows shattered, the front passenger side doors were jammed, and the driver had to be removed from the vehicle by the fire department. The passenger seated in the rear was able to exit the vehicle. The driver sustained head injuries and back pains and the child passenger sustained whiplash and minor bruises. Both the driver and the passenger required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser touring. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH through fog, he crashed into the rear of an 18-wheeler. Upon impact the air bag underneath the dashboard deployed and fractured his leg. The steering wheel air bag also deployed and fractured his nose along with other facial injuries sustained. The police were called and a report was filed. The driver was transported to the hospital via ambulance with serious injuries. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was pending an investigation. The failure and current mileages were approximately 79,000. The VIN was unavailable.
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 cooler and frame I feel that if the car is going to sustain that much damage the car would have deployed the air bags. I have seen cars that the airbags deployed when hit hard enough to scuff the front bumper also the horn would like to stick when depressed some time the horn would sound some time the horn would not make any sound till you beat the darn thing.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the air bag light remained illuminated and there was an abnormal noise. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the contact was undecided upon authorizing the dealer to inspect and diagnose the failure. The contact was to check with the manufacturer for a repair solution. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.
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. The speed of both vehicles was unknown. The failure mileage was 99,833. Jcc
-airbags lights are always on. -at times turning car off the fan will remain on till power drained. -while driving, all the lights on dash will turn on and car will shut down. This has happened countless times. After awhile the car will turn back on and be perfectly normal again to drive until this reoccurs.
Airbag complaints in other PT Cruiser years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 21% of the model year's 115 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 10 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.