Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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.
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and all the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who recharged the battery, but could not repair the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to mark thomas motors inc (2315 santiam hwy se, albany, or 97322) where the dealer stated that the vehicle had the wrong battery, and changed the battery. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to mark thomas motors where it was diagnosed that the PCM, alternator, and wiring harness failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred once again. The vehicle was taken back to mark thomas motors and was still there at the time the complaint was filed. The dealer unable to replicate the failure. …
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 while driving at various speeds, the gauges would suddenly malfunction and display erroneous information before the vehicle stalled. After restarting the engine, the vehicle would operate normally before the failure recurred. Also, the contact indicated that an electrical burning odor was present inside the vehicle during the incidences. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. While driving at any speed, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power and all the warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure intermittently occurred two minutes after the vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that the failure manually needed to be restarted in some instances of the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired.the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
This has happened about 3-4 times while driving and at starting the car..lights start flashing and bells ring on the dash indicating trouble with the steering control, seat belts, oil, etc...the engine has not died yet, but now that I have read that this appears to be a happening to a lot of cars I am leary of taking the car a long distance. I have not made a complaint to the dealer , but intend to do so this week..my car only has 42,000 miles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The contact stated that the headlights were not working properly, the turn signals did not work, the horn sounded without warning, and the windshield wipers did not work. The vehicle was taken to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 123,417.
Car looses power, dash lights turn on and off, occasionally turns completely off while driving. All power turns off including throttle and braking power. All lights in car dash light up and flicker while driving. This has gotten worse and happens everyday and everytime car is driven. Has been happening for the past 6 months.
-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.
Electrical complaints in other PT Cruiser years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 39% of the model year's 115 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to electrical system 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.