2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Problems and Repair Histories
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Chrysler PT Cruiser
2008 Chrysler PT Cruisers for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems and repair histories that follow it.
Chrysler PT Cruiser Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2008 | Chrysler PT Cruiser | 15 PT Cruisers, 9.2 months of data per PT Cruiser, average 47500 miles Small sample size. Join or 15 PT Cruisers, 9.2 months of data per PT Cruiser, average 47500 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
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Non-members can see only ten 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 180hp 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Chrysler PT Cruiser in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2012 | 37000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2013 | 42000 | 0 | Radiator developed small leak at 41,000 miles. Replaced radiator and thermostat. Engine mounts were worn, so had all three engine mounts replaced at the same time.. All work done under extended warranty. |
| Chrysler PT Cruiser in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2008 | 0 | Repaired water leak around windshield. Harsh 1-2 shift fixed with ECM reprogram per TSB. | |
| Sep | 2011 | 27000 | 34 | Windshield washer nozzles broke apart after becoming brittle due to engine compartment heat. Nozzles replaced. |
| Mar | 2013 | 39000 | 1064 | Front lower control arm bushings starting making loud noises over bumps and in low-speed turns. Replaced lower control arms on both sides. |
| Chrysler PT Cruiser in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2011 | 55000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2012 | 57000 | 0 | The lower ball joints needed to be replaced. The sway bar needed to be retorqued and the bushings on the sway bar needed to be replaced. |
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 148hp 2.1L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD
| Chrysler PT Cruiser in Great Britain | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2011 | 21000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 35000 | 400 | Fault of some kind with the tensioner/roller on one of the auxiliary drive belts causing belt to slip off/snap/be damaged repeatedly. Required replacement of the tensioner and belt. |
| Mar | 2013 | 37000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4dr Wagon
150-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Chrysler PT Cruiser in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2008 | 0 | Rear brake drums replaced under warranty, finally stopped all shudder when braking at over 60 MPH. | |
| Dec | 2009 | 0 | Air bag causing the horn to stick, replaced airbag under warranty. | |
| Aug | 2012 | 32700 | 100 | On an earlier visit repair tech saw left shock absorber was leaking, ordered replacement part, replaced on this visit. |
| Mar | 2013 | 34000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chrysler PT Cruiser in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2012 | 34000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2013 | 38000 | 120 | Two tire pressure sensors replaced. Make sure to keep the valve caps tightly screwed in place! Water corroded the sensors. |
| Chrysler PT Cruiser in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2010 | 0 | Reset/flashed transmission software to solve jerky downshifting. | |
| Jun | 2011 | 32000 | 325 | I had to replace the PCV Valve and an internal sensor as well as have the software updated for the transmission. |
| Dec | 2011 | 34000 | 1100 | The transmission failed, causing severe vibration and then refused to shift out of first gear. The diagnosis included burned out clutch, damaged transmission control module, and solenoid. |
| Chrysler PT Cruiser in Arizona, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2012 | 58000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2012 | 58000 | 300 | Frequent front brake changes on this vehicle. Brake rotors were warped for some time, putting on OEM pads and resurface solved the issue. This car hates Napa brand pads. |
| Chrysler PT Cruiser in Alabama, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2011 | 64000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2012 | 76300 | 54 | Camshaft Position Sensor malfunctioned causing check engine light to come on while driving and once stopped, caused engine to not turn over. Easy replacement of part by mechanic - problem solved. |
| Dec | 2012 | 84000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chrysler PT Cruiser in Alabama, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 0 | Car would not start and would not take a jump either. Had it towed in and service dept said one cell of battery was not charging. Replaced it under warranty in about 30 minutes. No problems since | |
| Chrysler PT Cruiser in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 0 | Front lower control arm bushings replaced on both sides. Warranty covered | |
| Aug | 2011 | 35500 | 250 | Cam position sensor failed |
| Nov | 2011 | 37000 | 210 | TPM failed due to corrosion |
| Mar | 2012 | 39000 | 350 | Bushings split on both rear strut rod and stabilizer bar assemblies. Both replaced |
| Apr | 2013 | 50000 | 150 | Thermostat gasket leaking. Replaced |
| Chrysler PT Cruiser in Arizona, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2008 | 0 | Windshield developed bubbles in glass. Dealer agreed it was defective and sent a glass company out to replace. New Mopar windshield is perfect. | |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Chrysler PT Cruiser in Alabama, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 42000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 45000 | 160 | drivers seat side panel support tabs broke, causing seat switch to malfunction. Paid dealer $150 for replacement side panel but it failed within 8 hours. Looks like poor design. |
| Jul | 2012 | 83000 | 50 | replaced front brake pads |
| Sep | 2012 | 88000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Chrysler PT Cruiser in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2011 | 46000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2011 | 47000 | 251 | repaired driver side tie rod. Common on this car. |
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2dr Convertible
turbocharged 180hp 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| Chrysler PT Cruiser in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 41000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2012 | 58000 | 1058 | CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. REPLACE CAM AND CRANK SENSORS. REPLACE 4 SPARK PLUGS AND IGNITION CABLES CLEAN THROTTLE BODY |
| Chrysler PT Cruiser in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2008 | 0 | 11851 miles - yellow engine light came on and stayed on. dealer informed me that it *might* be a loose gas cap (it definitely was not). light reset. 12,039 miles soft trim described in 4/08 is replaced. | |
| Oct | 2008 | 0 | soft trim has come loose again. this time replaced and *adhered*. seems like it has a much better chance of working "for keeps." rear rattle fixed! | |
| Jan | 2009 | 0 | engine light comes on again. shop claims they find leak in the gas cap and replace it. (this ends up permanently fixing the problem.) | |
| Jun | 2009 | 0 | roll bar trim has come loose *again*. repaired under warranty. | |
| Apr | 2010 | 0 | stone chip repaired in the windshield. | |
| May | 2010 | 100 | air conditioner has lost its fluid and yet the system isn't showing any leaks ... hmm ... first work done under my lifetime service contract -- i pay the deductible only. | |
| Aug | 2011 | 70000 | 100 | front brakes worn out as discovered by my dealer during routine maintenance...brake shop claimed wear was bad enough that rotors went as well. replaced with no problem. back to the shop for my AC not working. the dye job from last time showed a leak in the AC discharge line. the total bill would have been $485, my warranty wrap was just a $100 deductible. fixed. for now. again. |
| Dec | 2011 | 77000 | 338 | a brake repair shop mentioned seeing a leak from the rack & pinon gear. on my 72K oil change the shop replaced the R&P gear as well as both control arms. $100 to me due to my service contract...would've been $1500 without. the windshield washers quit functioning (probably due to las vegas hard water clogs?) and had to be replaced. |
Expert 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Repair Advice
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