Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 22 | 19% |
| Air bags | 14 | 12% |
| Seat belts | 5 | 4% |
| Unknown or other | 4 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 4 | 3% |
| Service brakes | 4 | 3% |
| Power train | 4 | 3% |
| Engine | 3 | 3% |
| Visibility | 3 | 3% |
| Tires | 3 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
TIPM. Faulty Module, causing ignition/run power loss while driving.
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
AIRBAGS LIGHT AND DING SOUND THAT DOESN'T GO OFF FOR DRIVER AND PASSENGER. THERE'S NO PROTECTION FOR EITHER SIDE.
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
THE AIRBAG SIGN FOR PASSENGER 2 TURNS ON AFTER A WHILE OF DRIVING, SPEEDING PROBLEM WHEN WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE CAR TAKES FOREVER TO SPEED UP
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
TAKATA RECALL THE CAR WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY. AN OBJECT WAS STRUCK IN THE ROAD AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED ONLY ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. *BF *JB
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
WHILE DRIVING ON 10/7/2018 THE STEERING BECAME HARD AND UPON STOPPING THERE WERE FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. I DID RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON PT CRUISERS IN THE PAST, 04V268000. WHEN I CONTACT DAIMLER
NHTSA complaint: Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE TRANSMISSION MADE A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
NHTSA complaint: Power train
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. *TT *TR
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
| Reliability raw | 82 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 77 | good |
| Maintenance | 73 | good |
| Depreciation | 62 | average |
| Performance | 49 | below average |
| Efficiency | 40 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and electrical system is the most reported area with 22 of them (19%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 82/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 77/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2008 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 69/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.