2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
115 complaints11 involved a crash6 involved a fire14 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
TIPM. Faulty Module, causing ignition/run power loss while driving.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Engine
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.
- Air bags
Airbags light and ding sound that doesn't go off for driver and passenger. There's no protection for either side.
- Air bags · Vehicle speed control
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
- 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
- Steering
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 chrysler I was told there were no recalls on my vin. before driving the car…
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 chrysler I was told there were no recalls on my vin. before driving the car on 10/7/2018 there was not any steering fluid under the car. luckily the fire was noticed prior to leaving the car or the car would have been engulfed in flames. I will like chrysler to pay for this repair. the car only has 70,000 miles and has been cared for very well. please let me know if you can help with this claim. thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Power train · Vehicle speed control
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. The vehicle was taken to marx auto center (132 rockdale ave, south dartmouth…
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. The vehicle was taken to marx auto center (132 rockdale ave, south dartmouth, ma 02748, (508) 997-2377), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.
- Air bags · Engine · Structure › Body
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
- Air bags · Engine
Passenger seat airbag light remains off when unoccupied, goes on and chimes when someone IS seated. horn sticks. overheats when idled short periods (traffic lights, etc.) blows cold air when at idle, only provides heat when rolling. all these problems are common to this vehicle.
- Electrical system
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…
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. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and the case manager stated that they likely could not assist because the vehicle was out of warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 93,500.
- Electrical system
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.
- Air bags
The air bag light comes on and chimes all the time. No one even has to be sitting in the seat. Goes off all the time. The air bag will not work if it IS in a crash. This should be recalled and fixed
- Seat belts
Passenger seatbelt locks up, will not perform, I am 75 & wife IS 71, danger for our lives....
- Unknown or other
Can not shift into park to start car, and go into gears on 2008 automatic, once car starts and engine IS warm no problem shifing
- Electrical system · Engine
There are a few issues with my car and the local dealer says they may be related. stalling while driving: this has happened twice within 2-3 months. First time I was on a highway off ramp slowing to stop. Not sure of my speed, but I noticed it stalled as I was almost to the light. I stopped and…
There are a few issues with my car and the local dealer says they may be related. stalling while driving: this has happened twice within 2-3 months. First time I was on a highway off ramp slowing to stop. Not sure of my speed, but I noticed it stalled as I was almost to the light. I stopped and the car started up fine. The second time was 1-2 months later in jan. 2017. I was driving in town about 30 mph and shifted (automatic) from 3RD to drive. I pushed the gas to speed up and realized the car had stalled. Once again it started back up just fine. malfunctioning instrument cluster: this has been an intermittent problem since probably 2011 or 2012. The dials on the gauges will swing back and forth wildly. Dash light will flash on and off. Sometimes the cluster makes a popping sound like it IS popping popcorn inside there. trouble starting: for a few years now (possibly matching the timing of the cluster problem) it can take 2-3 tries to start the car. this IS intermittent. I don't hear a sound that it IS struggling to start, it just does nothing when I turn the key. horn malfunctioning: this has only happened a few times, but when I go to give a quick honk, it sticks and sounds like I'm giving someone a loooong honk. the stalling while driving IS obviously a safety risk. the local dealer said I should get the instrument cluster replaced with a refurbished one because it could be causing the stalling. "Electrical problems can cause strange things to happen" I was told. I bought my car brand new and have taken very good care of it. other than for tires, I only take it to the chrysler dealer. It has only 54,000 miles. It IS a great car, until now. I can no longer drive my toddler son in it for fear of an accident. I spent $700 on maintenance & repairs a month ago and now the dealer wants me to spend about $550 on something that may take care of the stalling. *tr
- Air bags
Passenger sat in seat driving less then mile airbag light comes on once passenger gets out seat light goes off. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2008 chrysler PT cruiser. While the vehicle was parked, the air bags deployed when the vehicle was started. The air bag warning indicator illuminated before the deployment. The failure mileage was 15,770.
- Electrical system · Engine
The engine will not turn over, all other power seems to be on. taken to mechanic and it will start. had it for a few days and it did the same thing. I had to pay for two tows so far, and they are saying that it turns on for them. I'm seventy years old and afraid to drive this car, because it might do it again when I'm further away from home. I live alone and drive the car alone. each time the car was parked.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Seats
When passenger IS seated in front passenger seat . Airbag light turns on and chimes until passenger exits vehical.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2008 chrysler PT cruiser. While driving 30 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over on a dirt patch, which stopped the vehicle. The contact turned the vehicle off and smoke entered into the vehicle. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 chrysler PT cruiser. While driving 30 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over on a dirt patch, which stopped the vehicle. The contact turned the vehicle off and smoke entered into the vehicle. The brake pads melted, which caused the smoke to rise from beneath the tires. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Air bags
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.
- Engine · Power train
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.
- Electrical system
Ignition cut out on freeway at 65 mph several times. Jiggled ignition key to get engine to run again. Should be recalled and corrected
- Service brakes
In dec. 2013, at 71K miles, in the car used by my college-age daughter, when starting the car on a cold morning (20'S) I noted rock-hard brake pedal and no power assist whatsoever while backing down our driveway. by the street, it had a normal pedal feel and assist. this repeatedly happened in…
In dec. 2013, at 71K miles, in the car used by my college-age daughter, when starting the car on a cold morning (20'S) I noted rock-hard brake pedal and no power assist whatsoever while backing down our driveway. by the street, it had a normal pedal feel and assist. this repeatedly happened in cold-morning starts. the dealer, klaben chrysler jeep dodge of kent, ohio, was helpful and eventually replaced the brake booster a few weeks later, for free. a year later my daughter mentioned the car was doing this again (cold weather had returned). I took the car back to klaben and said I was compelled to contact nhtsa as if I or my daughter hit a person because of no brake assist whatsoever, it would be tragic. in march of 2015, klaben again replaced the booster and pcv filter, free, informing me that there was oil in the booster. while this service was appreciated, when my daughter was home from college recently (jan. 2016), I started her car and the brake pedal was rock-hard when pushing it to take the car out of park. it immediately had power assist after that, but this tells me the problem IS returning. there was a safety recall last year (after our car's last booster replacement) on 2013-14 dodge dart models for the same problem and the repair was identical--replace booster if oil IS found in there. I believe other chrysler models besides the dart are experiencing this issue, as our car has. the recall should be expanded and hopefully a permanent fix found. I believe our car's cold-weather braking will continue to deteriorate and I don't want this problem to rear its ugly head in the next winter.
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
While driving the vehicle at any time, on a city street or highway, all of the lights on the cluster would light up, all gauges would fluncuatate and the car would stall and shut off. I have taken vehicle to independent mechanics and a certified chrysler service center and the problem IS not able…
While driving the vehicle at any time, on a city street or highway, all of the lights on the cluster would light up, all gauges would fluncuatate and the car would stall and shut off. I have taken vehicle to independent mechanics and a certified chrysler service center and the problem IS not able to be resolved. This issue causes concern and IS effecting my transportation for employment and creating fear of driving the vehicle on highways.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248509Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
- 10244348Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
- 10229181Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
- 10229178Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.
- 10224693Restraints Information Sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
- 10223602Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
- 10223599Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.
- 10221515Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
- 10221512Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.
- 10221097Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins are present in the engine block, which align the transmission center line to the crank shaft centerline and visually inspect the dowel alignment holes in the transmission case. If the holes are damaged or elongated the transmission should be replaced to prevent further damage to the transmission/flexplate or pump bushing due to the inability to properly align the engine to the transmission during the repair. 3. All 62TE equipped vehicles. If pump bushing is scored or damaged and the dowel pin alignment holes are ok, replace the pump assembly as opposed to complete transmission. 4. All 62TE equipped vehicles. If vehicle is jerking/slipping with MIL code(s) P0740 or P2764, check TCC Solenoid operation. If TCC Solenoid is ok, the codes are indicative of a torque converter failure. Replace the torque converter.
- 10220489Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10219732HVAC Distribution Housing
- 10219725Housing cover mounting bolt holes use self-tapping fasteners. New fasteners are required with housing replacement.
- 10218307Flash: UConnect and Voice Recognition Inoperative This bulletin involves replacing the Hands Free Module (HFM). The customer may describe the following conditions: A complete loss of UConnect operation. A complete loss of Voice Recognition functionality
- 10217517Restraints Information Sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
- 10217510Restraints Remove I-Sheet from packaging. Correct information sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
- 1021645482212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio). Mopar offers an alternative product (82213192) which is a water based product approved for sale in the aforementioned states.~ ~ Please inform the customer & your prep dept that spraying excessive amounts of the fabric protector on load floors will result in the breaking down of the adhesive (glue) that is used to create the bond between the fabric (carpet) and the load floor. This will apply to any vehicles equipped with rear load floors such as WK, WD, PM, MK, KA, KK. The carpet will appear to be loose, wrinkly, or bunch up~
- 10216395Gasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure is to be used prior to conducting any engine related repairs or removal of engine components.
- 10215810This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module with new software. The Technician may discover that P0128 - Thermostat Rationality DTC is present. This DTC is a two trip code and is matured if a significant difference exists between the PCM predicted and actual engine coolant temperature during engine warm-ups. The PCM calibration may improperly mature a P0128 DTC because the airflow across the coolant temperature sensor during colder ambient temperatures, 50 F (10 C) or below, causes the predicted coolant temperature to deviate from the actual coolant temperature.
- 10209647W5A580 (NAG1) Valve Body - complete
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10188643This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module with new software. The Technician may discover that P0128 - Thermostat Rationality DTC is present. This DTC is a two trip code and is matured if a significant difference exists between the PCM predicted and actual engine coolant temperature during engine warm-ups. The PCM calibration may improperly mature a P0128 DTC because the airflow across the coolant temperature sensor during colder ambient temperatures, 50 F (10 C) or below, causes the predicted coolant temperature to deviate from the actual coolant temperature.
- 10175743Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10166537RADIO [RES] - New and/or Service Exchange For RES radio concerns. Use the wiTECH 2.0 and inspect the radio part number and serial number under the Radio/ECU Details tab. Please verify that the radio part number and/or serial number is not "FFFF". If either field shows "FFFF", please contact Mike Wielgat at 248-576-6696 or Rohan Negandhi at 248-421-9608 If no response in 15 minutes, proceed with repair.
- 10140258Flash: UConnect and Voice Recognition Inoperative This bulletin involves replacing the Hands Free Module (HFM). The customer may describe the following conditions: A complete loss of UConnect operation. A complete loss of Voice Recognition functionality
- 10140065Gasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure is to be used prior to conducting any engine related repairs or removal of engine components.
- 10139985Restraints Information Sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
- 10139978Restraints Remove I-Sheet from packaging. Correct information sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
- 10138987Gasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure is to be used prior to conducting any engine related repairs or removal of engine components.
- 10130081Return: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31 July, 2016)of follow ing part numbers:68176457AF, 68176459AF. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 13 September, 2016.
- 1013008005182535AD - Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 05182535AD . See attachments for identifying suspect stock. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 12 September, 2016.
- 10130079Inspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy - A-Pillar Rt/Lt You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part numbers: 1ZA04DX9AE, 1ZA05DX9AE. See attachments for identifying suspect stock. Replacement part can be obtained by reordering the same part number. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 12 September, 2016.
- 10129047Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
Every Chrysler PT Cruiser model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.