Total Complaints
170 filings
CHRYSLER PT CRUISER · model year
2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
170 NHTSA complaints, 17 crash reports for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2008CHRYSLERPT CRUISER carries 170 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 17 crashes, 9 fires, 17 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2008 PT CRUISER is electrical system with 41 filings, followed by air bags (24) and engine (15). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 88 investigation files overlapping the 2008 PT CRUISER, and 7 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
170
Complaints
17
Crashes
9
Fires
17
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
17 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 41 |
| AIR BAGS | 24 |
| ENGINE | 15 |
| POWER TRAIN | 9 |
| SEAT BELTS | 7 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 7 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 6 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 6 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 6 |
| STEERING | 5 |
| VISIBILITY | 4 |
| SUSPENSION | 4 |
| SEATS | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 3 |
| EQUIPMENT | 2 |
Recent Complaints
20231228ELECTRICAL 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 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.
20231228AIR BAGS
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.
20231228ENGINE
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.
20200318AIR BAGS
AIRBAGS LIGHT AND DING SOUND THAT DOESN'T GO OFF FOR DRIVER AND PASSENGER. THERE'S NO PROTECTION FOR EITHER SIDE.
20191123AIR 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
Mileage: 72,000
20191123VEHICLE 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
Mileage: 72,000
20190630CrashAIR 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
Mileage: 173,519
20181008FireSTEERING
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
Mileage: 70,000
20180510VEHICLE 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, 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.
Mileage: 35,000
20180510POWER TRAIN
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.
Mileage: 35,000
20180205CrashAIR BAGS
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
Mileage: 92,000
20180205CrashSTRUCTURE: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
Mileage: 92,000
20180205CrashENGINE
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
Mileage: 92,000
20171205AIR BAGS
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.
20171205ENGINE
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.
20170901ELECTRICAL 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 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. T
Mileage: 93,500
20170814ELECTRICAL 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.
Mileage: 25
20170615AIR 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
Mileage: 52,000
20170429SEAT BELTS
PASSENGER SEATBELT LOCKS UP, WILL NOT PERFORM, I AM 75 & WIFE IS 71, DANGER FOR OUR LIVES....
Mileage: 63,000
20170319UNKNOWN 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
Mileage: 3,751
Compare 2008CHRYSLERPT CRUISER to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations 7 Open
RQ25005Recall QueryOpen
Recall 23V-413 Post Remedy Failures
PE25009Preliminary EvaluationOpen
Intermittent Loss of Electric Power Steering
RQ25002Recall QueryClosed
Recall 19V-293 Post Remedy Failures
PE24018Preliminary EvaluationOpen
Engine Stall With Intermittent Restart
RQ24004Recall QueryOpen
Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER have?▼
The 2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER has 170 NHTSA complaints, 17 crashes, 9 fires, 17 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER?▼
The most-complained component for the 2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 41 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and ENGINE.
Is the 2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.