2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 13%of 115 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,510miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 13% of the 115 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,510 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11066981, filed 2018-02, 92,000 miles“I was driving in traffic when all of the dash lights came on and the engine quit running. At that time I lost all steering and braking for the vehicle. It has happened about 10 times since then, twice while I was on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #10652279, filed 2014-11, 85,021 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10948893, filed 2017-02, 54,000 miles“I bought this Pt Cruiser from a local dealer, the first time it turned off I was at a stop sign and thought it just stalled from not being warmed up. About a week later I was driving down a local road doing 50 miles per hour when I bumped the key in the ignition with my knee. The car turned off. Luckily it was a straight road with no traffic and I was able to guide the car to a stop then restart it. This has happened a few times more, all with bumping my knee against the ignition key. It instantly turns the car off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10576950, filed 2014-04, 53,000 miles“My Pt Cruiser from time to time on a regular basis will suddenly stall. All gauges on instrument panel will light up and fall of at which call will stall. This action occurs either while idling and or at highway speeds while driving. The action sometimes will shut car down then after a few seconds start back up. Please find a solution. I've been investigating this situation and know one seems to care or no what the problem is. This has been occurring since 2006. I would like to no what has been done so I can get this dangerous problem fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10532156, filed 2013-07, 147,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10128948Feb 6, 2013Gasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 5 | 23% |
| 2009 | 26 | 27% |
| 2008 | 15 | 13% |
| 2007 | 23 | 15% |
| 2006 | 55 | 16% |
| 2005 | 11 | 6% |
| 2004 | 14 | 6% |
| 2003 | 10 | 4% |
| 2002 | 22 | 4% |
| 2001 | 12 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
45 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsTires
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology