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2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine problems

20 complaints (17% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 77,135. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
20
of this car's complaints
17%
typical mileage
77,135
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine
    2
  • Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chrysler PT Cruiser engine problems in other years

2001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 20

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 28, 2023 · Airbags, Electrical · MD

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.

Filed Feb 5, 2018 · Airbags, Body · 92,000 miles · CO · crash · 1 injury

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

Filed Dec 5, 2017 · Airbags, Engine · MI

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.

Filed Feb 1, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 54,000 miles · CT

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.

Filed Sep 13, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · IN

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.

Filed Jun 17, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 137,000 miles · TX · fire

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.

Filed Feb 6, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · CA

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.

Filed Nov 6, 2015 · Engine · 92,000 miles · MA

All lights and gauges flash or go to zero , engine fails and car stalls while going at highway speed. This has happened many times. Three times it has stalled to a halt, many times it just shudders. Car is almost undriveable.

Filed Nov 10, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 56,246 miles · NC

While driving, the instrument warning lights start flashing off and on, the gauges drop to zero then com back up, and the engine falters sometimes and stops other times. When engine stops, power steering is lost. Car will start up again with starter.

Filed Nov 3, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 85,021 miles · MO

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.

Questions about the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine

Does the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser have engine problems?

Owners have filed 20 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 17% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 77,135 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chrysler PT Cruiser have bad engine?

The Chrysler PT Cruiser model years with the most engine complaints are 2006 (91 complaints), 2001 (74 complaints) and 2002 (60 complaints).

Other 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems

Electrical 45Airbags 24Transmission 10Brakes 8Lights 7Seat belts 7Visibility 7Acceleration 6Steering 5Tires 5Suspension 4Body 3Seats 3Driver assistance 2Fuel system 2Locks 2

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