Is the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 PT Cruiser has a complaint index of 40, the 4th-lowest among the 6 model years with data, and earns a Good verdict relative to other PT Cruiser years.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 PT Cruiser?

NHTSA complaints show the electrical system as the top problem area at 41% of complaints, followed by engine issues at 22% and airbag issues at 21%.

Does the 2008 PT Cruiser have any recalls?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 PT Cruiser.

How does the 2008 PT Cruiser compare to other years?

The 2008 model ranks better than the 2005, 2006, and 2007 PT Cruisers, which carry Caution or Avoid verdicts, but it ranks behind the 2009 (Good) and 2010 (Best) model years.

What mileage do problems tend to appear at in the 2008 PT Cruiser?

Across all reported problem areas, median mileage at failure ranged from 29,000 to 89,000 miles, with electrical system complaints centered around 56,246 miles.

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Good The 2008 PT Cruiser has a complaint index of 40, ranking 4th-worst out of 6 model years and earning a Good verdict compared to other years. NHTSA lists 115 complaints, no recalls, and the top problem area is the electrical system at 41% of complaints.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index: 40/100; #4 of 6 PT Cruiser years
Verdict: Good; vs. other years of this model
Complaints: 115; unique NHTSA reports
Recalls: 0; distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes: 11; reported in complaints
Fires: 6
Injuries: 14
Top issue: Electrical System
Best nearby year: 2010; rated Best

NHTSA overall rating: Not rated
EPA combined MPG: 21.5; 19.5 city / 24.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths: 14 / 0

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser fuel economy and fuel cost

City: 19.5 MPG
Highway: 24.5 MPG
Combined: 21.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA): $3,375; 15,000 mi/yr
Fuel: Premium
Current regular gas: $4.32/gal; national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2008 compared with other PT Cruiser years

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2006	Avoid	100	349	1	21
2007	Avoid	80	149	0	21
2008	Good	40	115	0	21.5
2009	Good	20	97	0	21
2010	Best	0	22	0	21

All Chrysler PT Cruiser years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser reliable?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 PT Cruiser has a complaint index of 40, the 4th-lowest among the 6 model years with data, and earns a Good verdict relative to other PT Cruiser years.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 PT Cruiser?: NHTSA complaints show the electrical system as the top problem area at 41% of complaints, followed by engine issues at 22% and airbag issues at 21%.
Does the 2008 PT Cruiser have any recalls?: NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 PT Cruiser.
How does the 2008 PT Cruiser compare to other years?: The 2008 model ranks better than the 2005, 2006, and 2007 PT Cruisers, which carry Caution or Avoid verdicts, but it ranks behind the 2009 (Good) and 2010 (Best) model years.
What mileage do problems tend to appear at in the 2008 PT Cruiser?: Across all reported problem areas, median mileage at failure ranged from 29,000 to 89,000 miles, with electrical system complaints centered around 56,246 miles.