Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2008 Chrysler PT CruiserRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 115 owner complaints for the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Most complaints involve electrical system (45) and air bags (24). The EPA rates it 21–23 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
21–23mpg
EPA · 8 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
115
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
115 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2007 – Mar 2026
- Electrical system45
- Air bags24
- Engine15
- Power train10
- Seat belts7
- Service brakes7
- Exterior lighting7
- Vehicle speed control6
- Visibility6
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
45 reports1 crash2 fires
“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
24 reports9 crashes
“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”
Engine
15 reports1 crash2 fires
“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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
8 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT Cruiser Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| PT Cruiser Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | $3,600 | 404 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 25 | 22 | $3,600 | 404 |
| PT Cruiser Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| PT Cruiser Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| PT Cruiser Convertible Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
- 23mpg comb.
- 23mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser as of Oct 30, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2008 PT Cruiser questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.
What are the most common 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems?
Owners filed 115 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (45), air bags (24), engine (15). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser at 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026