2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: What gas mileage does the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser at about 22 mpg combined (20 city / 25 highway).

Q: How much is a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser worth?

Comparable 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser listings run roughly $1,200–$4,600, typically around $2,775 (from 195 vehicles).

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser at a glance

Safety recallsNone

Owner complaints115

Combined22 mpg

Typical price$2,775

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags

Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Engine

Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Vehicle Speed Control

Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

Steering

Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

Power Train

Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★

Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg

City20 mpg

Highway25 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$3,163

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser worth?

Low

$1,200

Typical price

$2,775

High

$4,600

From 195 comparable 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,815

Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,150

Total$16,965

Per mile$0.23

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($2,775) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,615), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.