Used car guide

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Chrysler PT Cruiser first registered in 2006 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 315 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 315 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

315MOTs of 2006 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
53%pass first time (all 2006 cars: 56%)
5,600typical miles a year
2.1×the usual rate for braking performance

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

  • Braking performance2.1× usual
    Chrysler PT Cruiser
    14.9% All 2006 cars
    7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 2.9% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

  • Track rod ends2.3× usual
    Chrysler PT Cruiser
    12.7% All 2006 cars
    5.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    55% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    48% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    42% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    32% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Steering
    12% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    11% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel as on other cars the same age.)
  2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel as on other cars the same age.)
  3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Chrysler PT Cruiser compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2008233Suspension 52%
20071,383Suspension 56%
2005993Suspension 58%
2004671Suspension 61%
2003603Suspension 64%
2002374Suspension 50%
2001238Suspension 49%
2000104Suspension 48%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Chrysler PT Cruiser cars first registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score