2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  Chrysler PT Cruiser

  23.1% All 2006 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Braking performance2.2× usual
  Chrysler PT Cruiser

  15.1% All 2006 cars

  6.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.8% 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.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes7.2× usual
  Chrysler PT Cruiser

  7.9% All 2006 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Track rod ends2.3× usual
  Chrysler PT Cruiser

  12.7% All 2006 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints5.6× usual
  Chrysler PT Cruiser

  6.7% All 2006 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  57% 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
  49% 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
  43% 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
  28% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  12% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

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

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

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 7.2× as often on the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?