2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol than on all cars registered in 2007.

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

  22.9% All 2007 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 2.2% of all 2007 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.

• Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
  Chrysler PT Cruiser

  21.8% All 2007 cars

  12.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.4% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Braking performance2.2× usual
  Chrysler PT Cruiser

  14.8% All 2007 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.7% of all 2007 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 ends2.1× usual
  Chrysler PT Cruiser

  11.6% All 2007 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 2.5% of all 2007 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-lock braking system5.6× usual
  Chrysler PT Cruiser

  6.2% All 2007 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 1.1% of all 2007 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.

Common 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 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
  54% 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
  44% 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
  36% 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
  25% 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
  13% 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 2007 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 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?