2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Chrysler PT Cruiser first registered in 2008 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 139 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 139 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.
- Rigid brake pipes2.4× usualChrysler PT Cruiser22.3% All 2008 cars9.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 1.7% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
Common 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension60% 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.
- Brakes50% 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 electrics43% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres34% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors14% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Rust and bodywork11% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- 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
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1,383 | Suspension 56% |
| 2006 | 1,297 | Suspension 57% |
| 2005 | 993 | Suspension 58% |
| 2004 | 671 | Suspension 61% |
| 2003 | 603 | Suspension 64% |
| 2002 | 374 | Suspension 50% |
| 2001 | 238 | Suspension 49% |
| 2000 | 104 | Suspension 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 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score