PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS OFF WHEN UNOCCUPIED, GOES ON AND CHIMES WHEN SOMEONE IS SEATED. HORN STICKS. OVERHEATS WHEN IDLED SHORT PERIODS (TRAFFIC LIGHTS, ETC.) BLOWS COLD AIR WHEN AT IDLE, ONLY PROVIDES HEAT WHEN ROLLING. ALL THESE PROBLEMS ARE COMMON TO THIS VEHICLE.
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser airbags problems
severe 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Crashes
8
Avg fix
$1,100
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
PASSENGER SAT IN SEAT DRIVING LESS THEN MILE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON ONCE PASSENGER GETS OUT SEAT LIGHT GOES OFF. *TR
THE AIRBAG SIGN FOR PASSENGER 2 TURNS ON AFTER A WHILE OF DRIVING, SPEEDING PROBLEM WHEN WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE CAR TAKES FOREVER TO SPEED UP
AT 10:15AM ON THURSDAY, 8/14/2014, THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED WHILE I WAS TRAVELING <5MPH PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT NOR HAS SUSTAINED ANY OTHER DAMAGE, INCLUDING FROM POTHOLES (MY FAMILY TOOK ORIGINAL DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE IN 2008). THE LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP DECLINED TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE, AND INSTEAD PROVIDED A…
PASSENGER AIRBAG LITE AND SENSOR GOES OFF WITH NO ONE SITTING IN SEAT AND IF SOMEONE IS IN SEAT IT GOES OFF. IT SEAMS AS IF THERE IS A SHORT IN A WIRE. OTHERS I HAVE READ AFTER HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser?
It's a meaningful issue. 20 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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