Chrysler Pt Cruiser MOT Failures
An analysis of 53,073 real DVSA MOT tests on the Chrysler Pt Cruiser — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: PG (2000–2010).
Where the Chrysler Pt Cruiser fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Chrysler Pt Cruiser is headlight fault — this model is 59 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a major concern for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 53,073 MOT tests, 9.9% of all Chrysler Pt Cruiser tests recorded this as a failure.
Lighting faults are usually straightforward to fix (bulbs, connectors, earth points) but can indicate deeper wiring issues on older cars. Check all lights including fog lamps, number plate lights, and dashboard warning lights.
Other notable weak points include anti-roll bar links worn (502x the fleet average), engine mounting/bracket severely damaged or det... (77x the fleet average), abs fault (70x the fleet average), and power steering fault (34x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Chrysler Pt Cruiser's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 5 categories: Lights & Electrics, Suspension, Bodywork, Brakes, Steering. If you're inspecting a Chrysler Pt Cruiser before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Chrysler Pt Cruiser's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Chrysler Pt Cruiser specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are anti-roll bar links worn (502x the average) and engine mounting/bracket severely damaged or det... (77x). abs fault (70x) and headlight fault (59x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Chrysler Pt Cruiser specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are anti-roll bar links worn (327x the average) and engine mounting/bracket severely damaged or det... (43x). headlight fault (20x) and power steering fault (20x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Chrysler Pt Cruiser specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are anti-roll bar links worn (154x the average) and engine mounting/bracket severely damaged or det... (22x). power steering fault (12x) and structural corrosion (11x) also appear frequently.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Chrysler Pt Cruiser specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Suspension component catastrophic failure (PG) Dangerous
Multiple suspension components on the PT Cruiser show extreme failure rates, with MOT data indicating 354.7 times higher failure rate than the fleet average for components becoming detached or compromising directional stability. Affects PG; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£800.
Engine mount failure (PG) Major
Engine mounting brackets show severe deterioration at The transverse engine layout places unusual stresses on the mounting system, particularly the torque reaction mount. Affects PG; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£400.
Suspension joint and bush wear (PG) Major
Suspension bushes and joints wear at 63.9 times the fleet average rate, with over 11,000 recorded MOT failures across all mileage bands. Affects PG; typical independent garage repair cost is £120–£350.
Power steering system failure (2.4 Petrol) Major
The 2.4-litre petrol variant shows power steering failures at 34 times the fleet average rate. Affects PG; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£500.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Chrysler Pt Cruiser common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Chrysler Pt Cruiser
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Chrysler Pt Cruiser:
Lights & Electrics — check for headlight fault. Suspension — check for anti-roll bar links worn, subframe bushes or mounts worn, suspension pin, bush or joint worn. Bodywork — check for engine mounting/bracket severely damaged or det..., vehicle structure corroded to the extent that t.... Brakes — check for abs fault.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about suspension component catastrophic failure and engine mount failure. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £200. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Chrysler Pt Cruiser?
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Chrysler Pt Cruiser MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Chrysler Pt Cruiser?
Based on 53,073 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is headlight fault — at 59x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include anti-roll bar links worn and engine mounting/bracket severely damaged or det....
Is the Chrysler Pt Cruiser reliable based on MOT data?
The Chrysler Pt Cruiser has 17 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag suspension component catastrophic failure as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Chrysler Pt Cruiser most commonly fails on anti-roll bar links worn and engine mounting/bracket severely damaged or det.... Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are anti-roll bar links worn and engine mounting/bracket severely damaged or det....
How do I check a Chrysler Pt Cruiser's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.