Two problems related to dashboard failed have been reported for the 2008 Chrysler Pt Cruiser. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Chrysler Pt Cruiser based on all problems reported for the 2008 Pt Cruiser.
I was coming home from work and driving down the street when the lights on the dashboard went out, the gas gauge went to zero and the car just died. I lost power steering and braking and I was lucky there was no one behind me at the time. The key was locked in the steering wheel and I could not restart. I called 911 for help as cars were now zooming up behind me stalled in the lane. I was so scared that someone would hit me. I sat waiting for the tow truck for about 15 minutes when the lights suddenly came on again and the gas gauge went back to full. I tried to start it and it started right up. I was able to drive it 2 blocks home. The next day I drove to the cleaners and while trying to park it died in the parking lot. I again waited and it finally started again. I took it to the Chrysler dealership and they say they can find nothing wrong. They suggested I junk it for about $100. I have also taken to an independent mechanic and he said he could not find a problem. I see there are others who have reported a similar problem. And now there is a Chrysler recall on other 2008 models with what seems like the same problem. I cannot drive this car because it is unsafe in traffic.
Same as other owners, dash lights go on,gauges die,and car shuts off. It will restart after a bit and run fine until boom it happens again. No check engine lights or codes so dealer and shops cannot find problem. Some even refuse to look at the car. I can not trust this car for any long trip or on the freeway.