Common problems by part
Chrysler PT Cruiser exhaust, emissions and leaks problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 1,947 MOT tests · Updated
At 18 years, 6.2 in 100 MOT tests of the Chrysler PT Cruiser failed on exhaust, emissions and leaks, against 6.8 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 1,947 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 120 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 5 ages from 16 to 20 years, 8,190 MOT tests
- Most common fail: Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction, 2.8 per 100 MOT tests
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
6.2 fails per 100 MOT tests at 18 years, against 6.8 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 18 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
An exhaust, emissions and leaks fail stops the car passing until it is fixed; the most common one is rated major by DVSA.
What to check
Start the car from cold and look for smoke at the exhaust, listen for blowing joints, and look under the engine and gearbox for fresh oil or fluid drips.
Chrysler PT Cruiser exhaust, emissions and leaks fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 1,586 | 5.2 | 6.2 |
| 17 | 1,904 | 5.6 | 6.5 |
| 18 | 1,947 | 6.2 | 6.8 |
| 19* | 1,576 | 6.8 | 7.0 |
| 20* | 1,177 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
All first-use years of the Chrysler PT Cruiser pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years. * Only survivors are still tested at this age.
What fails in the exhaust, emissions and leaks at 18 years
Fails
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction: 2.8 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 2.5. Diagnose engine warning light: estimated £39–£78 (0.5–1 h at £78/h (ONS local-garage repair quotes, 1,058 quotes from 65 garages, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026) + parts) Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunction MOT fail
Advisories (not fails)
- Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive: 16.8 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 12.6. Oil leak, but not excessive MOT advisory
Diagnose engine warning light cost
Repair figures are estimates, not quotes: how we estimate repair costs.
Buying a Chrysler PT Cruiser? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
How to check on a test drive
Start the car from cold and look for smoke at the exhaust, listen for blowing joints, and look under the engine and gearbox for fresh oil or fluid drips.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive.
Check one Chrysler PT Cruiser, not the average
The figures here describe Chrysler PT Cruiser cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a Chrysler PT Cruiser's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other Chrysler PT Cruiser problems
- Chrysler PT Cruiser suspension problems
- Chrysler PT Cruiser brakes problems
- Chrysler PT Cruiser lights and electrics problems
- Chrysler PT Cruiser steering problems
- Chrysler PT Cruiser body and structure problems
- Chrysler PT Cruiser seat belts and airbags problems
- Chrysler PT Cruiser windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems
- Chrysler PT Cruiser tyres problems
Exhaust, emissions and leaks on rival models
- Ford Focus exhaust, emissions and leaks problems: 5.8 per 100 MOT tests at 18 years, against 6.2 for the Chrysler PT Cruiser (114,624 MOT tests)
- Vauxhall Astra exhaust, emissions and leaks problems: 10.7 per 100 MOT tests at 18 years, against 6.2 for the Chrysler PT Cruiser (89,709 MOT tests)
- Honda Civic exhaust, emissions and leaks problems: 5.4 per 100 MOT tests at 18 years, against 6.2 for the Chrysler PT Cruiser (62,744 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Chrysler PT Cruiser have more exhaust, emissions and leaks problems than other cars?
6.2 in 100 MOT tests at 18 years, against 6.8 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 1,947 MOT tests).
How common are Chrysler PT Cruiser exhaust, emissions and leaks problems?
6.2 in 100 MOT tests at 18 years failed on exhaust, emissions and leaks, against 6.8 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 1,947 MOT tests).
What is the most common Chrysler PT Cruiser exhaust, emissions and leaks fail?
2.8 in 100 MOT tests at 18 years: Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction (54 MOT tests with it).
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 8,190 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
- Office for National Statistics, Consumer price inflation, local price quotes (car repair items). ONS price quotes, series 610236. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare