Common problems by part
Chrysler PT Cruiser steering problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 1,947 MOT tests · Updated
At 18 years, 6.9 in 100 MOT tests of the Chrysler PT Cruiser failed on steering, against 3.9 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), 135 MOT tests with a fail
- When it starts: clear of 1.2 times from 16 years and at every older age seen
- Most common fail: Steering track rod end: ball joint play, 4.9 per 100 MOT tests
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
6.9 fails per 100 MOT tests at 18 years, against 3.9 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 18 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A steering fail stops the car passing until it is fixed; the most common one is rated major by DVSA.
What to check
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
Chrysler PT Cruiser steering fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 1,586 | 7.5 | 3.4 |
| 17 | 1,904 | 7.1 | 3.6 |
| 18 | 1,947 | 6.9 | 3.9 |
| 19* | 1,576 | 6.8 | 4.1 |
| 20* | 1,177 | 7.1 | 4.2 |
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 steering at 18 years
Fails
- Steering track rod end: ball joint play: 4.9 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 2.0. Replace track rod end: estimated £54–£128 (0.5–1 h at £78/h (ONS local-garage repair quotes, 1,058 quotes from 65 garages, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026) + parts £15–£50) Track rod end ball joint has excessive play MOT fail
Advisories (not fails)
- Track rod end: ball joint has slight play: 5.2 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 2.2. Track rod end ball joint has slight play MOT advisory
- Play in steering rack inner joint(s): 3.7 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 3.7. Play in steering rack inner joint(s) MOT advisory
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
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Track rod end: ball joint has slight play.
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 body and structure problems
- Chrysler PT Cruiser exhaust, emissions and leaks problems
- Chrysler PT Cruiser seat belts and airbags problems
- Chrysler PT Cruiser windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems
- Chrysler PT Cruiser tyres problems
Steering on rival models
- Ford Focus steering problems: 4.0 per 100 MOT tests at 18 years, against 6.9 for the Chrysler PT Cruiser (114,624 MOT tests)
- Honda Civic steering problems: 2.8 per 100 MOT tests at 18 years, against 6.9 for the Chrysler PT Cruiser (62,744 MOT tests)
- Peugeot 307 steering problems: 8.0 per 100 MOT tests at 18 years, against 6.9 for the Chrysler PT Cruiser (25,972 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Chrysler PT Cruiser have more steering problems than other cars?
6.9 in 100 MOT tests at 18 years, against 3.9 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 steering problems?
6.9 in 100 MOT tests at 18 years failed on steering, against 3.9 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 1,947 MOT tests).
What is the most common Chrysler PT Cruiser steering fail?
4.9 in 100 MOT tests at 18 years: Steering track rod end: ball joint play (96 MOT tests with it).
At what age do Chrysler PT Cruiser steering fails start?
16 years: from then on the rate stays clear of 1.2 times all class 4 vehicles the same age at every age seen, 8,190 MOT tests.
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