1986 Chrysler Lebaron
Only 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 25 |
| 1987 | 42 |
| 1988 | 32 |
| 1989 | 49 |
| 1990 | 68 |
| 1991 | 63 |
| 1992 | 78 |
| 1993 | 66 |
| 1994 | 102 |
| 1995 | 75 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 2003 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 25 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 25 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE BLEW UP, CAUGHT FIRE. *DSH
NHTSA ODI report, 19960425
3 of 25 total reports mention: power train.
CRASH DEATHShow complaint excerpts
THE DRIVER WAS SECURING A GATE WHEN THE SELECTOR LEVER IN HIS 1986 CHRYSLER LEBARON MOVED FROM PARK TO REVERSE. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS STRIKING THE DRIVER. THE DRIVER DIED FROM INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THIS ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050322
WITH ENGINE RUNNING, DRIVER EXITED VEHICLE TO OPEN GATE. TRANSMISSION SELF SHIFTED FROM APPARENT PARK INTO REVERSE AND VEHICLE BACKED OVER DRIVER AND KILLED HIM.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20031106
2 of 25 total reports mention: structure.
DEATHShow complaint excerpts
THE DRIVER WAS SECURING A GATE WHEN THE SELECTOR LEVER IN HIS 1986 CHRYSLER LEBARON MOVED FROM PARK TO REVERSE. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS STRIKING THE DRIVER. THE DRIVER DIED FROM INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THIS ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050322
2 of 25 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
2 of 25 total reports mention: electrical system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
A RESISTOR IN THE ELECTRONIC PANEL CLUSTER MAY BE SUBJECTED TO AN ELECTRICAL CURRENT OVERLOAD DUE TO FAILURE OF A SWITCHING TRANSISTOR.
Remedy: MODIFY INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER BY REPLACING THE RESISTOR WITH A FUSED RESISTOR THAT WILL NOT IGNITE IF OVERLOADED.
Campaign 86V028000 — check if this car was fixed
BATTERY CAP VENTS MAY BE PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY BLOCKED WITH PLASTIC FLASHING.
Remedy: REWORK BATTERIES BY PROBING BOTH VENT ORIFICES TO ELIMINATE ANY VENT OBSTRUCTION.
Campaign 86V053000 — check if this car was fixed
SEAT FAILURES
SEAT ATTACHMENT
SEAT ATTACHMENT FAILURE
A SERVICE REPLACEMENT DRIVERS SEAT CUSHION (MANUAL SEAT TYPE) MAY CONTAIN WRONG CUSHION WITH A BRACE THAT COULD INTERFERE WITH POWER SEAT ADJUSTER MECHANISM AND CAUSE STRESS ON THE FRAME.
Remedy: REPLACE FRAME WITH PROPER POWER SEAT FRAME.
Campaign 88V061000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OPERATION AT CONNECTIONS OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL SUPPLY HOSE TO THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND TO THE FUEL RAIL.
Remedy: RELOCATE PRESSURE REGULATOR; REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY WITH FORMED HOSE WITH REVISED ROUTING CONFIGURATION TO ENSURE SEALING INTEGRITY.
Campaign 88V105000 — check if this car was fixed
TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILURE
FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WIT
Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
Campaign 08E033000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Chrysler Lebaron — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V028000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 86V053000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V061000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V105000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E033000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1986 Chrysler Lebaron reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Chrysler Lebaron?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Chrysler Lebaron have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.