1989 Chrysler Lebaron

● Typical for this model
1989 Chrysler Lebaron
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:43:15.796Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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.

Complaints
50
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 7 complaints 1985: 10 complaints 1985 1986: 25 complaints 1987: 43 complaints 1988: 32 complaints 1989: 50 complaints 1989 50 1990: 68 complaints 1991: 63 complaints 1991 1992: 80 complaints 1993: 66 complaints 1994: 102 complaints 1994 1995: 75 complaints 1996: 3 complaints 1997: 2 complaints 1997 2003: 1 complaint
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 7 complaints 1984 1985: 10 complaints 1986: 25 complaints 1986 1987: 43 complaints 1988: 32 complaints 1988 1989: 50 complaints 1989 50 1990: 68 complaints 1990 1991: 63 complaints 1992: 80 complaints 1992 1993: 66 complaints 1994: 102 complaints 1994 1995: 75 complaints 1996: 3 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 2003: 1 complaint 2003
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 7 complaints 1984 1985: 10 complaints 1985 1986: 25 complaints 1986 1987: 43 complaints 1987 1988: 32 complaints 1988 1989: 50 complaints 1989 50 1990: 68 complaints 1990 1991: 63 complaints 1991 1992: 80 complaints 1992 1993: 66 complaints 1993 1994: 102 complaints 1994 1995: 75 complaints 1995 1996: 3 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 2003: 1 complaint 2003

1989: 50 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19821
19832
19847
198510
198625
198743
198832
198950
199068
199163
199280
199366
1994102
199575
19963
19972
20031

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

32% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE

Air bags

22% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While driving at 15 MPH vehicle hit a pothole and air bags deployed, causing severe burns to the consumer. Dealer notified.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-11

Consumer states while traveling at 15 MPH the vehicle traveling ahead suddenly came to a stop, causing a rear in collision by consumer.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-15

Airbag deployment was violent, causing injury, attorney for client.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-22

Power train

16% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing axle assembly and clutch assembly.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

No interlock system, key was removed with vehicle on small incline while gear shift selector was in drive, causing vehicle to roll backwards.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-12-05

Electrical system

16% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and ignition.

FIREDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Key came out of ignition while car still running and able to be put into gear. Car rolled backward knocking down driver causing fatal injuries.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-11

Service brakes

8% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1989-09-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-01-30 Tire/frame interference
  2. R
    1990-02-21Engine and engine cooling89V237000 The engine valve cover gasket may dislocate and allow an engine oil leak at the gasket.

    Remedy: Replace gasket cover with revised cover, and rtv sealant will be applied in place of a gasket.

  3. I
    1991-02-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-06-18 Brake lining delamination
  4. I
    1991-04-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-08-30 Steering gear bolts loosen
  5. I
    1991-06-18Engineering analysisClosed 1992-02-27 Disc brake lining split
  6. R
    1992-07-22Service brakes, hydraulic92V017000 The bonded disc brake linings may separate from the shoes due to a bonding deficiency which may allow corrosion degradation of the bond attachment.

    Remedy: Replace the front and rear linings on vehicles with 15 inch brakes. Replace only the rear brake linings on vehicles with 14 inch brakes because the front linings on these vehicles are riveted.

  7. R
    2008-05-22Suspension08E033000 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…

    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.

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Chrysler Lebaron — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 16 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 89V237000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 92V017000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 08E033000 · Suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years1 year

FAQ

Is the 1989 Chrysler Lebaron reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Chrysler Lebaron is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Chrysler Lebaron?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Chrysler Lebaron have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.