1989 Chrysler Lebaron
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 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
18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIRE16% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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, 20021015
VEHICLE INVOLVED IN FRONTAL COLLISION, IMPACT 1:00 POSITION, SPEED 55 MPH, AIRBAG CAME OUT AND DID NOT DEFLATE WITHIN TIME FRAME AND LOST CONTROL. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950413
6% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH VEHICLE HIT A POTHOLE AND AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING SEVERE BURNS TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030811
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WAS VIOLENT, CAUSING INJURY, ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT. *TW
NHTSA ODI report, 19950622
4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
TIRE/FRAME INTERFERENCE
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.
Campaign 89V237000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE LINING DELAMINATION
STEERING GEAR BOLTS LOOSEN
DISC BRAKE LINING SPLIT
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.
Campaign 92V017000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1989 Chrysler Lebaron — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V237000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V017000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E033000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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:engine, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Chrysler Lebaron have?
3 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.