1990 Chrysler Imperial: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 108 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (79% of complaints); the 1992 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 108 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1990 chrysler imperial. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph and exiting the highway, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The contact stated that the brakes eventually responded and the vehicle came to a stop. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power brake booster needed to be replaced. The repairs were not done due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 1990 chrysler imperial. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 96v099000 (service brakes, hydraulic: anti-lock). The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, and attempting to brake at a stop sign, the braking system failed. The contact almost crashed into a school bus but instead, crashed against the curb. The anti lock braking system warning light also illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for repairs or inspection. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The current and failure mileage was 96,565. Updated 7/26/12 *cn”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 1990 chrysler imperial. The contact stated that while driving 3 mph, he applied the brakes and the brake pedal felt soft. The vehicle did not properly brake as a result. The vehicle was then towed to an automotive store, where they stated that the ABS hydraulic control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was experiencing the same symptoms address by the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 96v099000 (service brakes, hydraulic:anti lock). The manufacturer was notified and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 88,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2012
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 1990 chrysler imperial. While driving down a slope, he attempted to apply the brakes, but he had reduced braking capability. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealership. The current and failure mileages were 81000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2009
“I have a 1990 chrysler imperial with bendix 10 ABS brakes. Can I still get chrysler to fix them?? Its supposed to be lifetime warranty. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1990 chrysler imperial. While driving 30 mph, the brake pedal became really stiff when it was depressed. After applying more pressure, the vehicle stopped after 10 seconds. The ABS warning indicator light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it currently remains. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 96v099000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock). The current and failure mileages were 43,900.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 1990 chrysler imperial. The contact stated that the ABS light illuminated on the instrument panel. In order to stop the vehicle, she had to stand on the brakes three times. After inspecting the vehicle, the mechanic stated that the cause of failure was the service hydraulic brakes. The estimated cost to have the brakes repaired is $1,000. Chrysler stated that her VIN is excluded from recall number 96v099000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock). The current and failure mileages were 132,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated the air suspension system failed on 4/20/06. Then, the ABS and brake light warning lights illuminated continually for several weeks before the brake system failed to work properly while driving 35 mph. The vehicle was not included in recall # 91v191000, service brakes, lines, piping, fittings or recall # 96v099000 - service brakes, hydraulic antilock due to the VIN. The service dealer was notified.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2006
“Tl*the contact owns a 1990 chrysler imperial. The vehicle has an excessive amount of brake/hydraulic fluid leaking from the master cylinder. The failure began with the brake light illuminating whenever the brake pedal was depressed. The light would dim once the brake pedal was released. The failure still persists. The current mileage is 166,000 and failure mileage was 140,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2006
“Tl*the contact owns a 1990 chrysler imperial. The ABS warning indicator light illuminated. While driving 30 mph, the brake pedal was depressed with resistance and the vehicle did not stop for 30 feet. The brake pads were replaced, however, the failure continued. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 96v099000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock). The failure mileage was 95,000 and current mileage was 96,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM HIGH PRESSURE HOSE MAY LEAK OR DETACH AT ITS CRIMPED END FITTING RESULTING IN THE DISCHARGE OF HYDRAULIC FLUID.
Remedy: REPLACE THE ABS HIGH PRESSURE HOSE WITH A HOSE OF DIFFERENT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.
THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON SEAL WEAR CAUSING PUMP-MOTOR DETERIORATION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE VEHICLE'S ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES IF NECESSARY. ALSO THE WARRANTY ON ALL ABS COMPONENTS WILL BE EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES (EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON ASSEMBLY AND THE PUMP-MOTOR ASSEMBLY WHICH WILL HAVE A LIFETIME COVERAGE). OWNERS WILL ALSO BE REIMBURSED FOR PREVIOUS ABS COMPONENT REPAIR COSTS.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Imperial by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Chrysler Imperial reliable?
NHTSA has 108 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Chrysler Imperial. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (79% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Chrysler Imperial problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 88,500 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Chrysler Imperial have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.