1990 Chrysler Lebaron: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 70 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (29% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt: the caller said his friend was turning into driveway and the engine caught on fire. She was going about 15 mph. Fire department came to put out the fire. A report was filed. No other property was damaged. They do not know what started the fire, but the caller said it started towards the bottom of the engine. Dealer said they will have to check out the vehicle before they could say anything about the vehicle. Manufacturer has not been contacted yet. Caller said there were recalls on the airbags and on a oil leak.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2005
“Automatic transmission locks into second gear when accelerating from stop and will not upshift. This happens every time. (limp mode). There are at least 32 tsb's covering various problems on the a604/41te transmissions. I called chrysler about this and they tell me there is no recall or extended warranty. Estimated repairs to date are $1950 - $2100. The car is like new otherwise, but useless as is.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2002
“Rear brake lining separated from the brake shoe. The loose shoe was still in place captured by the caliper. Consumer's 1990 vehicle was not part of recall 92v017000. Dealer replaced the rear brakes. However, one of the brake linings separated from the shoe again. Consumer felt this was a serious safety issue. *tt”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving transmission jumps out of gears. Also loss of fluid occurs and engine overheats. Owner has had so many problems with this vehicle that she believes it was defective when she bought it. Transmission is currently in the shop being replaced. *ak *ml”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2000
“Experienced repeated problems with "jerking" in the vehicle and gear shift failed to opereated properly (not meeting the gear ratio). Upon mechanics check and commputer analysis, it was determined that a vehicle recall of the cars computer had never been addressed. The mechanic has corrected the problem and I request financial reimbursement. My total cost to correct the problems was $1,084.38.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 1999
“The vehicle was on recall for the gas cover gasket and was replaced with silicone! Silicone can cause engine failure and possible accidents! The lifter has a bad ticking to it! And an occassional spark knock! The struts do not wear well and tend to give out after 5,000 miles!”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 1999
“Transmission slips when stopped and car jerks - at 75,000 miles and all that is in the data bank. It appears to me that a recall should be done on all chrysler 1990 lebaron's. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 1999
“Vehicle is experiencing the same problems as listed in manufacturer's recall 5730. Valve cover has allow an engine oil leak at the gasket. *ak frontal air bag failed to deploy during accident. *yh”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 1999
“When driving the air bag light keeps coming on and the air bag light won't go back in may of 1998 the consumer was in an accident and the air bags did'nt deploy. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 1998
“Automatic transmission malfunctioned due to the low reverse gear seal that broke and the overdrive seal deteriorated, causing the vehicle to stall. Cause unknown. *ak consumer states the vehicle did not stall, it lurched as vehicle was begining to stop or it lurches when starting vehicle.*jb”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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 WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
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.
AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES MAY NOT CONTAIN DIFFUSER HOLES BETWEEN THE IGNITOR AND PROPELLANT CHAMBERS.
Remedy: REPLACE AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES WITH PROPERLY MACHINED MODULES.
How other years compare
Check your exact Lebaron 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 Lebaron reliable?
NHTSA has 70 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Chrysler Lebaron. The most complained-about area is power train (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Chrysler Lebaron problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 98,000 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Chrysler Lebaron have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine. 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.