RoadVitals

1985 Chrysler Lebaron

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
10
Latest Jun 5, 2003
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest Apr 14, 2008
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
4
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

Overview

Our database contains 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1985 Chrysler Lebaron, most frequently naming the engine, seat belts and suspension categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 4 NHTSA investigations name it; and 10 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine433.3%
  • Seat belts216.7%
  • Suspension216.7%
  • Driver assistance18.3%
  • Electrical18.3%
  • Body & structure18.3%
  • Steering18.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
08E033000

SUSPENSION

Apr 14, 2008
6,903 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTSView on NHTSA.gov
89V011000

SEATS

Jan 31, 1989
60,000 units potentially affected
The defect: DRIVERS SEAT FRAME MAY EXPERIENCE FATIGUE FAILURE AT ONE (FRONT/OUTBOARD) OF ITS FOUR ATTACHMENTS.
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN SOME FORWARD, BACKWARD OR LATERALMOVEMENT OF SEAT, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLEWHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT
The remedy: REPLACE DRIVERS SEAT FRAME WITH A STRENGHTENED VERSION; ALSO, REINFORCE POWER ADJUSTER FRONT CROSSMEMBER TO INCREASE RIGIDITY OF SEAT ATTACHMENT SYSTEM.
CHRYSLER CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
88V105000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Jul 1, 1988
580,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: RELOCATE PRESSURE REGULATOR; REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY WITH FORMED HOSE WITH REVISED ROUTING CONFIGURATION TO ENSURE SEALING INTEGRITY.
CHRYSLER CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA91010ClosedEngineering Analysis

TRANS PARK SYSTEM FAILURE

Opened Dec 10, 1990
Closed Dec 31, 1991

There is no summary currently available

POWER TRAIN
C88001ClosedInvestigation

SEAT ATTACHMENT FAILURE

Opened May 18, 1988
Closed Oct 30, 1989

There is no summary currently available

SEATS
EA88008ClosedEngineering Analysis

SEAT ATTACHMENT

Opened Nov 17, 1987
Closed May 18, 1988

MANUFACTURER INFORMATION: CHRYSLER HAS ISSUED ONE SERVICE BULLETIN, HON-ORED 4,028 WARRANTY CLAIMS, SOLD 2,700 SEATS, AND 2,491 ADJUSTMENT REIN-FORCEMENTS. THE SUBJECT DEFECT APPEARS TO BE SIMILAR TO THE GM J-BODY RE-CALL (87V-079) OF MAY 1987 IN WHICH 1,136,407 VEHICLES WERE RECALLED. INTHAT RECALL THERE WERE 159 COMPLAINTS, 17 ALLEGED ACCIDENTS, AND 26 RE-PORTED INJURIES FOR ABOUT SIX TIMES AS MANY CARS. CHRYSLER HAS PROPOSEDA SERVICE RECALL FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THEY BELIEVE THAT SINCE INI-TIALLY ONLY ONE OF THE FOUR BOLTS BREAK, AT THAT TIME THE SEAT ROCKINGMOTION IS NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM IF PROMPTLY REPAIRED. THE SUBJECT VEHICLESARE LIMITED TO THOSE EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRICAL SEAT ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM.PROPOSED ACTION: TEST REQUEST SENT TO ETF 11/23/87.INSPECTION & TESTINGOF A FEW VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE DEFECTIVE SEATS IS ONGOING.===

SEATSLed to recall 88V061000
PE87045ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SEAT FAILURES

Opened Aug 7, 1987
Closed Nov 17, 1987

MANUFACTURER INFORMATION: CHRYSLER HAS ISSUED ONE SERVICE BULLETIN, HON-ORED 4,028 WARRANTY CLAIMS, SOLD 2,700 SEATS, AND 2,491 ADJUSTMENT REIN-FORCEMENTS. THE SUBJECT DEFECT APPEARS TO BE SIMILAR TO THE GM J-BODY RE-CALL (87V-079) OF MAY 1987 IN WHICH 1,136,407 VEHICLES WERE RECALLED. INTHAT RECALL THERE WERE 159 COMPLAINTS, 17 ALLEGED ACCIDENTS, AND 26 RE-PORTED INJURIES FOR ABOUT SIX TIMES AS MANY CARS. CHRYSLER HAS PROPOSEDA SERVICE RECALL FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THEY BELIEVE THAT SINCE INI-TIALLY ONLY ONE OF THE FOUR BOLTS BREAK, AT THAT TIME THE SEAT ROCKINGMOTION IS NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM IF PROMPTLY REPAIRED. THE SUBJECT VEHICLESARE LIMITED TO THOSE EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRICAL SEAT ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM.PROPOSED ACTION:CLOSE THIS PE AND OPEN AN EA TO PERFORM TESTING.===

SEATS

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 10
Engine
Filed Jun 5, 2003

THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AFTER BEING DRIVEN A SHORT DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS FOUR TIMES, AND NOW THE VEHICLE DOESN'T START AT ALL. *JB

NHTSA ID
10022446
ElectricalSteering
Filed Jan 31, 2001

WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT STEERING WHEEL TURNED AROUND, EVEN PART WHERE DRIVER PUT KEY IN. CONSUMER STATED THAT VEHICLE DIED BECAUSE WIRING THAT WENT TO STARTER MUST HAVE POPPED OUT BECAUSE LOSS OF ALL POWER. *AK THE CONSUMER SUGGESTED THAT A PERMANENT FASTENING DEVICE BE USED INSTEAD OF BOLTS THAT BECOME LOOSE AND CAUSE STEERING FAILURE. *YH

NHTSA ID
879418
Incident
Jan 30, 2001
Filed Oct 1, 1999

RIGHT NOW, I CAN'T SAY IF THERE ARE ANY SERIOUS DEFECT- IM HAVING THE CAR LOOKED OVER BY A MECHANIC...BUT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS CAR WITH THIS VIN NUMBER RECIEVE SERVICE FROM CHRYSLER IN REGUARDS TO THE TSB & ANY RECALL NOTICES ISSUED. ANY INFORMATION WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. ALSO, IF THIS IS THE WRONG AREA OR IF YOUR DEPT. IS THE WRONG AGENCY TO ASK ON THIS ISSUE, I APOLIGIZE FOR ANY MISTAKES MADE.

NHTSA ID
712615
EngineSeat belts
Filed Sep 21, 1999

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT SINCE PURCHASED. DEALER WILL NOT FIX PROBLEM. *YC

NHTSA ID
548585
Incident
Aug 30, 1999
Engine
Filed Aug 1, 1997
Fire reported

THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION FOR FIVE MINUTES WHEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT DUE TO THE GASKET VALVE COVER CAMING DETACHED, CAUSING OIL TO ENTER IN THE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONSUMER STATE THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ID
814939
Incident
Jul 24, 1997
Seat belts
Filed Sep 23, 1996

THE PASSENGER'S AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT IS LOCKED, THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT UNLATCH. PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAIL INFORMATION.

NHTSA ID
802781
Incident
Aug 20, 1996
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 3, 1996

THE THROTTLE GOT STUCK AT 65MPH. PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ID
801735
Incident
Sep 1, 1996
Suspension
Filed Aug 13, 1996

REAR AXLE WELD SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE FRAME.

NHTSA ID
507437
Incident
Jul 16, 1996

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

23027

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Return: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31 July, 2016)of follow ing part numbers:68176457AF, 68176459AF. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 13 September, 2016.

23137

EQUIPMENT

Inspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy - A-Pillar Rt/Lt You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part numbers: 1ZA04DX9AE, 1ZA05DX9AE. See attachments for identifying suspect stock. Replacement part can be obtained by reordering the same part number. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 12 September, 2016.

23104

EQUIPMENT; EXTERIOR LIGHTING

05182535AD - Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 05182535AD . See attachments for identifying suspect stock. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 12 September, 2016.

20244

EQUIPMENT

CBXDP361AA Return: Spacer Kit - Visor You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock of part number CBXDP361AA. Replacement part number is CBXDP361AB w hich is in stock and available for order. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 16 September, 2016.

Volume 2, Issue

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations

22867

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Inspect and Return: Solenoid Module - Transmission You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of follow ing part numbers:52120000AA, 52119435AF, 05078709AB. See attachments for identifying suspect stock. Please return suspect parts back to your facing depot using Return Code 02, before 07 September, 2016.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chrysler Lebaron by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2003100—
1997200—
1996300—
1995750142.9
19941020143.7
1993660142.0
1992782159.3
1991635159.2
1990683054.7
1989493471.4
1988321152.9
1987423367.4
1986255473.0
1985Viewing106465.5
1984722—
1983242—
1982141—
1981020—
1980010—
1979101—
1978231—
1977020—
1976020—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.