RoadVitals

1986 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.
25
Latest Jun 15, 2007
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.
5
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.
9
2 injuries, 2 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 25 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1986 Chrysler Lebaron, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and body & structure categories. 5 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

  • Engine724.1%
  • Electrical413.8%
  • Body & structure310.3%
  • Transmission310.3%
  • Steering310.3%
  • Brakes26.9%
  • Seat belts26.9%
  • Visibility13.4%

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

5 campaigns cover this model year

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

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

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

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

Apr 8, 1988
1,500 units potentially affected
The defect: A SERVICE REPLACEMENT DRIVERS SEAT CUSHION (MANUAL SEAT TYPE) MAY CONTAIN WRONG CUSHION WITH A BRACE THAT COULD INTERFERE WITH POWER SEAT ADJUSTER MECHANISM AND CAUSE STRESS ON THE FRAME.
The risk: SEAT FRAME COULD FRACTURE AND RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTREARWARD MOVEMENT OF THE SEAT BACK.
The remedy: REPLACE FRAME WITH PROPER POWER SEAT FRAME.
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

Tires & wheels
Filed Jun 15, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 CHRYSLER LEBARON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWENTY INCHES OF TREAD HAS SEPARATED FROM THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT FIRESTONE RESPONSE SE (P18575R14) TIRE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON JUNE 15, 2007, WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. UPDATED 07/24/07. *JB

NHTSA ID
10193466
Incident
Jun 15, 2007
Mileage
70,715 mi
Body & structureTransmission
Filed Mar 17, 2005
1 death reported

THE DRIVER WAS SECURING A GATE WHEN THE SELECTOR LEVER IN HIS 1986 CHRYSLER LEBARON MOVED FROM PARK TO REVERSE. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS STRIKING THE DRIVER. THE DRIVER DIED FROM INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THIS ACCIDENT. *NM COMPLAINANT IS A CONSULTANT ENGINEER WHO EVALUATES AUTOMOBILE TRANSMISSIONS. *JB THE POSITION INDICATOR WAS VAGUE AND HARD TO READ. *SC

NHTSA ID
10115536
Incident
Feb 28, 2003
Transmission
Filed Nov 6, 2003
Crash reported1 death reported

WITH ENGINE RUNNING, DRIVER EXITED VEHICLE TO OPEN GATE. TRANSMISSION SELF SHIFTED FROM APPARENT PARK INTO REVERSE AND VEHICLE BACKED OVER DRIVER AND KILLED HIM.*AK

NHTSA ID
10045602
Incident
Feb 28, 2003
Mileage
57,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 8, 2002

CONSUMER STATES RESISTOR IN THE ELECTRONIC PANEL CLUSTER CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL CURRENT OVER LOAD DUE TO FAILURE OF SWITCHING TRANSISTOR. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *MR

NHTSA ID
8020381
Electrical
Filed Mar 22, 2002

VEHICLE WILL NOT START. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ID
8006197
Incident
Jan 1, 2002
EngineSteering
Filed Mar 20, 2001

VEHICLE HAS DEVELOPED A STALLING PROBLEM , WHEN THIS HAPPENS POWER STEERING WILL FAIL. DEALER CANNOT DIAGNOSE DEFECT WHICH HAS OCCURRED OVER A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS, AND IT WAS GRADUALLY BECOMING WORSE. CONSUMER HAS BEEN ADVISED TO GET RID OF VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID
883487
Electrical
Filed Aug 26, 2000
Fire reported

VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN DURING THE DAY, THEN PARKED IN RESIDENCE GARAGE. APPROXIMATELY 6 HOURS LATER, A FIRE BEGAN IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FIRE MARSHALL INVESTIGATED AND SAID IT WAS A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ENGINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT STARTED THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS.

NHTSA ID
729180
Incident
Aug 8, 1998
Steering
Filed Sep 16, 1999

RACK AND PINION STEERING FELL OUT FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED POOR STEERING AND VIBRATION. ALSO, THERE IS SOME KNOCKING NOISE DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ID
847897
Incident
Jun 21, 1998

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
1986Viewing255473.0
1985106465.5
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.