Owners have filed 100 complaints
about the 1992 Chrysler Lebaron with NHTSA between 1995 and 2008.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 1995peak 6Dec 2008
NHTSA investigations into the 1992 Chrysler Lebaron
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE96036Opened 14 May 1996Closed 31 Oct 1996VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
92V070000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
THE HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED AND THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY BE PREVENTED FROM ENGAGING WHEN THE HOOD IS CLOSED.
Risk: IF THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH ENGAGEMENT FAILS, THE LACK OFENGAGEMENT BY THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH COULD CAUSE THE HOOD TO OPEN WHILE THEVEHICLE IS IN MOTION, REDUCING OPERATOR'S ABILITY TO SEE THE ROAD AND ONCOMINGTRAFFIC, AND POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
92V015000
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
THE ZINC PLATING OPERATION PERFORMED ON THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLING BOLT CAUSED HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT AND BREAKAGE OF THE BOLT.
Risk: FRACTURES OF THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLINGBOLT RESULT IN A LACK OF COUPLING LOAD ON THE SHAFT AND LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1992063352 units in Canada
Structure
AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY COULD PREVENT ENGAGEMENT OF THE SECONDARY LATCHING MECHANISM. IN SUCH A CASE THE SECONDARY LATCH WOULD NOT FUNCTION TO RESTRAIN THE HOOD IN THE EVENT THAT THE PRIMARY LATCH WAS NOT ENGAGED FOR ANY REASON AND HOOD FLY-UP COULD OCCUR, BLOCKING THE DRIVER'S VISION. CORRECTION: SECONDARY HOOD LATCH WILL BE INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED IF NECESSARY, TO ENSURE PROPER ENGAGEMENT.
Recall 19920182,829 units in Canada
Steering
A steering column coupling bolt may fracture due to hydrogen embrittlement, causing loss of clamping load on the steering column shaft coupling with resultant loss of steering control. Correction: Zinc plated steering column coupling bolts will be replaced with a phosphate coated bolt.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
SAN Clemente, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
ENGINE BAY CAUGHT FIRE, SUSPECTED FUEL LEAK NEAR FIREWALL. CAR BURNED TO THE GROUND.
NHTSA complaint #761155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TXCrash1 injured
SEATS
WHILE AT A STOP SIGN VEHICLE WAS REARENDED. UPON IMPACT, DRIVERS SEAT BECAME LOOSE AND SHAKY, PARTIALLY DETATCHED FROM ANCHORS. *AK CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #880234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE SITTING AT A STOP SIGN VEHICLE WAS REARENDED, AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED*AK. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BACK, AND KNEE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #880228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ewing, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
STEERING WHEEL COLUMN CAUGHT FIRE AFTER NOTICING AIR BAG LIGHT ON, AIR CONDITIONER QUIT WORKING, POWER WINDOWS QUIT WORKING, AND THE IGNITION WASN'T WORKING, TOOK TO DEALER TO FIX, EVERYTHING WORKS EXCEPT WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON IT SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING IS GETTING HOT.
NHTSA complaint #554620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corpus Christi, TXFire2 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
FUEL LINE BURST AT 70MPH CAUSING 3 GALLONS OF GASOLINE TO SPEW OVER ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA complaint #724700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seminol, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
STARTING UP VEHICLE AND SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM THE UNDER THE DASH OF THE STEERING COLUMN, AND SHUT OFF VEHICLE. GOT OUT AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.
NHTSA complaint #848528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 96,000 milesEastlongmeadow, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 CHRYSLER LEBARON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PAINT WAS PEELING FROM THE ROOF AND FRONT BUMPER ON HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO INQUIRE IF THEY WOULD REPAIR IT FOR FREE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD AND THE MILEAGE WAS TOO HIGH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. UPDATED 020209 *BF UPDATED 02/03/09.
NHTSA complaint #10253255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union, MS
POWER TRAIN
MILEAGE INDICATOR NEVER CHANGED WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #8010691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union, MS
POWER TRAIN
MILEAGE INDICATOR NEVER CHANGED WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #8010692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Clemente, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
ENGINE BAY CAUGHT FIRE, SUSPECTED FUEL LEAK NEAR FIREWALL. CAR BURNED TO THE GROUND.
NHTSA complaint #761155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winneconne, WI
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
THE DRIVERS DOOR LATCH BROKE WHILE DRIVING, THE DOOR HAD TO BE HELD SHUT BY THE DRIVER UNTIL SHE RETURNED HOME. NLM
NHTSA complaint #560069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TXCrash1 injured
SEATS
WHILE AT A STOP SIGN VEHICLE WAS REARENDED. UPON IMPACT, DRIVERS SEAT BECAME LOOSE AND SHAKY, PARTIALLY DETATCHED FROM ANCHORS. *AK CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #880234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE SITTING AT A STOP SIGN VEHICLE WAS REARENDED, AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED*AK. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BACK, AND KNEE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #880228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lithonia, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:FLASHER UNIT
TURN SIGNAL (LEFT) FAILED 3 TIMES; CIGARETTE LIGHTER HASN'T WORKED SINCE CAR WAS PURCHASED.
NHTSA complaint #738915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lithonia, GA
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
TURN SIGNAL (LEFT) FAILED 3 TIMES; CIGARETTE LIGHTER HASN'T WORKED SINCE CAR WAS PURCHASED.
NHTSA complaint #738915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ewing, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
STEERING WHEEL COLUMN CAUGHT FIRE AFTER NOTICING AIR BAG LIGHT ON, AIR CONDITIONER QUIT WORKING, POWER WINDOWS QUIT WORKING, AND THE IGNITION WASN'T WORKING, TOOK TO DEALER TO FIX, EVERYTHING WORKS EXCEPT WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON IT SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING IS GETTING HOT.
NHTSA complaint #554620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
SUSPENSION:REAR
BROUGHT VEHICLE TO A NUMBER OF REPAIR SHOPS PLUS THE DEALER BEFORE LOCATING THE PROBLEM. HAD A NUMBER OF ITEMS CHANGED WHICH DID NOT ELIMINATE THE SQUEEKING NOICE FROM THE REAR.
NHTSA complaint #730657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clearwater, FL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #726212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corpus Christi, TXFire2 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
FUEL LINE BURST AT 70MPH CAUSING 3 GALLONS OF GASOLINE TO SPEW OVER ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA complaint #724700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wesley Chapel, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #718934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seminol, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
STARTING UP VEHICLE AND SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM THE UNDER THE DASH OF THE STEERING COLUMN, AND SHUT OFF VEHICLE. GOT OUT AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.
NHTSA complaint #848528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Logan, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
THERE IS A SHORT WITHIN THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND IGNITION SWITCH LOCKS UP. CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO START, AND THE DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #848560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Satellite Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
IGNITION SWITCH STICKS IN THE START POSITION. RADIO AND OTHER PARTS RELATED TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DO NOT WORK WHEN SWITCH IS STUCK.
NHTSA complaint #510757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Billerica, MA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
WHEN TRAVELING 55 MPH THE HOOD FLEW UP, REDUCING DRIVER'S ABILITY TO SEE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS YET TO REPLACE PARTS. RECALL NUMBER 92V070000/ HOOD LATCH FAILURE THIS VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN#. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #846078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atascadero, CA
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND APPLYING BRAKES, DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEATS GO FORWARD. *AK
NHTSA complaint #842624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CAR UNDER WARRANTY WHEN PURCHASED. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY OF THE PROBLEMS LISTED ON THE DEFECTS LISTING. I REPLACED REAR WINDOW MOTORS, I REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, I REPARIED THE TRANSMISSION, AND THE LIST GOES ON. WHAT RECOURSE DO I HAVE TO RECOUP SOME OF MY EXPENSES? I STILL OWN THE CAR AND DRIVE IT.
NHTSA complaint #707615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
CAR UNDER WARRANTY WHEN PURCHASED. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY OF THE PROBLEMS LISTED ON THE DEFECTS LISTING. I REPLACED REAR WINDOW MOTORS, I REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, I REPARIED THE TRANSMISSION, AND THE LIST GOES ON. WHAT RECOURSE DO I HAVE TO RECOUP SOME OF MY EXPENSES? I STILL OWN THE CAR AND DRIVE IT.
NHTSA complaint #707615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, OH1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING OVER A DIP IN THE ROAD DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY, CAUSING INJURIES .
NHTSA complaint #836625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Petersburg, IL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION HALF SHAFT FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #605569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Petersburg, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
VEHICLE CONTINUALLY STALLING.
NHTSA complaint #605569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dunwoody, GA
SEATS
SEAT BROKE, LOWER BOLT AND SCREW WHICH HOLDS THE COVER IN PLACE BROKE IN HALF, RECALL ON COMPONENT HOWEVER VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #523581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.