Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 1988 Chrysler FIFTH AVENUE — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
9
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 3 | 33% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 22% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 1 | 11% | — flat |
| Engine | 1 | 11% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 11% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 11% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESS FUSIBLE LINK WIRES MAY BE TRAPPED UNDER THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO BRACKET.
Consequence
TRAPPED WIRES MAY EVENTUALLY CAUSE A HIGH RESISTANCEELECTRICAL SHORT THAT CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy
FREE ANY TRAPPED WIRING; THEN SECURE WIRING WITH A TIE STRAP TO KEEP AWAY FROM SPEED CONTROL BRACKET.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“NO INTERLOCKING SYSTEM, VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY WITH GEAR IN PARK; PASSENGER EXITED FROM REAR AND VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS, RESULTING IN AN INJURY. *AK”
“PE00020; TIRE TREAD SEPARATION: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65/70 TREAD ON THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE CAME OFF. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE, DRIVE TO PEP BOYS WERE THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AT HIS EXPENSE. TIRE SIZE P205/75R15, WITH 30,000 MILES. TIRES ON A 88, CHRYSLER, 5TH AVENUE. TREAD CAME OFF…”
The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1988 Chrysler FIFTH AVENUE. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the FIFTH AVENUE years to avoid are 1990, 1991, 1993, 1992. The cleanest record among FIFTH AVENUE years belongs to 1986.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.