Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 51 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.4 times the median FIFTH AVENUE year — the 1990 model ranks #1 of 12 FIFTH AVENUE years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 14 reports (28% of the total).
51
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 14 | 27% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 8 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 7 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 7 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 4 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 4% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES MAY NOT CONTAIN DIFFUSER HOLES BETWEEN THE IGNITOR AND PROPELLANT CHAMBERS.
Consequence
AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN AN IMPACT SITUATION, WHICH COULD LEAD TO DRIVER INJURY.
Remedy
REPLACE AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES WITH PROPERLY MACHINED MODULES.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ABS: ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT ALWAYS COME ON, CHRYSLER SAID NO PROBLEM. ABS BRAKE FAILED, PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND HIT A CAR. PAID CHRYSLER $780.75 TO REPLACE ANTILOCK BRAKE CONTROLLER. BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN, BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR AND CHRYSLER WANTS TO REPAIR THE CAR FOR $2400 TO CHANGE…”
“AT 107,235 MILES VEHICLE HAS HAD SIX TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENTS. THREE REBUILTS/THREE OVERHAULS. ALL REPAIRS WERE DONE BY DEALER. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK”
“ELECTRICAL FIRE DUE TO A SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. IN ADDITION, ELECTRICAL WIRING BURNED/MELTED, CAUSING AIR CONDITIONING/POWER WINDOWS/AIR BAG LIGHT AND EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT TO FAIL. *AK”
“BAD GAS MILEAGE, HARD TO START, SMELLED GAS. DEALER FOUND LEAK COMING FROM FUEL RACK. COULD HAVE STARTED ON FIRE WHILE MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING IT TO WORK. $245 FOR THE RACK PLUS $$$ FOR O-RINGS, GASKET & HOSES, NOT TO MENTION LABOR. HEARD & READ OF MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. SHOULD HAVE…”
“THIS WAS AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND EXPLODED. THE DRIVER DEVELOPED (WITHIN 3 DAYS) DEVELOPED DOUBLE CHEMICAL PNEUMONIA (HOSPITALIZED FOR 15 DAYS) - ATTRIBUTED TO INHALATION OF THE TALCUM POWDER USED TO LUBRICATE THE AIRBAG. THE DRIVER REMAINED IN THE CAR FOR APPROX. 30 MIN. FOLLOWING…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 51 complaints put the 1990 model at #1 of 12 FIFTH AVENUE years. It is one of the FIFTH AVENUE years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (14 complaints), transmission (8 complaints), fuel system (7 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1990 Chrysler FIFTH AVENUE. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
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.