Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 33 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.5 times the median FIFTH AVENUE year — the 1992 model ranks #4 of 12 FIFTH AVENUE years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 42% of all reports (14 of 33), far ahead of transmission at 6.
33
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 14 | 42% | — flat |
| Transmission | 6 | 18% | — flat |
| Engine | 5 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 6% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE ZINC PLATING OPERATION PERFORMED ON THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLING BOLT CAUSED HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT AND BREAKAGE OF THE BOLT.
Consequence
FRACTURES OF THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLINGBOLT RESULT IN A LACK OF COUPLING LOAD ON THE SHAFT AND LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL.
Remedy
REPLACE THE ZINC PLATED BOLT WITH A PHOSPHATE PLATED BOLT.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I CALLE CHRYSLER CARE AND THEY IN NOVEMBER 2019 TOLD ME THAT IT STILL HAS TO BE FIXED UNDER THE RECALL BUT IN JUNE THEY SAY THAT THEY ALREADY FIXED THE RECALL IN 1996 AND THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO FIX IT. I HAS TO DO WITH THE ABS RECALL SO I SHOULDN'T DRIVE IT WITH THE BRAKES NOT WORKING TO STOP THE CAR.…”
“AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE, ERRATIC OPERATION OF THE AUTO TRANSMISSION. TT WHEN IT IS RAINY OR ANY TYPE OF DAMPNESS, BRAKES SQUEAL VERY LOUD, AND ANY OTHER WEATHRE BRAKES DO NOT MAKE ANY NOISE.*JB”
“THE SERPENTINE BELT CONTINUES TO POP OFF. OCCURS WHEN TURNING RIGHT AND GOING UP A HILL. I END UP REPLACING THE BELT TWICE A YEAR. *NM”
“STEERING BELT TENSIONER FAILED WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY W/STEERING AND OTHER COMPONENTS BEING AFFECTED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK”
“ABS: BRAKES FADE WHEN APPLYING HEAVY; HAVE TO PUSH PEDAL ALMOST TO FLOOR TO STOP VEHICLE; NO WARNING;PADS REPLACED;ALSO, FRONT SUSPENSION DOES NOT HOLD PRESSURE”
NHTSA data argues against it: 33 complaints put the 1992 model at #4 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 (6 complaints), engine (5 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1992 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.