VehicleVerdict

1990 Chrysler Imperial problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 133 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 266.0 times the median Imperial year — the 1990 model ranks #1 of 16 Imperial years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 79% of all reports (105 of 133), far ahead of suspension at 6.

133

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Imperial years?

Imperial NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted133 complaints1966: 1 complaints1967: 0 complaints1969: 2 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1990: 133 complaints1991: 110 complaints1992: 62 complaints1993: 38 complaints1994: 4 complaints1995: 1 complaints
Imperial NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Imperial years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Chrysler Imperial problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes10579%
Suspension65%
Transmission43%
Fuel System43%
Electrical System32%
Lighting32%
Other22%
Speed Control22%
Engine22%
Steering11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 1990 Chrysler Imperial have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

96V099000BrakesJune 13, 1996 · 321,000 units

Defect

THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON SEAL WEAR CAUSING PUMP-MOTOR DETERIORATION.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE ABS FUNCTION COULD BE LOST AND REDUCED POWER ASSIST WOULD BE EXPERIENCED DURING VEHICLE BRAKING INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL TEST THE VEHICLE'S ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES IF NECESSARY. ALSO THE WARRANTY ON ALL ABS COMPONENTS WILL BE EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES (EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON ASSEMBLY AND THE PUMP-MOTOR ASSEMBLY WHICH WILL HAVE A LIFETIME COVERAGE). OWNERS WILL ALSO BE REIMBURSED FOR PREVIOUS ABS COMPONENT REPAIR COSTS.

91V191000BrakesNovember 1, 1991 · 80,000 units

Defect

THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM HIGH PRESSURE HOSE MAY LEAK OR DETACH AT ITS CRIMPED END FITTING RESULTING IN THE DISCHARGE OF HYDRAULIC FLUID.

Consequence

FLUID DISCHARGE EVENTUALLY CAUSES THE LOSS OF BOTH THEANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND HYDRAULIC ASSIST FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM, RESULTING ININCREASED LIKELIHOOD OF BRAKE LOCKUP AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES, WHICHCOULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE THE ABS HIGH PRESSURE HOSE WITH A HOSE OF DIFFERENT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“BRAKES: WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25MPH, APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND PUT FOOT ON BRAKE AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES. RAOD CONDITIONS WERE WET AND VEHICLE RAN INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE.TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR AND THEY PUT A NEW BRAKE SYSTEM IN. VEHICLE ON RECALL FOR BRAKES, BUT CONSUMER'S…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 30, 1995 · crash

“I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS SYSTEM, POWER ASSISTED BRAKE SYSTEM AND THE SUSPENSION FOR OVER A YEAR. ABOUT A YEAR AGO THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. AT THIS POINT MY POWER ASSISTED BRAKE SYSTEM WAS WORKING FINE. THEN ABOUT A MONTH LATER THE BRAKE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON AND STAYED AND I HAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 16, 2007 · crash

“THE FUEL RAIL ON MY 3.3L ENGINE FAILED, THE CROSSOVER TUBE SPRAYED ONTO THE EXAUST AND SOAKED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITH FUEL. I WAS NOT ABLE TO PURCHASE A REPLACEMENT PART FROM THE DEALER BECAUSE ALL OF THE 'REPLASEMENT PARTS' THEY HAVE FOR 3.3L FUEL RAIL ARE FOR 'RECALLS ONLY'. SO I GET A ENGINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · fire

“AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WILL LOCK INTO SECOND GEAR, WILL NOT GO FASTER THAN 30MPH. TT CONSUMER STATES TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT ONLY 40 F OR LOWER TEMPERATURES, TEMPERATURE ABOVE 40 TRANSMISSION OOPERATES NORMALLY, VEHICLE SPEEDS OF 50 MPH CAN BE ATTAINED BUT ENGINE RPM IS HIGH DUE TO LACK OF SHIFTING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 27, 1995

“COMPUTER MODULE FAILED AFTER REPAIR OF THE ABS PUMP AND SWTICH CAUSING THE FUEL INDICATOR TO READ EMPTY ON A FULL TANK OF GAS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

1990 Chrysler Imperial — common questions

Is the 1990 Chrysler Imperial reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 133 complaints put the 1990 model at #1 of 16 Imperial years. It is one of the Imperial years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 Imperial problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (105 complaints), suspension (6 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 1990 Chrysler Imperial have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Chrysler Imperial. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Chrysler Imperial under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chrysler Imperial years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Imperial years to avoid are 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993. The cleanest record among Imperial years belongs to 1982.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.