VehicleVerdict

1991 Chrysler Imperial problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 110 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 220.0 times the median Imperial year — the 1991 model ranks #2 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 53% of all reports (58 of 110), far ahead of suspension at 18.

110

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Imperial years?

Imperial NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 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, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Imperial years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Chrysler Imperial problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes5853%
Suspension1816%
Fuel System55%
Airbags44%
Engine44%
Electrical System44%
Steering44%
Transmission33%
Body & Structure22%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)22%
Latches & Locks22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Lighting11%
Speed Control11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 1991 Chrysler Imperial have recalls?

3 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.

91V122000Seat BeltsJuly 11, 1991 · 130,000 units

Defect

FRONT OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT MAY BECOME DIFFICULT TO LATCH AND OR UNLATCH DUE TO A WEBBING STIFFENER ENTERING THE BUCKLE HOUSING AND DISLODGING THE BUCKLE LATCH GUIDE.

Consequence

LATCH MAY OPEN DURING ACCIDENT OR SUDDEN STOP, EXPOSINGSEAT OCCUPANT TO INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

REPLACE BUCKLE LATCH ENGAGEMENT.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT SIDESWIPED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGES, BUT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS IN TACT. THREE WEEKS PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE BRAKES WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 10, 2008 · crash

“CONSUMER STATED THAT HE IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS ON AIR LEVELING SUSPENSION SYSTEM, SUPERFLUOUS SHOCKS, SOLENOIDS,LINES,COMPRESSOR PUMP,MOTOR UNITS, HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED TO CORRECT PROBLEM, CONSUMER ALSO STATES THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT BUT DOES NOT EXPLAIN IN DETAIL.*YD”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

“FUEL RAIL IS LEAKING FROM THE "O" RINGS WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE,THERE ARE OVER 450 PEOPLES WHO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK.ET.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System

“WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A POLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PH SCC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 5, 2003 · crash

1991 Chrysler Imperial — common questions

Is the 1991 Chrysler Imperial reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 110 complaints put the 1991 model at #2 of 16 Imperial years. It is one of the Imperial years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 Imperial problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (58 complaints), suspension (18 complaints), fuel system (5 complaints).

Does the 1991 Chrysler Imperial have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Chrysler Imperial. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Chrysler Imperial under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.