VehicleVerdict

1992 Chrysler Imperial problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 62 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 124.0 times the median Imperial year — the 1992 model ranks #3 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 71% of all reports (44 of 62), far ahead of suspension at 4.

62

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Imperial years?

Imperial NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 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, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Imperial years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Chrysler Imperial problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes4471%
Transmission46%
Suspension46%
Fuel System35%
Lighting23%
Steering23%
Engine23%
Electrical System12%

Does the 1992 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.

92V015000SteeringFebruary 14, 1992 · 20,000 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE SWERVED OFF THE ROAD INTO A VINEYARD. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 23, 2008 · crash

“ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS THE FRONT SUSPENSION AIR STRUT CRACKS, CAUSING THE THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE TO DROP DUE TO A RUBBER RING WHICH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS REPLACED THE AIR STRUT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

“STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. CHRYSLER SAYS VEHICLE YEAR FROM 1993- 1997 HAS BEEN RECALLED BUT NOT THE 1992 YEAR BUT THAT CAR SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN BECAUSE OF FIRE POSSIBILITY. HAVE BEEN WAITING ON PARTS FROM CHRYSLER FOR ABOUT 6 WEEKS. THE REASON GIVEN IS THAT THERE ARE SO MANY FAILURES THAT PARTS ARE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 20, 1999

“WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH HEADLIGHTS ON THEY CUT OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, LEAVING CONSUMER WITHOUT VISIBILITY OF THE ROAD. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONSUMER'S HOUSE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED. *AK CHRYSLER DEALER REPLACED LITE SWITCH. *TC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · September 27, 2004

1992 Chrysler Imperial — common questions

Is the 1992 Chrysler Imperial reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 62 complaints put the 1992 model at #3 of 16 Imperial years. It is one of the Imperial years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 Imperial problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (44 complaints), suspension (4 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 1992 Chrysler Imperial have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Chrysler Imperial. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 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.