VehicleVerdict

1985 Chrysler LeBaron problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 1985 Chrysler LeBaron — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 6 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

13

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

4

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other LeBaron years?

LeBaron NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted133 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 2 complaints1979: 1 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 7 complaints1985: 13 complaints1986: 31 complaints1987: 59 complaints1988: 40 complaints1989: 69 complaints1990: 96 complaints1991: 95 complaints1992: 100 complaints1993: 87 complaints1994: 133 complaints1995: 89 complaints1996: 4 complaints1997: 2 complaints2003: 1 complaints
LeBaron NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LeBaron years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Chrysler LeBaron problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine431%
Seat Belts215%
Suspension215%
Steering18%
Body & Structure18%
Speed Control18%
Other18%
Electrical System18%

Does the 1985 Chrysler LeBaron have recalls?

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

08E033000SuspensionApril 14, 2008 · 6,903 units

Defect

FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

Consequence

THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.

89V011000SeatsJanuary 31, 1989 · 60,000 units

Defect

DRIVERS SEAT FRAME MAY EXPERIENCE FATIGUE FAILURE AT ONE (FRONT/OUTBOARD) OF ITS FOUR ATTACHMENTS.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN SOME FORWARD, BACKWARD OR LATERALMOVEMENT OF SEAT, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLEWHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT

Remedy

REPLACE DRIVERS SEAT FRAME WITH A STRENGHTENED VERSION; ALSO, REINFORCE POWER ADJUSTER FRONT CROSSMEMBER TO INCREASE RIGIDITY OF SEAT ATTACHMENT SYSTEM.

88V105000Fuel SystemJuly 1, 1988 · 580,000 units

Defect

FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OPERATION AT CONNECTIONS OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL SUPPLY HOSE TO THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND TO THE FUEL RAIL.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

RELOCATE PRESSURE REGULATOR; REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY WITH FORMED HOSE WITH REVISED ROUTING CONFIGURATION TO ENSURE SEALING INTEGRITY.

88V061000SeatsApril 8, 1988 · 1,500 units

Defect

A SERVICE REPLACEMENT DRIVERS SEAT CUSHION (MANUAL SEAT TYPE) MAY CONTAIN WRONG CUSHION WITH A BRACE THAT COULD INTERFERE WITH POWER SEAT ADJUSTER MECHANISM AND CAUSE STRESS ON THE FRAME.

Consequence

SEAT FRAME COULD FRACTURE AND RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTREARWARD MOVEMENT OF THE SEAT BACK.

Remedy

REPLACE FRAME WITH PROPER POWER SEAT FRAME.

85V010000Fuel SystemJanuary 1, 1985 · 53,000 units

Defect

AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL HOSE ROUTED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE REGULATOR MAY HAVE AN INADEQUATELY TIGHTENED HOSE CLAMP. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE FUEL HOSE COULD LEAK AND RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy

REPOSITION AND TIGHTEN TO THE PROPER TORQUE LEVEL OF THE FUEL HOSE CLAMP.

84V163000Seat BeltsDecember 23, 1984 · 208 units

Defect

REQUIRED FRONT CENTER SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WAS OMITTED. VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 209, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.

Remedy

INSTALLATION OF MISSING CENTER SEAT BELT WILL BE DONE WITHOUT CHARGE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION FOR FIVE MINUTES WHEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT DUE TO THE GASKET VALVE COVER CAMING DETACHED, CAUSING OIL TO ENTER IN THE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONSUMER STATE THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 24, 1997 · fire

“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING STOPED ON HIGHWAY AND THE REAR FRAME BROKE ALMOST CAUSING AND ACCIDENT . *AK WELD BROKE REAR AXLE ATTACHMENT TO FRAME THE AXLE CAME LOOSE FROM VEHICLE, THE WELD BROKE.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 16, 1996

“RIGHT NOW, I CAN'T SAY IF THERE ARE ANY SERIOUS DEFECT- IM HAVING THE CAR LOOKED OVER BY A MECHANIC...BUT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS CAR WITH THIS VIN NUMBER RECIEVE SERVICE FROM CHRYSLER IN REGUARDS TO THE TSB & ANY RECALL NOTICES ISSUED. ANY INFORMATION WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. ALSO, IF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other

1985 Chrysler LeBaron — common questions

Is the 1985 Chrysler LeBaron reliable?

The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 6 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1985 LeBaron problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (4 complaints), seat belts (2 complaints), suspension (2 complaints).

Does the 1985 Chrysler LeBaron have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 Chrysler LeBaron. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1985 Chrysler LeBaron under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chrysler LeBaron years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the LeBaron years to avoid are 1994, 1992, 1990, 1991, 1995, 1993, 1989, 1987, 1988, 1986. The cleanest record among LeBaron years belongs to 1981.

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.