VehicleVerdict

1987 Chrysler LeBaron problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 59 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.4 times the median LeBaron year — the 1987 model ranks #8 of 23 LeBaron years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 15 reports (25% of the total).

59

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other LeBaron years?

LeBaron NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 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, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LeBaron years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Chrysler LeBaron problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1525%
Fuel System1017%
Seat Belts814%
Electrical System814%
Steering58%
Transmission35%
Body & Structure35%
Speed Control23%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)23%
Seats12%
Brakes12%
Airbags12%

Does the 1987 Chrysler LeBaron have recalls?

3 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.

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.

87V107000Speed ControlJuly 16, 1987 · 4,400 units

Defect

DRIVERS FLOORMAT MISPOSITIONED SUCH AS TO INTERFERE WITH ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

Consequence

FLOORMAT MAY RESTRICT RETURN OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THEIDLE POSITION.

Remedy

FLOORMAT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REDESIGNED MAT TO ELIMINATE THE INTERFERENCE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ON MONDAY, JULY 22, 2002, APPROXIMATELY 6:00PM, AFTER RETURNING HOME FROM LIMA, OHIO RETURNING TO MY HOME IN LAKEVIEW, OHIO, I PROCEEDED TO UNLOAD MY 3 GRANDCHILDREN AND TWO CHILDREN AND MYSELF INTO THE HOUSE. WHEN PUTING AWAY THE GROCERIES, WITHIN A MATTER OF SECONDS, WE ALL HEARD TWO BOOMS AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 22, 2002 · fire

“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARMENT. CONSUMER STATED THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 19, 1997 · fire

“DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT LATCHES WILL NOT GO INTO THE BUCKLE ASSMEBLY, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

“VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, SMOKE BEGAN TO APPEAR FROM RIGHT DRIVER SIDE, ONCE THE TURN WAS MADE MORE SMOKE BEGAN TO BUILD UP. VEHICLE PULLED INTO PRIVATE PROPERTY WERE FLAMES BEGAN TO BECOME APPARENT ON DRIVER SIDE, FLAMES BEGAN TO MOVE TOWARDS PASSENGER SIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 25, 2013 · fire

1987 Chrysler LeBaron — common questions

Is the 1987 Chrysler LeBaron reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 59 complaints put the 1987 model at #8 of 23 LeBaron years. It is one of the LeBaron years to avoid.

What are the most common 1987 LeBaron problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (15 complaints), fuel system (10 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints).

Does the 1987 Chrysler LeBaron have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Chrysler LeBaron. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Chrysler LeBaron under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 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.