VehicleVerdict

1988 Chrysler LeBaron problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 40 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.7 times the median LeBaron year — the 1988 model ranks #9 of 23 LeBaron years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (7), engine (6), and seat belts (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

40

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other LeBaron years?

LeBaron NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 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, 1988 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LeBaron years to avoid →

What are the most common 1988 Chrysler LeBaron problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering718%
Engine615%
Seat Belts615%
Airbags410%
Body & Structure410%
Fuel System38%
Seats25%
Transmission25%
Electrical System25%
Brakes13%
Speed Control13%
Other13%
Tires & Wheels13%

Does the 1988 Chrysler LeBaron have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE PAINT CHIPPED OFF MY CAR. THEN THE ENGINE BLEW FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THEN MY HEATER WENT OUT, BUT TO START WITH . WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR IT HAD A POWER STEERING LEAK WHICH WAS FIXED TWICE BUT STILL LEAKS. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AND THE TIMING BELT BLEW WHEN THE DELER PUT IN THE NEW TIMING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 9, 1996

“PUSH BUTTON LOCKING MECHANISM ON THE DRIVER'S LAP AND SHOULDER BELT COMBINATION WOULD NOT UNLOCK, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BECOME TRAPPED IN THE SEAT WHICH RESULTED IN THE OCCUPANT CUTTING THE SEAT BELT OFF BEFORE EXITING THE VEHICLE. *AK *ML”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

“THE PAINT CHIPPED OFF MY CAR. THEN THE ENGINE BLEW FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THEN MY HEATER WENT OUT, BUT TO START WITH . WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR IT HAD A POWER STEERING LEAK WHICH WAS FIXED TWICE BUT STILL LEAKS. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AND THE TIMING BELT BLEW WHEN THE DELER PUT IN THE NEW TIMING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 9, 1996

“DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WAS VIOLENT, CAUSING INJURIES, ALSO CAUSED ACRID BLACK SMOKE TO FILL VEHICLE, CAUSING BREATHING DIFFICULTY *DSH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 27, 1994 · crash

“HOLES WHERE K FRAME ATTACHES TO MAIN FRAME BECOME ENLARGED, ALLOWING SUSPENSION TO MOVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE, CAUSING EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 23, 1996

1988 Chrysler LeBaron — common questions

Is the 1988 Chrysler LeBaron reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 40 complaints put the 1988 model at #9 of 23 LeBaron years. It is one of the LeBaron years to avoid.

What are the most common 1988 LeBaron problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints), seat belts (6 complaints).

Does the 1988 Chrysler LeBaron have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1988 Chrysler LeBaron. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1988 Chrysler LeBaron under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.