VehicleVerdict

1989 Chrysler LeBaron problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 69 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.9 times the median LeBaron year — the 1989 model ranks #7 of 23 LeBaron years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 7 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (17), airbags (11), and electrical system (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

69

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

4

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

7

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other LeBaron years?

LeBaron NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 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, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LeBaron years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Chrysler LeBaron problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1725%
Airbags1116%
Electrical System913%
Transmission710%
Brakes46%
Steering34%
Body & Structure34%
Other34%
Seats23%
Seat Belts23%
Speed Control23%
Suspension23%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Fuel System11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 1989 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.

92V017000BrakesFebruary 11, 1992 · 41,000 units

Defect

THE BONDED DISC BRAKE LININGS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE SHOES DUE TO A BONDING DEFICIENCY WHICH MAY ALLOW CORROSION DEGRADATION OF THE BOND ATTACHMENT.

Consequence

SEPARATION OF THE DISC BRAKE LININGS RESULTS IN ANINCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE.

Remedy

REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR LININGS ON VEHICLES WITH 15 INCH BRAKES. REPLACE ONLY THE REAR BRAKE LININGS ON VEHICLES WITH 14 INCH BRAKES BECAUSE THE FRONT LININGS ON THESE VEHICLES ARE RIVETED.

89V237000EngineDecember 27, 1989 · 634,000 units

Defect

THE ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET MAY DISLOCATE AND ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET.

Consequence

THE LEAKAGE OF OIL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSEA FIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE GASKET COVER WITH REVISED COVER, AND RTV SEALANT WILL BE APPLIED IN PLACE OF A GASKET.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO AN ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET LEAK PRIOR TO RECALL, CONSUNMER WAS NOT INFORMED OF RECALL. (89V-237). *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 30, 1997 · fire

“CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING AT 15 MPH THE VEHICLE TRAVELING AHEAD SUDDENLY CAME TO A STOP, CAUSING A REAR IN COLLISION BY CONSUMER. CONSUMER STATES THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, AND A PUDDY LIKE SUBSTAINS FROM AIRBAG CAUSED SECOND DEGREE BURNS TO CONSUMERS FACE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 1, 2002 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT 20MPH CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE DASH AREA, PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. BY TIME CONSUMER WAS OUT OF VEHICLE ENTIRE DASHBOARD HAD IGNITED INTO FLAMES. FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, CAUSE OF FIRE UNDETERMINED. CHRYSLER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · fire

“VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING FROM INTERNAL CRACKED ENGINE HEAD; TOOK VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP; HEARD CLANKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING; WOULD CHATTER OVER ROAD REFLECTORS; TOOK TO SAME REPAIR SHOP TO BE FIXED FOR CRACKED REAR AXLE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 14, 1997

1989 Chrysler LeBaron — common questions

Is the 1989 Chrysler LeBaron reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 69 complaints put the 1989 model at #7 of 23 LeBaron years. It is one of the LeBaron years to avoid.

What are the most common 1989 LeBaron problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (17 complaints), airbags (11 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints).

Does the 1989 Chrysler LeBaron have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Chrysler LeBaron. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 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.