VehicleVerdict

1990 Chrysler LeBaron problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 96 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 13.7 times the median LeBaron year — the 1990 model ranks #3 of 23 LeBaron years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 28 reports (29% of the total).

96

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other LeBaron years?

LeBaron NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LeBaron years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Chrysler LeBaron problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2829%
Electrical System1213%
Engine99%
Airbags88%
Brakes77%
Suspension66%
Other55%
Visibility & Wipers44%
Seats44%
Tires & Wheels33%
Lighting33%
Seat Belts22%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)22%
Body & Structure11%
Steering11%
Speed Control11%

Does the 1990 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.

90V080000AirbagsApril 25, 1990 · 257 units

Defect

AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES MAY NOT CONTAIN DIFFUSER HOLES BETWEEN THE IGNITOR AND PROPELLANT CHAMBERS.

Consequence

AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN AN IMPACT SITUATION, WHICH COULD LEAD TO DRIVER INJURY.

Remedy

REPLACE AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES WITH PROPERLY MACHINED MODULES.

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.

“EXPERIENCED REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH "JERKING" IN THE VEHICLE AND GEAR SHIFT FAILED TO OPEREATED PROPERLY (NOT MEETING THE GEAR RATIO). UPON MECHANICS CHECK AND COMMPUTER ANALYSIS, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A VEHICLE RECALL OF THE CARS COMPUTER HAD NEVER BEEN ADDRESSED. THE MECHANIC HAS CORRECTED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 27, 1999

“WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, SMOKE WAS SEEN AT THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE, PULLED OVER, THEN MORE SMOKE AT THE ENGINE PART OF THE VEHICLE, FIRE STARTED FIRE DEPT. CAUSED WAS A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. CONSUMER STATED WHILE ON AN INCLINEN VEHICLE STARTED LOOSING ACCELERATION, WHEN CONSUMER PULLED OVER EMERGENCY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 12, 1997 · fire

“VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS LISTED IN MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 5730. VALVE COVER HAS ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET. *AK FRONTAL AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING ACCIDENT. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 1999 · crash

“VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS LISTED IN MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 5730. VALVE COVER HAS ALLOW AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AT THE GASKET. *AK FRONTAL AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING ACCIDENT. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 1, 1999 · crash

“ REAR BRAKE LINING SEPARATED FROM THE BRAKE SHOE. THE LOOSE SHOE WAS STILL IN PLACE CAPTURED BY THE CALIPER. CONSUMER'S 1990 VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF RECALL 92V017000. DEALER REPLACED THE REAR BRAKES. HOWEVER, ONE OF THE BRAKE LININGS SEPARATED FROM THE SHOE AGAIN. CONSUMER FELT THIS WAS A SERIOUS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 24, 2001

1990 Chrysler LeBaron — common questions

Is the 1990 Chrysler LeBaron reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 96 complaints put the 1990 model at #3 of 23 LeBaron years. It is one of the LeBaron years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 LeBaron problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (28 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints), engine (9 complaints).

Does the 1990 Chrysler LeBaron have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Chrysler LeBaron. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.