VehicleVerdict

1992 Chrysler LeBaron problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 100 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 14.3 times the median LeBaron year — the 1992 model ranks #2 of 23 LeBaron years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (18), suspension (13), and brakes (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

100

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other LeBaron years?

LeBaron NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 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, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LeBaron years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Chrysler LeBaron problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1818%
Suspension1313%
Brakes1212%
Electrical System1010%
Seats88%
Airbags77%
Fuel System66%
Body & Structure55%
Latches & Locks33%
Other33%
Engine33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Lighting22%
Seat Belts22%
Speed Control22%
Steering22%
Tires & Wheels11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 1992 Chrysler LeBaron have recalls?

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

92V070000Latches & LocksMay 13, 1992 · 17,000 units

Defect

THE HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED AND THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY BE PREVENTED FROM ENGAGING WHEN THE HOOD IS CLOSED.

Consequence

IF THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH ENGAGEMENT FAILS, THE LACK OFENGAGEMENT BY THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH COULD CAUSE THE HOOD TO OPEN WHILE THEVEHICLE IS IN MOTION, REDUCING OPERATOR'S ABILITY TO SEE THE ROAD AND ONCOMINGTRAFFIC, AND POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

ADJUST THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH TO ALLOW THE LATCH ASSEMBLY TO PROPERLY ENGAGE WHEN THE HOOD IS CLOSED.

92V015000SteeringFebruary 14, 1992 · 20,000 units

Defect

THE ZINC PLATING OPERATION PERFORMED ON THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLING BOLT CAUSED HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT AND BREAKAGE OF THE BOLT.

Consequence

FRACTURES OF THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLINGBOLT RESULT IN A LACK OF COUPLING LOAD ON THE SHAFT AND LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL.

Remedy

REPLACE THE ZINC PLATED BOLT WITH A PHOSPHATE PLATED BOLT.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONING, DROPPED DOWN INTO LOW GEAR, THEN SUDDENLY VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, ENGINE OVERPOWERING BRAKES, VEHICLE HIT A WALL. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · crash

“REAR STABILIZER BAR CRACKED ON PASSENGER SIDE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LEAN IN RIGHT TURNS, CAUSING DOOR AJAR LIGHT TO COME ON, POWER DOOR LOCKS TO LOCK, EXCESSIVE WEAR ON REAR TIRES AND LOUD CREAKING NOISE. *DH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 29, 1996

“WHEN MADE ATTEMPT TO STOP, EXPERIENCE BRAKE FAILURE, PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, THEN CONTINUED TO ROLL FORWARD, HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. TT VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES REGARDING BRAKE PROBLEMS PRIOR TO ACCIDENT, DEALER HAD REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER TWICE. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 1, 1993 · crash

“STEERING WHEEL COLUMN CAUGHT FIRE AFTER NOTICING AIR BAG LIGHT ON, AIR CONDITIONER QUIT WORKING, POWER WINDOWS QUIT WORKING, AND THE IGNITION WASN'T WORKING, TOOK TO DEALER TO FIX, EVERYTHING WORKS EXCEPT WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON IT SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING IS GETTING HOT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · fire

“WHILE AT A STOP SIGN VEHICLE WAS REARENDED. UPON IMPACT, DRIVERS SEAT BECAME LOOSE AND SHAKY, PARTIALLY DETATCHED FROM ANCHORS. *AK CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES.*JB ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · July 31, 2000 · crash

1992 Chrysler LeBaron — common questions

Is the 1992 Chrysler LeBaron reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 100 complaints put the 1992 model at #2 of 23 LeBaron years. It is one of the LeBaron years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 LeBaron problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (18 complaints), suspension (13 complaints), brakes (12 complaints).

Does the 1992 Chrysler LeBaron have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Chrysler LeBaron. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 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.