Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1979 Chrysler New Yorker — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH AN OVERSIZED RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING CUP WHICH ALSO PREVENTS THE PLANT LUBRICATING EQUIPMENT FROM CYCLING TO LUBRICATE BOTH THE INNER AND OUTER WHEEL BEARINGS. THE RESULTANT BEARING LOOSENESS AND/OR THE LACK OF LUBRICATION MAY CAUSE BEARING FAILURE AND, POSSIBLY, WHEEL SPINDLE DAMAGE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INNER AND OUTER RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AND BEARING CUPS ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES AT NO COST TO OWNERS.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1979 Chrysler New Yorker. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the New Yorker years to avoid are 1994, 1991, 1990, 1993, 1989, 1995, 1992, 1988, 1987. The cleanest record among New Yorker years belongs to 1982.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.