VehicleVerdict

1988 Chrysler New Yorker problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 49 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 24.5 times the median New Yorker year — the 1988 model ranks #8 of 27 New Yorker years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 59% of all reports (29 of 49), far ahead of engine at 6.

49

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other New Yorker years?

New Yorker NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted296 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1977: 1 complaints1979: 0 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 6 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 7 complaints1986: 28 complaints1987: 49 complaints1988: 49 complaints1989: 95 complaints1990: 117 complaints1991: 124 complaints1992: 61 complaints1993: 96 complaints1994: 296 complaints1995: 74 complaints1996: 17 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 1 complaints2004: 2 complaints
New Yorker NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all New Yorker years to avoid →

What are the most common 1988 Chrysler New Yorker problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2959%
Engine612%
Transmission36%
Electrical System24%
Seat Belts12%
Speed Control12%
Steering12%
Body & Structure12%
Suspension12%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%
Fuel System12%
Other12%

Does the 1988 Chrysler New Yorker 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.

“VEHICLE WAS MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE. DEALER SAID THAT IT WAS ENGINE MOUNT BOLTS. CONSUMER GOT A 2ND OPINION & FOUND OUT THAT THE ABS SYSTEM WAS GOING OUT & NOISE WAS COMING FROM WHEN APPLYING BRAKES TO STOP. DEALER WAS NOT TRYING TO FIX VEHICLE BECAUSE HE ALREADY FIXED 2 THINGS ON VEHICLE & IT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 1, 1999

“VEHICLE WAS MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE. DEALER SAID THAT IT WAS ENGINE MOUNT BOLTS. CONSUMER GOT A 2ND OPINION & FOUND OUT THAT THE ABS SYSTEM WAS GOING OUT & NOISE WAS COMING FROM WHEN APPLYING BRAKES TO STOP. DEALER WAS NOT TRYING TO FIX VEHICLE BECAUSE HE ALREADY FIXED 2 THINGS ON VEHICLE & IT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 1, 1999

“WHEN TRAVELING, APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. ABS AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON DASHBOARD. *AK POWER STEERING NOISY, FAULTY POWER STEERING PUMP, NOISE STILL CONTINUES, DEALER TIGHTENED STEERING RACK. FLAT GOODYEAR TIRE, STEEL BELT WAS SHOWING, GOODYEAR STATED FRONT TIRES WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 27, 2001

“WHEN TRAVELING, APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. ABS AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON DASHBOARD. *AK POWER STEERING NOISY, FAULTY POWER STEERING PUMP, NOISE STILL CONTINUES, DEALER TIGHTENED STEERING RACK. FLAT GOODYEAR TIRE, STEEL BELT WAS SHOWING, GOODYEAR STATED FRONT TIRES WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 27, 2001

“WHEN TRAVELING, APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. ABS AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON DASHBOARD. *AK POWER STEERING NOISY, FAULTY POWER STEERING PUMP, NOISE STILL CONTINUES, DEALER TIGHTENED STEERING RACK. FLAT GOODYEAR TIRE, STEEL BELT WAS SHOWING, GOODYEAR STATED FRONT TIRES WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · June 27, 2001

1988 Chrysler New Yorker — common questions

Is the 1988 Chrysler New Yorker reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 49 complaints put the 1988 model at #8 of 27 New Yorker years. It is one of the New Yorker years to avoid.

What are the most common 1988 New Yorker problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (29 complaints), engine (6 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 1988 Chrysler New Yorker have recalls?

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

Is the 1988 Chrysler New Yorker under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chrysler New Yorker years should you avoid?

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.

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.