1989 Chrysler New Yorker problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 95 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 47.5 times the median New Yorker year — the 1989 model ranks #5 of 27 New Yorker years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 3 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 37 reports (39% of the total).
95
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
3
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1989 compare to other New Yorker years?
What are the most common 1989 Chrysler New Yorker problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 37 | 39% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 22 | 23% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 9 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 7 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 6 | 6% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ABS PROBLEM; THE ABS WARNING LIGHT AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND AFTER GOING 2 MILES THERE WAS NO BRAKING ABILITY. THIS CAUSED DRIVER TO REAR END VEHICLE AHEAD. A PUMP WAS REPLACED IN THE ABS IN JAN OF 97. DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM WITH BRAKES AT THIS TIME. *SLC”
“WHEN THE VEHICLE IS AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE CUTS OFF, AND STARTS BACK UP. THIS SOMETIMES HAPPENS TWICE WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN REVERSE, THE GEAR WILL SWITCH ALL BY ITSELF. TOOK TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDS THE TRANSMISSION AND ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FIXED. THERE…”
“THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH ALTERNATOR. WHILE DRIVING NOTICED THAT SMOKE WAS COMING FROM HOOD. PANEL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THEM OF THE PROBLEM. WHEN THEY PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, THEY NOTICED THAT IT WAS ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE BURNED UNTIL IN IT WAS PUT OUT BY THE FIRE…”
“THE RESTRAINT BELTS DON'T PROPERLY RETRACT . OWNER NEVER CONTACTED THE DEALER BECAUSE SHE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED. *AK”
“WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN, CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER CAN NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. MJS”
1989 Chrysler New Yorker — common questions
Is the 1989 Chrysler New Yorker reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 95 complaints put the 1989 model at #5 of 27 New Yorker years. It is one of the New Yorker years to avoid.
What are the most common 1989 New Yorker problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (37 complaints), transmission (22 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints).
Does the 1989 Chrysler New Yorker have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1989 Chrysler New Yorker.
Is the 1989 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.