Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 296 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 148.0 times the median New Yorker year — the 1994 model ranks #1 of 27 New Yorker years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (39), fuel system (38), and engine (30), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
296
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
7
Investigations
29
Crash-involved
9
Fires reported
20
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 39 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 38 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 30 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 28 | 9% | — flat |
| Steering | 23 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 21 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 19 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 17 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 14 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 13 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 13 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 10 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 10 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 8 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Other | 6 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 1% | — flat |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHING BRACKETS CAN CRACK DUE TO FATIGUE AND SEPARATE FROM THE ENGINE CRADLE.
Consequence
IF THIS OCCURS, THE TRANSMISSION HALF-SHAFT COULD PULL OUT OF THE TRANSAXLE AND RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE ENGINE CRADLE AT THE POINT WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHES TO IT.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THE FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM CAN LEAK FUEL FROM SOME OF THE SEALING O-RINGS OR FROM HAIR LINE CRACKS IN THE THERMOSET FUEL INJECTION RAIL.
Consequence
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL O-RINGS AND REINFORCE THE OUTLET (PASSENGER) SIDE FUEL RAIL. VEHICLES SHOWING FUEL LEAKAGE ON THE OUTLET FUEL RAIL MUST HAVE THE OUTLET RAIL REPLACED WHICH INCLUDES CHANGING THE UPPER AND LOWER INJECTOR O-RINGS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS OR FROM A CRACKED FUEL LINE, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Defect
THE RIGHT STEERING TIE ROD CAN RUB THROUGH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH RESULTS IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS INCLUDING ENGINE STALLING AND AN INOPERATIVE PARK/STARTER INTERLOCK SYSTEM.
Consequence
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION CAUSING STALLING WHILE IN MOTION OR AN INOPERATIVE PARK/STARTER INTERLOCK SYSTEM, WHICH ALLOWS ENGINE START WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT IN THE PARK POSITION, MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
INSTALL A REVISED WIRING HARNESS BRACKET AND A PLASTIC CONVOLUTED SLEEVE TO PROTECT THE TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. CONSUMER WAS REACHING INSIDE VEHICLE ATTEMPTING TO GRAB KEY OUT THE IGNITION AND HIT GEAR SHIFT, VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS, ROLLING OVERTOP OFF CONSUMER, AND CAUSING INJURIES. CONSUMER HAS YET TO CONTACT DEALER OR MANUFACTURER. *AK”
“CONSUMER WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AND SMELLED A GASOLINE ODOR WHEN THE WEATHER WAS COLD. WHILE TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE ONE MORNING, IT WOULD NOT START, AND CAUGHT FIRE IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE WAS UNREPAIRABLE. VARIOUS OTHER PROBLEMS…”
“CONSUMER WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AND SMELLED A GASOLINE ODOR WHEN THE WEATHER WAS COLD. WHILE TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE ONE MORNING, IT WOULD NOT START, AND CAUGHT FIRE IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE WAS UNREPAIRABLE. VARIOUS OTHER PROBLEMS…”
“WHILE DRIVING AT 5-6 MPH CONSUMER TRIED TO SLOW DOWN AND BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING, VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND RAN INTO A POLE. THEN, A FEW MONTHS LATER, CONSUMER HAD THE SAME ACCELERATION PROBLEM, BUT VEHICLE DID NOT RUN INTO ANYTHING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK”
“CONSUMER WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AND SMELLED A GASOLINE ODOR WHEN THE WEATHER WAS COLD. WHILE TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE ONE MORNING, IT WOULD NOT START, AND CAUGHT FIRE IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE WAS UNREPAIRABLE. VARIOUS OTHER PROBLEMS…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 296 complaints put the 1994 model at #1 of 27 New Yorker years. It is one of the New Yorker years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (39 complaints), fuel system (38 complaints), engine (30 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 Chrysler New Yorker. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 7 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.