Chrysler Imperial Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 276 consumer complaints across the 4 model years of the Chrysler Imperial (1990–1993) that have at least 5 complaints. 1990 has the most, with 108. Across all years, the part named most often is brakes (211 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
Best and worst Imperial years →
All Imperial model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 35 | 135,500 | 1 | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 49 | 127,256 | 2 | 11 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 84 | 100,036 | 3 | 11 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 108 | 88,500 | 2 | 11 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Brakes211 73%
- Suspension25 8.6%
- Transmission and drivetrain13 4.5%
- Fuel system13 4.5%
- Engine cooling10 3.4%
- Electrical system8 2.7%
- Steering7 2.4%
- Exterior lighting4 1.4%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1993: “Chrysler should be ashamed of themselves for failing to issue better and permanent recalls for this car. This vehicle is dangerous! I was driving my Chrysler and tried to stop for some kids crossing the street but the brakes suddenly gave out and became virtually inoperable and I had to swerve to avoid killing these kids! I had to push the brakes as hard as I could just to get the vehicle to slow down, let alone completely stop. I later learned and was able to find some recalls that this model uses electric power brakes and the pump and master cylinder become faulty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11328080, filed 2020-06, 140,000 miles1990: “The ABS control unit failed causing loss of hydraulic brake pressure. I was told by a local mechanic that the part installed on my vehicle had been recalled by Chrysler, and that Chrysler was to fix the vehicle at their expense. However, I've been told by Chrysler my VIN isn't included in the recall. Looking online I've found hundreds of similar complaints on many websites of people with the same problem, some of which resulted in accidents, many paid for repairs out of pocket. …”
NHTSA complaint #10455933, filed 2012-04, 89,000 miles1991: “My car's ABS system has failed. You have to step really hard on the brake pad to get the car to stop. The dealer has tested the vehicle and determined that the ABS pump is failed and covered by a federal recall 96v099000. The car was repaired in the 90's during the recall, but it's failed again. Chrysler has guaranteed that the recall will be honored regardless of when (forever basically) or who owns the car. The dealer has had my car now 3 months still waiting on parts. Please help step in and make Chrysler honor the recall and fix my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10790014, filed 2015-11, 69,070 milesOther Chrysler models
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About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology