1985 Chrysler Lebaron Problems
- Complaints
- 10filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl FWD · 19 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1985 Chrysler Lebaron (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 10 consumer complaints for the 1985 Chrysler Lebaron. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 4 complaints (40% of the total), followed by seat belts (2) and suspension (2). Of all complaints, 2 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 10 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling4 40%
- Seat belts2 20%
- Suspension2 20%
- Electrical system1 10%
- Other or unknown1 10%
- Steering1 10%
- Body and structure1 10%
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “The vehicle was in the park position for five minutes when the vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment due to the gasket valve cover caming detached, causing oil to enter in the the engine compartment. Consumer state the vehicle is a total loss. Please provide any additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #814939, filed 1997-08Suspension: “Consumer was driving stoped on highway and the rear frame broke almost causing and accident . Weld broke rear axle attachment to frame the axle came loose from vehicle, the weld broke.”
NHTSA complaint #800207, filed 1996-07Electrical system: “While turning into a parking lot steering wheel turned around, even part where driver put key in. Consumer stated that vehicle died because wiring that went to starter must have popped out because loss of all power. The consumer suggested that a permanent fastening device be used instead of bolts that become loose and cause steering failure.”
NHTSA complaint #879418, filed 2001-01Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1985 Chrysler Lebaron version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LeBaron FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| LeBaron FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| LeBaron FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,350 |
| LeBaron FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 22 | 19 | $4,350 |
| LeBaron FWD | 2.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 21 | 19 | $3,550 |
| LeBaron Convertible FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| LeBaron Convertible FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 20 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| LeBaron Convertible FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,350 |
| LeBaron Convertible FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 22 | 19 | $4,350 |
| LeBaron Convertible FWD | 2.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 21 | 19 | $3,550 |
| LeBaron GTS FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,800 |
| LeBaron GTS FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 30 | 23 | $2,900 |
| LeBaron GTS FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 30 | 23 | $2,900 |
| LeBaron GTS FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
4 more EPA-rated versions are not shown.
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 89V011000Jan 31, 1989SeatsCovers: Chrysler Lebaron 1985, Laser 1985, Dodge 600 1985 +2 more
Drivers seat frame may experience fatigue failure at one (front/outboard) of its four attachments.
- 88V105000Jul 1, 1988Fuel system, gasolineCovers: Chrysler Lebaron 1985–1987, Dodge 600 1985–1987, Chrysler NEW Yorker 1985–1987 +8 more
Fuel leakage may occur in low ambient temperature operation at connections of an engine compartment fuel supply hose to the pressure regulator and to the fuel rail.
- 88V061000Apr 8, 1988Seats › Front assembly › Power adjustCovers: Chrysler Lebaron 1985–1986, Dodge 600 1985–1986, Plymouth Caravelle 1986 +1 more
A service replacement drivers seat cushion (manual seat type) may contain wrong cushion with a brace that could interfere with power seat adjuster mechanism and cause stress on the frame.
- 85V010000Jan 1, 1985Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Chrysler Lebaron 1985, NEW Yorker 1985, Laser 1985 +5 more
An engine compartment fuel hose routed to the fuel system pressure regulator may have an inadequately tightened hose clamp. Consequence of defect: the fuel hose could leak and result in an engine compartment fire.
- 84V163000Dec 23, 1984Seat belts › FrontCovers: Chrysler Lebaron 1985, Dodge Lancer 1985
Required front center seat belt assembly was omitted. Vehicles are not in compliance with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 209, seat belt assemblies.
Recall details for the 1985 Chrysler Lebaron → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 10 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10130081Aug 23, 2016Electrical system. Return: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31 July, 2016)of follow ing…
- 10130080Aug 22, 2016Exterior lighting, Equipment. 05182535AD - Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 05182535AD . See…
- 10130079Aug 22, 2016Equipment. Inspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy - A-Pillar Rt/Lt You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part numbers…
- 10129047Aug 18, 2016Equipment. Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
- 10129045Aug 18, 2016Equipment. CBXDP361AA Return: Spacer Kit - Visor You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock of part number CBXDP361AA. Replacement part…
- 10129044Aug 17, 2016Electrical system. 1NT30XDVAC - Inspect and Return: Panel - Instrument Panel You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 1N…
- 10129043Aug 17, 2016Electrical system. Inspect and Return: Solenoid Module - Transmission You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of follow ing part…
- 10129042Aug 17, 2016Equipment. Return: Lamp Assy - CHMSL& Cargo Light You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return all stock of follow ing part numbers:55372082AE…
- 10129041Aug 12, 2016Electrical system. P/N CBSZR068AA: Inspect & Return: Module Kit - Occupant Restraint You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return part number CBSZR068AA…
- 10129046Jun 2, 2016Equipment. Warranty Operations Newsletter Updates from Warranty Operations
Other model years of the Chrysler Lebaron
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 75 | 65,020 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 102 | 87,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 66 | 70,349 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 78 | 96,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 63 | 33,564 | 5 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 68 | 98,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 49 | — | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 32 | — | 0 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 42 | 98,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 25 | 63,858 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 10 | — | 5 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 7 | — | 1 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
All Chrysler Lebaron model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1985 Chrysler Lebaron have?
NHTSA recorded 10 consumer complaints for the 1985 Chrysler Lebaron as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1985 Chrysler Lebaron is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 4 complaints (40% of the total), followed by seat belts with 2.
Has the 1985 Chrysler Lebaron been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1985 Chrysler Lebaron get?
The EPA rates the 1985 Chrysler Lebaron (LeBaron, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.