1989 Chrysler Lebaron Problems
- Complaints
- 49filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl FWD · 18 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 Chrysler Lebaron (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 49 consumer complaints for the 1989 Chrysler Lebaron. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 15 complaints (31% of the total), followed by air bags (11) and electrical system (8). Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 7 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 10 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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 cooling15 31%
- Air bags11 22%
- Electrical system8 16%
- Brakes3 6.1%
- Other or unknown3 6.1%
- Steering3 6.1%
- Body and structure3 6.1%
- Seat belts2 4.1%
- Seats2 4.1%
Also reported: Suspension (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Fuel system (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “The consumer discovered a related recall and confirmed the vehicle identification number was included in the recall, the consumer contacted the dealer regarding remedy 89v237000 who advised the recall was too old and they were no longer honoring it.”
NHTSA complaint #10019662, filed 2003-05Air bags: “Please add VIN #. Consumer was driving aproximately 5mph when she sideswiped another vehicle with the front of her vehicle, air bag deployed, and consumer was injured from the powder or residue from the air bag.”
NHTSA complaint #835127, filed 1999-02Electrical system: “While driving at 20mph consumer noticed smoke coming from under the dash area, pulled to the side of the road. By time consumer was out of vehicle entire dashboard had ignited into flames. Fire was put out by the fire department, cause of fire undetermined. Chrysler has not been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #850254, filed 1999-11Transmission and drivetrain: “Vehicle was overheating from internal cracked engine head; took vehicle to independent repair shop; heard clanking noise while driving; would chatter over road reflectors; took to same repair shop to be fixed for cracked rear axle.”
NHTSA complaint #811107, filed 1997-04Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1989 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 | 5-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| LeBaron FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 31 | 24 | $2,800 |
| LeBaron FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| LeBaron FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| LeBaron FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $4,550 |
| LeBaron Convertible FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| LeBaron Convertible FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,900 |
| LeBaron Convertible FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| LeBaron Convertible FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,350 |
| LeBaron Convertible FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $4,550 |
| LeBaron GTS FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
| LeBaron GTS FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| LeBaron GTS FWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| LeBaron GTS FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 31 | 24 | $2,800 |
3 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
- 92V017000Feb 11, 1992Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › PadsCovers: Chrysler Lebaron 1989, Dodge Daytona 1989
The bonded disc brake linings may separate from the shoes due to a bonding deficiency which may allow corrosion degradation of the bond attachment.
- 89V237000Dec 27, 1989Engine and engine cooling › EngineCovers: Chrysler Lebaron 1989–1990, Plymouth Voyager 1989–1990, Dodge Shadow 1989–1990 +12 more
The engine valve cover gasket may dislocate and allow an engine oil leak at the gasket.
Recall details for the 1989 Chrysler Lebaron → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA91029Disc brake lining splitClosed · Jun 18, 1991
- PE91065Steering gear bolts loosenClosed · Apr 16, 1991
- PE91049Brake lining delaminationClosed · Feb 21, 1991
- PE89168Tire/frame interferenceClosed · Sep 29, 1989
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, 2016Equipment, Exterior lighting. 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 1989 Chrysler Lebaron have?
NHTSA recorded 49 consumer complaints for the 1989 Chrysler Lebaron as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 Chrysler Lebaron is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 15 complaints (31% of the total), followed by air bags with 11.
Has the 1989 Chrysler Lebaron been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1989 Chrysler Lebaron get?
The EPA rates the 1989 Chrysler Lebaron (LeBaron, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900 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 29, 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.