1991 Chrysler Lebaron Problems
- Complaints
- 63filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 33,564miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns 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
- 20 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 18 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1991 Chrysler Lebaron (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year center on the automatic transmission, which owners describe shifting harshly, dropping into neutral, or failing to engage a forward gear, often at low mileage. A second cluster involves power window failures and window motors, and owners also report air bag sensor and deployment concerns, brake problems, and fuel smells. Many reports were filed years after purchase, so mileage at failure varies widely.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slips, locks in gear, or loses forward gears
- 12 complaints (19%)
- median 26,782 mi at 15.3 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 1995–2008
Owners describe harsh or erratic shifting, the transmission dropping into neutral at highway speed, locking into second gear, or refusing to engage any forward gear at all. Some report repeated rebuilds or replacement, and several say shops or the dealer attributed the problem to sensors or to the transmission design itself. A few mention that repairs were declined because the car was past the mileage or age limit of the warranty. Reports cluster between roughly 20,000 and 34,000 miles, with several vehicles failing shortly after purchase.
What to check: Drive the car long enough to include highway speeds and check for delayed, harsh, or missed shifts; ask whether the transmission has been rebuilt or replaced and keep records of any fluid changes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The most common problems with the transmission are poor shifting qualities and sudden locks into second gear.also the transmission never shifts into third gear. This adds more stress to the engine.I contacted Chrysler about this problem.I was told that the vehicle had exceeded the allowed mileage and or warranty, and there was nothing that they could do.I have since written to the president of Chrysler, and have had no response from him yet. I don't want to let Chrysler get away with poor engineering decisions.”
NHTSA complaint #10070820, filed 2004-01, 20,000 miles“We are now doing the second rebuild of this transmission. The first shut down the car in the middle of a freeway. There is alot written about this transmission and it's problems yet Chrysler will not acknowledge those problems. We remain concerned about when and where we will be the next time the car abruptly stops and will we be as lucky as the last two times?”
NHTSA complaint #702007, filed 1999-01 - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Power windows stop working (window motors)
- 7 complaints (11%)
- typically at 8.5 yrs old
- filed 1996–2000
Owners report power windows that will not go up after being lowered, or that fail entirely, including rear windows stopping at the same time. One owner mentions a recall-related repair for a rear window motor that later failed again, and another describes a convertible where a dead side window risks damage when the top is lowered. Repair estimates quoted to owners were in the several-hundred-dollar range per motor. Reported from around 30,000 miles upward, with failures sometimes recurring about a year and a half after repair.
What to check: Operate every window up and down several times, including the rear windows on a convertible, and ask whether any window motors or regulators have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2 months from the date that I purchased my vehicle, the rear driver's side power sidelight window mtr. Malfunctioned and then broke. I attempted to rig it for the time being as the parts are extremely expensive. Then about 5 months later, the motor died altogether. Now I cannot put the window down and the vehicle is a conv., which means that I risk breaking the window everytime I put the top down. The veh. Chugs severly bet. 55 & 75 MPH. Accelerating past 75 or dropping to below 55 is the only way to solve the problem. The headlight cover mtr. …”
NHTSA complaint #714694, filed 1999-11“Brakes make a clicking noise, 2. Oil leakage appears underneath of vehicle, 3. Electrical windows will not go up after being put down, 4. Engine stalls out when driving and vehicle dies out. Dealer contacted and aware of problems. Problems still exists. Provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #836415, filed 1999-04 - Brakes
Brakes grab, release over bumps, or feel hard
- 7 complaints (11%)
- median 36,000 mi at 21.4 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 1995–2012
Owners describe brakes that hold and then release when the car hits a bump, a clicking noise when braking, and a pedal that becomes hard to apply while stopping. One owner cited an older caliper recall that the manufacturer could not confirm because of the vehicle's age. Reported from around 36,000 miles, frequently on older vehicles with unknown service history.
Recall 90V162000Recall 91V078000
What to check: Ask whether the front caliper and parking brake cable recalls were performed, and have the brake hydraulics and caliper mounting inspected.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When applying the brakes they will hold unless driver hits a bump in the road then they will release, causing vehicle to move forward, also transmission jerks upon shifting.”
NHTSA complaint #508029, filed 1996-08“The contact owns a 1991 Chrysler Lebaron. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the brakes became hard to apply while attempting to stop the vehicle. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id: number: 90v162000 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper) but due to the age of the vehicle the manufacturer was unable to identify the recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10450816, filed 2012-03, 36,000 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection focused on the transmission, brakes, and fuel lines is worthwhile on this model year, since owners most often report those areas. Ask for service records showing whether the air bag, caliper, and parking brake recalls were completed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 27 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 63 consumer complaints for the 1991 Chrysler Lebaron. 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 33,564 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 10 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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.
- Air bags10 16%
- Brakes7 11%
- Electrical system7 11%
- Fuel system7 11%
- Body and structure5 7.9%
- Engine cooling4 6.3%
- Seats4 6.3%
- Suspension4 6.3%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (2), Seat belts (2), Equipment (1), Other or unknown (1), Steering (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “The contact owns a 1991 Chrysler Lebaron. While driving 55 MPH, the gear shifted into neutral then into second gear without warning. The contact stated that she was unable to remove the gear shift from second gear unless she turned the vehicle off. The mechanic stated that sensors caused the failure. There were multiple sensors replaced; however, the failure continued to occur. As of may 16, 2008, the dealer had not inspected or repaired the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 33,564.”
NHTSA complaint #10228050, filed 2008-05, 33,564 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Transmission has gone out three times. It never shifts smoothly when working. Rear power windows went out simultaneously at 30,000 miles. Dealer said both motors stopped working and would be a minimum of $500 to repair. Do not believe both motors failed at same time.”
NHTSA complaint #712392, filed 1999-09Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 20,000 and 36,000 miles.
Complaints 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 1991 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 | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| LeBaron FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,100 |
| LeBaron FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,350 |
| LeBaron FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| LeBaron FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,350 |
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
- 92V016000Feb 11, 1992Structure › Body › DoorCovers: Chrysler Lebaron 1991, Dodge Daytona 1991
The owner's manual incorrectly states that the front passenger door cannot be opened from the inside if the door is locked until the lock control handle has been pulled up. On these vehicles, the front passenger door can be opened by the inside door handle…
- 91V122000Jul 11, 1991Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Chrysler Lebaron 1991, Dodge Spirit 1991, Dynasty 1991 +4 more
Front outboard safety belt may become difficult to latch and or unlatch due to a webbing stiffener entering the buckle housing and dislodging the buckle latch guide.
- 91V078000May 14, 1991Parking brake › Conventional › Mechanical › Linkage and cableCovers: Chrysler Lebaron 1991, Dodge Daytona 1991
Mismatched parking brake cable lengths to the rear wheels reduces braking ability of one of the rear wheels, in violation of fmvss 105.
- 90V194000Nov 19, 1990Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactiveCovers: Chrysler Lebaron 1991, Dodge Spirit 1991, Shadow 1991 +1 more
The two air bag system front impact sensors may not be secured to their mounting brackets.
- 90V162000Sep 4, 1990Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › CaliperCovers: Chrysler Lebaron 1991, Dodge Spirit 1991, Shadow 1991 +5 more
Front disc brake caliper guide pin bolts may not have been adequately torqued and could loosen.
Recall details for the 1991 Chrysler Lebaron → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE96036Throttle will not return to the positionClosed · May 14, 1996
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
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Chrysler Lebaron?
Complaints on this model year center on the automatic transmission, which owners describe shifting harshly, dropping into neutral, or failing to engage a forward gear, often at low mileage. The issues reported most often: Transmission slips, locks in gear, or loses forward gears; Power windows stop working (window motors); Brakes grab, release over bumps, or feel hard.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1991 Chrysler Lebaron have?
NHTSA recorded 63 consumer complaints for the 1991 Chrysler Lebaron as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1991 Chrysler Lebaron is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 21 complaints (33% of the total), followed by air bags with 10.
Has the 1991 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 1991 Chrysler Lebaron get?
The EPA rates the 1991 Chrysler Lebaron (LeBaron, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1991 Chrysler Lebaron reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 33,564 miles and the middle half falls between 20,000 and 36,000 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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.