1992 Chrysler Lebaron Problems
- Complaints
- 78filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 96,000miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- 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, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 18 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1992 Chrysler Lebaron (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year cluster around the automatic transmission, which owners describe dropping out of overdrive or into low gear on its own, and around the brakes, where several owners report a low or sinking pedal and longer stopping distances. Many reports also involve aging wear-and-tear items such as broken door hinges, cracked rear axle welds and stabilizer bars, and a persistent ignition switch sticking problem. Mileage is recorded on only a few complaints, so most of these reports reflect an older vehicle in regular use rather than a specific early-failure window.
- Body and structure
Broken door hinge and cracked rear axle or crossmember
- 10 complaints (13%)
- typically at 5.5 yrs old
- filed 1995–1999
Owners report the driver's door hinge separating from the frame so the door drops, binds or will not open properly, and in one case the door edge bent the fender when opened. Other complaints describe a cracked rear axle or rear crossmember found after a popping or grinding noise over bumps or in reverse, with shops recommending replacement. One complaint notes that a stabilizer bar weld on the frame broke and that the dealer would only repair it at the owner's cost. Mostly reported on vehicles well into their service life; specific mileage is not given in the sampled complaints.
What to check: Open and close each door slowly to feel for sag or binding at the hinge, and have the rear axle area and stabilizer bar mounts inspected on a lift for cracks or broken welds.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When vehicle is in reverse there is a grinding metal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. When taken to midas, midas discovered that rear cross member is cracked. This information was also verified by a Chrysler dealer. The problem has not been corrected.”
NHTSA complaint #823207, filed 1998-05“There were weld cracks in the rear axle. Took vehicle to dealership & informed by mechanic it needs to be replaced with new rear axle. Took to 2nd mechanic & informed the same reasoning. The service manager said it can only be welded.”
NHTSA complaint #833027, filed 1999-01 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shifts on its own or drops out of overdrive
- 6 complaints (8%)
- typically at 5.1 yrs old
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–1999
Owners describe the automatic transmission shifting in and out of overdrive by itself, or suddenly dropping into low gear at highway speed, with the engine revving and the car slowing. In one account the car revved as if in neutral and then slammed into gear, and a transmission shop reported a broken overdrive snap ring and internal drum damage requiring a rebuild. Several owners say the condition was intermittent and that shops or dealers could not identify it on the first visit. Reports span normal highway and low-speed driving with no clear mileage pattern in the sampled complaints.
What to check: Road test at highway speed and watch for hunting between overdrive and high gear or unexplained downshifts; ask whether the transmission has been rebuilt or serviced and keep the fluid condition in mind.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving at <5 MPH (rush hour traffic), depressed accelerator and car reacted as if in neutral (revving, no movement), let off gas and tried again. Engine revved, slammed into gear and went approx. 30 ft. Occurred 3 more times and had to be towed. Transmission shop stated that overdrive snap ring broke inside main input drum assembly and the forward drum assembly blew up resulting in need to rebuild trans., replace all clutch plates and torque converter. …”
NHTSA complaint #702266, filed 1999-01“Automatic transmission appears to be in wrong gear, sounds like a vehicle with manual transmission traveling too fast in low gear, resulting in RPM needle rising and then dropping/lurching.”
NHTSA complaint #516878, filed 1997-05 - Brakes
Low or sinking brake pedal, longer stops
- 7 complaints (9%)
- typically at 4.7 yrs old
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–1997
Complaints describe the brake pedal traveling to the floor or feeling soft, with the car continuing to roll forward when the driver brakes. Some owners report rear ABS locking up, often in wet weather, and an ABS warning light staying on. In several cases the master cylinder was replaced, sometimes more than once, without the pedal problem going away. Reported across normal driving, several owners noting the condition in rainy weather.
What to check: Press and hold the pedal with the engine running to see whether it sinks; check the ABS light on startup and ask for service records on the master cylinder and ABS system.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When made attempt to stop, experience brake failure, pedal went to floor, then continued to roll forward, hitting another vehicle. Tt vehicle had been to dealer several times regarding brake problems prior to accident, dealer had replaced the master cylinder twice.”
NHTSA complaint #975327, filed 1995-11“While driving and coming to a complete stop the rear ABS brakes locked up, owner notes that this happens mostly in rainy weather; also, pedal goes to the floor.”
NHTSA complaint #806199, filed 1996-12 - Electrical system
Ignition switch sticks or shorts, dash and steering column
- 5 complaints (6%)
- typically at 8.0 yrs old
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2000
Complaints describe the ignition switch sticking in the start position so accessories stop working, or locking up so the car will not crank, with one dealer unable to determine the cause. Two owners report smoke or fire from the steering column or under the dash, in one case after the airbag light came on and the power windows and air conditioning stopped working. Reported on vehicles in everyday use; the sampled complaints give no consistent mileage or age pattern.
What to check: Turn the key through start and back to run several times to check that it releases cleanly, and ask whether the ignition switch or column wiring has ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Steering wheel column caught fire after noticing air bag light on, air conditioner quit working, power windows quit working, and the ignition wasn't working, took to dealer to fix, everything works except when the air conditioner is on it seems like something is getting hot.”
NHTSA complaint #554620, filed 2000-09“There is a short within the ignition switch, and ignition switch locks up. Consumer is unable to get the vehicle to start, and the dealer can't determine the cause of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #848560, filed 1999-09
Buying note. On a car this old, condition and service history matter more than the fault list: have the transmission, brakes, door hinges and rear axle area inspected before purchase, and confirm the hood latch campaign 92V070000 was performed or that the latch engages its secondary catch.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 38 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 78 consumer complaints for the 1992 Chrysler Lebaron. 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 96,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 11 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 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.
- Brakes12 15%
- Suspension11 14%
- Electrical system9 12%
- Air bags7 9.0%
- Fuel system6 7.7%
- Seats5 6.4%
- Body and structure5 6.4%
- Engine cooling3 3.9%
Also reported: Other or unknown (3), Equipment (2), Exterior lighting (2), Seat belts (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Steering (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Car under warranty when purchased. I was never notified of any of the problems listed on the defects listing. I replaced rear window motors, I replaced the transmission, I reparied the transmission, and the list goes on. What recourse do I have to recoup some of my expenses? I still own the car and drive it.”
NHTSA complaint #707615, filed 1999-06Brakes: “Going 45 MPH, coming upon stop light, lifted foot off accelerator pedal, & started braking, engine continued to race, tried lifting accelerator pedal which came up, pressed very hard on brakes (no ABS brakes) to stop. Took vehicle to dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #807406, filed 1997-01Suspension: “When you slow down my car maks a funny noise which is called a ratcheting sound when you come to a hault. A friend of mine had the samething wrong and other Chrysler Lebaron cars I have been next to at stop lights have made the same noise. It's something in the transmission. The rear of my car makes a real funny noise that sounds like the shocks have gone bad. In fact, we have replaced the rear shocks, and it still makes the noise. …”
NHTSA complaint #702505, filed 1999-01Electrical system: “Whenever driving the vehicle would stall out for no reason & without warning. Happens intermittently. Speed would vary. Was pumping accelerator to no avail. Had taken to dealership before & mechanic had changed fuel pump, computer chip anything else needed changing. Problem still exists. Vehicle back at dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #824184, filed 1998-06Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 96,000 and 96,000 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 1992 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 | 25 | 22 | $3,050 |
| LeBaron FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,900 |
| LeBaron FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 23 | 20 | $4,100 |
| LeBaron FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| LeBaron FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| LeBaron FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 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
- 92V070000May 13, 1992Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › LatchCovers: Chrysler Lebaron 1992
The hood latch assembly may not have been properly installed and the secondary hood latch may be prevented from engaging when the hood is closed.
- 92V015000Feb 14, 1992Steering › Steering wheel/handle barCovers: Chrysler Lebaron 1992, Dodge Caravan 1992, Plymouth Acclaim 1992 +10 more
The zinc plating operation performed on the upper steering column shaft coupling bolt caused hydrogen embrittlement and breakage of the bolt.
Recall details for the 1992 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 1992 Chrysler Lebaron?
Complaints on this model year cluster around the automatic transmission, which owners describe dropping out of overdrive or into low gear on its own, and around the brakes, where several owners report a low or sinking pedal and longer stopping distances. The issues reported most often: Broken door hinge and cracked rear axle or crossmember; Transmission shifts on its own or drops out of overdrive; Low or sinking brake pedal, longer stops.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1992 Chrysler Lebaron have?
NHTSA recorded 78 consumer complaints for the 1992 Chrysler Lebaron as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1992 Chrysler Lebaron is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 18 complaints (23% of the total), followed by brakes with 12.
Has the 1992 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 1992 Chrysler Lebaron get?
The EPA rates the 1992 Chrysler Lebaron (LeBaron, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1992 Chrysler Lebaron reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 96,000 miles and the middle half falls between 96,000 and 96,000 miles; 0% 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.