1988 Chrysler Fifth Avenue recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESS FUSIBLE LINK WIRES MAY BE TRAPPED UNDER THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO BRACKET.
What could happen: TRAPPED WIRES MAY EVENTUALLY CAUSE A HIGH RESISTANCEELECTRICAL SHORT THAT CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: FREE ANY TRAPPED WIRING; THEN SECURE WIRING WITH A TIE STRAP TO KEEP AWAY FROM SPEED CONTROL BRACKET.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 FIFTH AVENUE.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chrysler dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V164000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRING HARNESS FUSIBLE LINK WIRES MAY BE TRAPPED UNDER THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO BRACKET.
Consequence: TRAPPED WIRES MAY EVENTUALLY CAUSE A HIGH RESISTANCEELECTRICAL SHORT THAT CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: FREE ANY TRAPPED WIRING; THEN SECURE WIRING WITH A TIE STRAP TO KEEP AWAY FROM SPEED CONTROL BRACKET.
Notes: SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL/ENGINE WIRING HARNESS.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 1988 Chrysler Fifth Avenue owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (3), Fuel system (2), Gasoline (2), Wheels / tires (1), Engine (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
08/29/2000 · Wheels / tires
PE00020; TIRE TREAD SEPARATION: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65/70 TREAD ON THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE CAME OFF. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE, DRIVE TO PEP BOYS WERE THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AT HIS EXPENSE. TIRE SIZE P205/75R15, WITH 30,000 MILES. TIRES ON A 88, CHRYSLER, 5TH AVENUE. TREAD CAME OFF THE REAR TIRE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IN NOVEMBER OF 1999. *AK
07/10/2000 · Fuel system
GAS LINES WERE REPLACED DUE TO BEING SEVERELY RUSTED. *SLC
07/10/2000 · Transmission / drivetrain
TRANSMISSION COOLANT LINES WERE REPLACED DUE TO BEING SEVERELY RUSTED. *SLC
07/10/2000 · Engine
OIL PAN IS SEVERLY RUSTED. *SLC
09/27/1999 · Fuel system
REEVS AS IF IN PASSING GEAR AND WILL NOT SHUT OFF.
08/30/1995 · Electrical system
SPARK PLUGS FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO HESITATE/MISFIRE.
08/30/1995 · Latches / locks
HATCH LATCH FAILED, CAUSING REAR DOOR TO FLY OPEN. *AK
08/30/1995 · Transmission / drivetrain
TRANSMISSION SLIPS IN/OUT OF OVERDRIVE.