1985 Chrysler Lebaron recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
6 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
What could happen: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POS…
The fix: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
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 1985 LEBARON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chrysler dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 08E033000.
- 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: SUSPENSION
Summary: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 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.
What could happen: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: RELOCATE PRESSURE REGULATOR; REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY WITH FORMED HOSE WITH REVISED ROUTING CONFIGURATION TO ENSURE SEALING INTEGRITY.
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 1985 LEBARON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chrysler dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 88V105000.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: 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.
Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, FUEL LEAKAGE COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: RELOCATE PRESSURE REGULATOR; REPLACE FUEL SUPPLY WITH FORMED HOSE WITH REVISED ROUTING CONFIGURATION TO ENSURE SEALING INTEGRITY.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L TURBO CHARGED ENGINE.
3. Seats
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. DRIVERS SEAT FRAME MAY EXPERIENCE FATIGUE FAILURE AT ONE (FRONT/OUTBOARD) OF ITS FOUR ATTACHMENTS.
What could happen: THIS COULD RESULT IN SOME FORWARD, BACKWARD OR LATERALMOVEMENT OF SEAT, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLEWHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT
The fix: REPLACE DRIVERS SEAT FRAME WITH A STRENGHTENED VERSION; ALSO, REINFORCE POWER ADJUSTER FRONT CROSSMEMBER TO INCREASE RIGIDITY OF SEAT ATTACHMENT SYSTEM.
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 1985 LEBARON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chrysler dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V011000.
- 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: SEATS
Summary: DRIVERS SEAT FRAME MAY EXPERIENCE FATIGUE FAILURE AT ONE (FRONT/OUTBOARD) OF ITS FOUR ATTACHMENTS.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN SOME FORWARD, BACKWARD OR LATERALMOVEMENT OF SEAT, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLEWHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT
Remedy: REPLACE DRIVERS SEAT FRAME WITH A STRENGHTENED VERSION; ALSO, REINFORCE POWER ADJUSTER FRONT CROSSMEMBER TO INCREASE RIGIDITY OF SEAT ATTACHMENT SYSTEM.
Notes: SYSTEM: SEATSVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTED BUCKET SEATS.
4. Seats
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. 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.
What could happen: SEAT FRAME COULD FRACTURE AND RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTREARWARD MOVEMENT OF THE SEAT BACK.
The fix: REPLACE FRAME WITH PROPER POWER SEAT FRAME.
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 1985 LEBARON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chrysler dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 88V061000.
- 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: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
Summary: 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.
Consequence: SEAT FRAME COULD FRACTURE AND RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTREARWARD MOVEMENT OF THE SEAT BACK.
Remedy: REPLACE FRAME WITH PROPER POWER SEAT FRAME.
Notes: SYSTEM: SEAT FRAME.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL POWER ADJUSTER BUCKETOR 50/50 FRONT SEATS.
5. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: INSTALLATION OF MISSING CENTER SEAT BELT WILL BE DONE WITHOUT CHARGE.
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 1985 LEBARON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chrysler dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V163000.
- 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: SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Summary: 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.
Consequence:
Remedy: INSTALLATION OF MISSING CENTER SEAT BELT WILL BE DONE WITHOUT CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL FRONT SEATCENTER CUSHION AND ARMREST.SYSTEM: INTERIOR SYSTEMS; SEAT BELTS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: PASSENGERS IN THE FRONT CENTER SEAT COULD BE INJURED INAN ACCIDENT WITHOUT THE PROTECTION OF THE REQUIRED SEAT BELT.
6. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: REPOSITION AND TIGHTEN TO THE PROPER TORQUE LEVEL OF THE FUEL HOSE CLAMP.
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 1985 LEBARON.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chrysler dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 85V010000.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: 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.
Consequence:
Remedy: REPOSITION AND TIGHTEN TO THE PROPER TORQUE LEVEL OF THE FUEL HOSE CLAMP.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH 2.2 LITER TURBO ENGINE. SYSTEM: FUEL HOSE.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1985 Chrysler Lebaron owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (5), Steering (2), Seat belts (2), Suspension (2), Electrical system (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)
06/05/2003 · Engine
THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AFTER BEING DRIVEN A SHORT DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS FOUR TIMES, AND NOW THE VEHICLE DOESN'T START AT ALL. *JB
01/31/2001 · Steering
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. *AK THE CONSUMER SUGGESTED THAT A PERMANENT FASTENING DEVICE BE USED INSTEAD OF BOLTS THAT BECOME LOOSE AND CAUSE STEERING FAILURE. *…
10/01/1999 · Unknown Or Other
RIGHT NOW, I CAN'T SAY IF THERE ARE ANY SERIOUS DEFECT- IM HAVING THE CAR LOOKED OVER BY A MECHANIC...BUT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS CAR WITH THIS VIN NUMBER RECIEVE SERVICE FROM CHRYSLER IN REGUARDS TO THE TSB & ANY RECALL NOTICES ISSUED. ANY INFORMATION WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. ALSO, IF THIS IS THE WRONG AREA OR IF YOUR DEPT. IS THE WRONG AGENCY TO…
09/21/1999 · Seat belts
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT SINCE PURCHASED. DEALER WILL NOT FIX PROBLEM. *YC
09/21/1999 · Engine
ENGINE GASKET VALVE COVER LEAKING. *YC
08/01/1997 · Engine · fire
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. *AK
09/23/1996 · Seat belts
THE PASSENGER'S AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT IS LOCKED, THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT UNLATCH. PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAIL INFORMATION.
09/03/1996 · Vehicle Speed Control
THE THROTTLE GOT STUCK AT 65MPH. PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION. *AK