AI Damage1985 Chrysler Lebaron: common problems
Owners of the 1985 Chrysler Lebaron filed 10 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and cooling and seat belts. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 10
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 40% of all complaints
- 2 Seat belts 20% of all complaints
- 3 Suspension 20% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 10% of all complaints
- 5 Steering 10% of all complaints
- 6 Structure 10% of all complaints
- 7 Vehicle speed control 10% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 4 complaints (40% of all).
- Seat belts: 2 complaints (20% of all).
- Suspension: 2 complaints (20% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (10% of all).
- Steering: 1 complaints (10% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.2 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 2.2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- 2.6 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 3-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 10 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
The consumer suggested that a permanent fastening device be used instead of bolts that become loose and cause steering failure.
Driver's side seat belt will not retract since purchased. Dealer will not fix problem.
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.
The passenger's automatic seat belt is locked, the seat belt will not unlatch. Please give more detail information.
The throttle got stuck at 65mph. Please give more detailed information.
Consumer was driving stoped on highway and the rear frame broke almost causing and accident . Weld broke rear axle attachment to frame the axle came loose from vehicle, the weld broke.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 10,921 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 30% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Lebaron has 32 complaints (20 years in the data). This year has 10, below average.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Seat belts. Belt pretensioners after airbag deployment, SRS codes.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Chrysler Lebaron?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine and cooling, seat belts, suspension. Total complaints: 10. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: seat belts (20%), smoke, burning smell, fire (20%), steering or power steering problems (10%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1985 Chrysler Lebaron?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1985 Chrysler Lebaron from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1985 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.