1988 Chrysler Lebaron 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. 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 1988 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.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1988 Chrysler Lebaron owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (6), Engine (6), Seat belts (6), Airbags (4), Body / structure (4).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/20/2000 · Fuel system
VEHICLE STALLS WHILE MAKING A LEFT TO RIGHT TURN IF GAS TANK IS SLIGHTLY BELOW THE 1/2 TANK MARK. DEALER HAS NO REMEDY & ADVISED CONSUMER TO KEEP THE GAS TANK FULL BECAUSE THE FUEL PUMP IS IN THE GAS TANK.*AK
12/06/1999 · Transmission / drivetrain
VEHICLE TRANS DISINGAGED AND BECAME AS IF DROPPED INTO NEUTRAL,WHILE DRIVING. TRANS WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN ANY GEAR. VEHICLE ROLLED WHEN IN PARK. VEHICLE NEEDED NEW TRANSMISSION AFTER ONLY 44,500 MILES. TRANS FAILURE WHILE IN GEAR COULD HAVE CAUSED ACCIDENT.
09/29/1999 · Steering
THE PAINT CHIPPED OFF MY CAR. THEN THE ENGINE BLEW FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THEN MY HEATER WENT OUT, BUT TO START WITH . WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR IT HAD A POWER STEERING LEAK WHICH WAS FIXED TWICE BUT STILL LEAKS. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AND THE TIMING BELT BLEW WHEN THE DELER PUT IN THE NEW TIMING BELT THE CRUISE CONTROL WENT OUT. THEY WANT TO FIX THING…
02/21/1999 · Airbags · crash
HIT GUARDRAILS, AIRBAG DEPLOYED SEVERELY BURNING NECK/ FACE/EAR AND BRUISING CHEST. *AK
12/10/1998 · Seat belts
PUSH BUTTON LOCKING MECHANISM ON THE DRIVER'S LAP AND SHOULDER BELT COMBINATION WOULD NOT UNLOCK, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BECOME TRAPPED IN THE SEAT WHICH RESULTED IN THE OCCUPANT CUTTING THE SEAT BELT OFF BEFORE EXITING THE VEHICLE. *AK *ML
11/24/1998 · Unknown Or Other
INSTRUMENT PANEL MALFUNCTIONED. *AK
06/12/1998 · Steering
STEERING COLUMN BROKE WHILE DRIVING. PLASTIC AROUND ADJUSTER BROKE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALERS. *AK
04/22/1998 · Body / structure
PAINT ON THE VEHICLE IS FADING AWAY. THERE ARE BIG WHITE PATCHES EVERYWHERE.