1C3CJ51E0HG1204851987 CHRYSLER LeBaronLX
1987 CHRYSLER LeBaron was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 62 owner complaints include 3 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
1987 CHRYSLER LeBaron
1987 CHRYSLER LeBaron was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 62 owner complaints include 3 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 3 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- 3 injuries reported across 62 owner complaints
- Common owner-reported issues: fire, overheating
- Fuel System is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
62 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (31%), Fuel System (19%), Safety Systems (15%). Common issues: fire, overheating. 5 crashes reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- CHRYSLER
- Model
- LeBaron
- Year
- 1987
- Trim / Series
- LX
- Body Style
- Coupe
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 2.2L
- Doors
- 2
- Manufacturer
- FCA US LLC
- Assembly
- FENTON, MISSOURI, UNITED STATES (USA)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: FENTON, MISSOURI
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Fuel system recall
- ▸8 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.
Owners of the 1987 CHRYSLER LeBaron report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 1987 CHRYSLER LeBaron report fuel system issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 1987 CHRYSLER LeBaron report safety systems issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
A snapped timing belt causes immediate, catastrophic engine damage — bent valves, destroyed pistons. No warning. Replace before the interval, not after.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
3 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 3 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 3 recalls is ~66%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
CHRYSLER has a below-average recall completion rate (82%). Open recalls on this vehicle may go unaddressed longer than average (~23 months). Verify completion before purchase.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~23 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
SUSPENSION
SummaryFEDERAL 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.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
SummaryDRIVERS FLOORMAT MISPOSITIONED SUCH AS TO INTERFERE WITH ACCELERATOR PEDAL.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
SummaryFUEL 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.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix
RECALL DIDN'T FIX ITOwner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components
100% of complaints about "FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE" were filed AFTER recall campaign 88V105000 (1988-01-07) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
Complaint Intelligence
62 complaints analyzed across 9 system categories
Engine And Engine Cooling leads owner complaints (27%), most reported when the vehicle was 6–8 yrs old. Also common: Fuel System (19%), Gasoline (19%).
Based on 42 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (0) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.
31% of complaints filed in Oct & Apr — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME62 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, SMOKE BEGAN TO APPEAR FROM RIGHT DRIVER SIDE, ONCE THE TURN WAS MADE MORE SMOKE BEGAN TO BUILD UP. VEHICLE PULLED INTO PRIVATE PROPERTY WERE FLAMES BEGAN TO BECOME APPARENT ON DRIVER SIDE, FLAMES BEGAN TO MOVE TOWARDS PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO ASSIST IN EXTINGUISH FLAMES. ONCE THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT, EXTENSIVE DAMAGE WAS SEEN ON DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE WHERE A MAJORITY OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM(ALTERNATOR POWER REGULATOR, BATTERY) IS LOCATED, FIRE PROGRESSED TOWARD ALT, POWER STEER, COMPRESSOR WHERE IT SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE BUT NOT EXTENSIVE NEAR ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. PRIOR TO FIRE/SMOKE, ENGINE OPERATIONS WAS NORMAL, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, NO CHECK OIL LIGHT, NO OVERHEATING, NO POWER LOSS, VEHICLE PERFORMED WELL UP INTO THE FIRE BEGAN TO SPREAD AND FURTHER DAMAGE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. LOUD POPPING SOUND WAS HEARD AT THE START OF THE FIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR
ON MONDAY, JULY 22, 2002, APPROXIMATELY 6:00PM, AFTER RETURNING HOME FROM LIMA, OHIO RETURNING TO MY HOME IN LAKEVIEW, OHIO, I PROCEEDED TO UNLOAD MY 3 GRANDCHILDREN AND TWO CHILDREN AND MYSELF INTO THE HOUSE. WHEN PUTING AWAY THE GROCERIES, WITHIN A MATTER OF SECONDS, WE ALL HEARD TWO BOOMS AND LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW OF THE KITCHEN AND SAW MY 1987 CHRYSLER LEBARON ENGOLFED IN SMOKE, COULD NOT EVEN SEE ANY FLAMES AT THIS TIME BECAUSE OF ALL THE SMOKE. ALL THE CHILDREN (5) AND MYSELF HAD TO EVACUATE MY HOME BECAUSE OF ALL THE SMOKE AND FUMES, RAN DOWN THE STREET, SOMEONE DOWN THE STREET CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND THEN WHEN I COULD GET TO A PHONE, I DID. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CHIEF INDICATED THAT THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO A CAR THAT WAS ABOUT TWO BLOCKS OVER, WAS THE SAME YEAR AND EVERYTHING. THE CHIEF ALSO SAID THAT HE HEARD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. PLEASE E-MAIL ME BACK ASAP ABOUT ANY INFORMATION YOU MAY HAVE ON THIS. IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED, AND PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS AND CALL ME AT THE HOME NUMBER INDICATED OR EMAIL MY DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AT THE EMAIL ADDRESS INDICATED.*JB
CONSUMER CAN SMELL FUMES.THERE'S MANUFACTURER'S RECALL # 480 FOR FUEL INJECTOR FAILURE. *AK THE DEALER POINTED OUT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE BUT COULD FIX THE PROBLEM IF THE CONSUMER PAYS. *YH
DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT LATCHES WILL NOT GO INTO THE BUCKLE ASSMEBLY, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
CAR SOLD TO ME WITH A CRACKED/BROKEN FRAME, INFORMED BY RELIABLE SOURCES THAT SALE WAS ILLEGAL. *AK
ENGINE FAILED RESULTING IN FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). MJS
STEERING FAILED,RESULTING IN A CRASH / UNABLE TO DIRECT VEHICLE. *AK
WHILE LOOKING OVER THE ENGINE NOTICED THAT TIMING BELTS WAS WORN OUT. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. OUTSIDE EDGE OF BELT IS EATEN AWAY BY LIP ON TENSION PULLEY UNTIL BELT IS DESTROYED. *ADJ
PAINT ON THE CARS' ROOF AND TRUNK IS SEVERLY ASHY WHITE AND PEELING. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH LEBARONS AROUND THE SAME YEAR. MINE IS A 87. POSSIBLE BAD BINDER IN THE PAINT, BAD PRIMER, OR MOISTURE DURING SETUP IS THE CAUSE. WILL THE COMPANY FIX THIS PROBLEM? IT'S A BEAUTIFUL STYLE CAR AND THE PAINTS APPEARANCE REALLY HURTS IT. THANKYOU. *AK
WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. POSSIBLE CAUSES OF FAILURE INCLUDE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY AND LINES, AND IGNITION COIL, ALL OF WHICH WERE REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED. *AK *ML
HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT, REASON UNKNOWN. CONSUMER BELIEVED THIS CONDITION OCCURRED DUE TO DEFECTIVE ENGINE HEAD. DEALER/MFR. NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK
IGNITION KEY CAN BE REMOVED WITHOUT BEING IN PARK.
TRANSMISSION FAILED.
RADIATOR FAILED.
TIMING BELT FAILED.
POWER STEERING GEAR BOX FAILED.
FUEL PUMP FAILED.
AIR CONDITIONING MOTOR FAILED.
RADIO FAILED.
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARMENT. CONSUMER STATED THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.*AK
ENGINE SHUTS DOWN.
FUEL FILTER REPLACED.
FUEL PUMP REPLACED.
PICKUP COIL FAILED.
WHILE DRIVING SLAMMED ON BRAKES, HEARD LOUD POP, CHECKED VEHICLE, LEFT WHEEL WAS LEANING, FRAME CRACKED, ACCORDING TO WELDING SHOP, FACTORY WELD ON FRAME WAS BROKE, COULD HAVE CAUSED CRASH. *AK
FUEL LEAKAGE.
A/C CONDENSOR REPLACED.
DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE VEHICLE STALLED AT 55 MPH DUE TO SHORT IN FUEL PUMP. *AK
CRUISE CONTROL ONLY DISENGAGES WHILE FOOT IS ON BRAKE PEDAL, WHEN FOOT IS REMOVED FROM BRAKES, CRUISE CONTROL REENGAGES.
STEERING WHEEL LOOSE.
HEAD GASKET REPLACED.
BRAKES LOCKED AND SENT OWNER THRU TWO LANE OF TRAFFIC.
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CONSUMER BEGIN TO SMELL SMOKE THRU THE VENTS-PULLED OVER STOP CAR -PULLED THE HOOD AND AUTO WAS BURNING.-THEN CALLED 911. *AK
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED ENGINE FIRE. *DSH
CAUGHT FIRE AND IS COMPLETELY BURNED.PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
ENGINE OVERHEATED, CAUSING A FIRE. *SD
ENGINE OVERHEATED, CAUSING A FIRE. *SD
STEEL SEAT FRAME HAS BROKEN, EQUIPPED WITH POWER SEATS. TT *JB
TRANSMISSION FAILED.
ENGINE FAILED. *DSH
OIL PAN GASKET LEAKED.
EA91-010 THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SOMEIMES GOES INTO PARK, CAN'T GET IT OUT . *AK
SHOULDER BELT TIGHTENS AT WILL. *AK
THE DRIVER SIDE SHOULDER BELT DOESN'T LOCK ON IMPACT . TT
THE ELECTRONIC DIGITAL DASH GOES OUT AND WHEN IT DOES YOU CAN NOT READ SPEEDOMETER AND THE ODOMETER ARE AFFECTED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SIDE SEAT BELT FAILURE, UNABLE TO LATCH OR UNLATCH SEAT BELT. *AK
HAS A DISINTEGRATING STEERING COLUMN AND IT BREAKS INTERNALLY. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND CAR ACCELERATE AND LOST CONTROL CONSUMER HIT A POLE MANUFACTURER TOOK BACK CAR A MONTH LATER RECEIVE RECALL #87V107000 THIS PROBLEM.
DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT FAILED TO WORK. TT
DRIVER'S SHOULDER BELT FAILED TO HOLD DRIVER SECURE DURING ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURY. *SKD
WEBBING OF SEAT BELT IN DOOR MECHANISM BUTTON WILL NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. TT
MANIFOLD AIR PRESSURE/MAP SENSOR FAILS WITH VEHICLE NOT STARTING OR ROUGH ENGINE RIDE OR IDLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN CAME LOOSE. TT
DURING HEAD ON ACCIDENT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. NO AIR BAG INSTALLED. TT
INTERMITTENT STALLING. *AK
REPLACED FUEL FILTER.
REPLACED FUEL INJECTOR.
INTERMITTENT STALLING, ALSO REPLACED TIMING BELT/REAR CAM PLUG/RESEALED VALVE COVER/NOISY ENGINE. *AK
NOISY BRAKES.
REPLACED IGNITION/DISTRIBUTOR/COIL.
REPLACED OXYGEN SENSOR.
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Valve and piston damage — timing chain/belt failure causes immediate catastrophic engine damage at any speed
▸ Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 62 total NHTSA complaints filed over 10 years, with the worst year being 1995 (21 complaints, including 3 crash reports).
The amber reliability line averaged 99/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 90/100 in 1999.
Notably, despite 62 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 3 years (1995, 1999, 2000) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $45,614 (~$760/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 1987 CHRYSLER LeBaron — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
CHRYSLER has been fined $105M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to conduct timely recalls on 23 campaigns.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 1C3CJ51E0HG120485 |
| Model Year | 1987 |
| Make | CHRYSLER |
| Model | LeBaron |
| Trim | LX |
| Series | Premium |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Displacement (L) | 2.2 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | FCA US LLC |
| Assembly City | FENTON |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 1C3 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 0 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | H |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | G |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 120485 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 3 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 62 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 11/1/2026, 2:01:08 PM.