1996 Chrysler LHS problems
Owners have filed 185 complaints about the 1996 Chrysler LHS with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 31.4% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of fuel system, gasoline at 11.9%.
Complaints185
Crashes17
Fires9
Injuries19
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 31.4% · 58
Fuel system, gasoline 11.9% · 22
Service brakes, hydraulic 8.1% · 15
Suspension 7.6% · 14
Engine and engine cooling 7.0% · 13
Power train 6.5% · 12
Structure 5.4% · 10
Air bags 4.9% · 9
Severity
Of those complaints, 17 describe a crash, 9 describe a fire and 19 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 6 model years of the Chrysler LHS in this data, 1996 draws comparatively few complaints; 1994 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 9 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 111,000 miles.
In owners' own words
While driving at a low speed in a parking garage the steering failed and the vehicle could not be turned in either direction. The dealer determined that two half-inch bolts for the inner tie rod broke in the steering rack. The dealer replaced the steering rack and inner tie rod bushing. The consumer has the parts in his possession. *Ak Steering · reported at 133,294 miles
Vehicle experienced steering wheel failure.*Mr (NAR) while driving both tie rod bolts broke. This caused the vehicle to continue on a straight path although the consumer was turning the wheel. The consumer feels that since the manufacturer knew about the faulty component that they should reimburse her for the amount of the repair. Steering
1996 Chrysler LHS, loose steering. Discovered steering at risk of total failure, tie rod/rack & pinion bushing completely disintegrated. If not discovered in time, could have caused complete failure of steering due to bolt shearing, perhaps causing fatal or at the very least, extremely injurious accident.. Steering · reported at 116,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…