Model year guide

1996 Chrysler LHS

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 Chrysler LHS is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.

1996 Chrysler LHS — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1996 Chrysler LHS at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints166

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1996 Chrysler LHS recalls 2

Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift NHTSA Campaign #04V021000 · manufacturer #C45 · 13/01/2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOAD-LIMITING PUSH ROD INTO THE FLOOR SHIFTER LEVER OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System NHTSA Campaign #98V184000 · 06/08/1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THE FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM CAN LEAK FUEL FROM SOME OF THE SEALING O-RINGS OR FROM HAIR LINE CRACKS IN THE THERMOSET FUEL INJECTION RAIL.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL O-RINGS AND REINFORCE THE OUTLET (PASSENGER) SIDE FUEL RAIL. VEHICLES SHOWING FUEL LEAKAGE ON THE OUTLET FUEL RAIL MUST HAVE THE OUTLET RAIL REPLACED WHICH INCLUDES CHANGING THE UPPER AND LOWER INJECTOR O-RINGS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RIN…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1996 Chrysler LHS common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 166 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1996 Chrysler LHS safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1996 Chrysler LHS 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

Dimensions & weight

Length
207.5 in
Width
74.8 in
Height
55.9 in
Wheelbase
113.0 in
Curb weight
3,596 lb
Front track
62.2 in
Rear track
62.2 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1996 Chrysler LHS. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 4

FUEL RAIL, BRAKE FLUID, CHASSIS Closed

ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2004, MR. ROBERT GALENTY OF ISELIN, NJ, PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1993-1997 VEHICLES PRODUCED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION. HIS PETITION IDENTIFIED THREE ISSUES OF CONCERN: 1) FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR RAILS; 2) BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE; AND 3) SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FRAME TO DAMAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE…

NHTSA #DP04007 · Structure, Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Oct 2004 · closed Oct 2004

AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK Closed

THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER¿S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED). THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS. THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION. THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN EL…

NHTSA #EA03011 · Power Train · opened Jul 2003 · closed Jan 2004

STEERING SYSTEM RACK AND PINION Closed

NHTSA #EA99031 · Steering · opened Oct 1999 · closed Sep 2001

STEERING SYSTEM RACK AND PINION Closed

SINCE OPENING THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE), ODI HAS RECEIVED 6 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS. DURING THE PE IT WAS DETERMINED MULTIPLE FAILURE MODES ARE INVOLVED IN THIS MATTER. THE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE IS HIGH FOR A STEERING SYSTEM CONCERN. THE ISSUES REPORTED INVOLVE PREMATURE WEAR OUT AT THE RACK AND PINION INTERFACE WITH THE INNER TIE ROD END(S), BINDING AND STICKING OF THE STEERING GEAR, CRACKED OR BROKEN TIE ROD ENDS…

NHTSA #PE99044 · Steering · opened Jun 1999 · closed Oct 1999

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 93

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 93.

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

Bulletin 08-049-20 · Electrical System, Equipment · Apr 2020

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Bulletin 31-003-19 · Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Bulletin 3100519 · Structure · Nov 2019

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Bulletin 3100619 · Structure, Equipment · Nov 2019

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Bulletin 3100319 · Structure · Nov 2019

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Bulletin 31-006-19 · Structure · Nov 2019

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary. When testing b…

Bulletin 0807317 · Equipment · Aug 2017

Return: Wiring Assy - Engine You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return stock packaged before 2016/07/31 (31 July, 2016)of follow ing part numbers:68176457AF, 68176459AF. Please return suspect pa…

Bulletin 23027 · Electrical System · Aug 2016

Inspect and Return: Trim Cover Assy - A-Pillar Rt/Lt You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part numbers: 1ZA04DX9AE, 1ZA05DX9AE. See attachments for identifying suspect stoc…

Bulletin 23137 · Equipment · Aug 2016

05182535AD - Lamp Assy ?Tail Light LT You have been identified as either having stock, or have stock in transit to your dealership. Please return suspect stock of part number 05182535AD . See attachments for identifying suspect stock. Please return suspect par…

Bulletin 23104 · Equipment, Exterior Lighting · Aug 2016

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the LHS. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1996 Chrysler LHS. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Other

On certain vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a floor-mounted shifter, the ignition-park interlock may become defeated and allow the shifter to be moved out of the Park position with the key removed. An inoperative interlock may also allow the key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the Park position. This may result in the vehicle rolling aw…

Transport Canada #2004003 · Jan 2004

Fuel System

NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5 LITRE ENGINE. THE FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM MAY LEAK FUEL FROM SOME OF THE SEALING "O-RINGS" OR FROM HAIRLINE CRACKS IN THE THERMOPLASTIC FUEL INJECTION RAIL. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE SUCH A CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. CORRECTION: THE NITRILE RUBBER "O-RINGS" WILL BE REPLACED WITH "O-RINGS" MADE OF AN IMPROVED MATERIAL. T…

Transport Canada #1998167 · Aug 1998

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Chrysler LHS

The Chrysler LHS is a full-size luxury four-door sedan that was produced by Chrysler for the 1994 through the 2001 model years, with a one-year hiatus for 1998. It replaced the Chrysler Imperial and the Chrysler Fifth Avenue as the division's flagship model. The LHS was rebadged as the Concorde Limited for the 2002 model year.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1996 Chrysler LHS trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl

1996 Chrysler LHS vehicles on record

Other Chrysler LHS model years

1996 Chrysler LHS — frequently asked questions

Does the 1996 Chrysler LHS have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1996 Chrysler LHS. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Chrysler LHS?

Across all 166 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are steering, fuel system, gasoline.

What is the 1996 Chrysler LHS safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1996 Chrysler LHS crash-test ratings of frontal 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.