1983 Chrysler E class problems

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The Chrysler E-Class was a mid-size car produced by Chrysler. Introduced in 1983 on a stretched version of the Chrysler K platform, the E-Class was a less expensive, less equipped version of the similar 1983 New Yorker.

History

The Chrysler E-Class was targeted at those who wanted Chrysler luxury at a more affordable price than the flagship New Yorker. Due to this reason, the E-Class is the de facto replacement for the 1981 Newport, which had been Chrysler's cheaper, more basic version of the New Yorker. The E-Class was originally to be called the "Grand LeBaron", however Chrysler decided to name it "E-Class" in reference to the new E-platform.

The E-Class came with a number of features and options including a cassette player, split 50/50 front bench with middle seat mounted console, woodgrain interior trim, two-tone exterior paint, power window & door locks, and air conditioning. Engines were the 2.2 L naturally aspirated I4 and the Mitsubishi 2.6 L I4. 1984 saw the debut of fuel injection on the 2.2 L engine and an optional Garrett AiResearch T-03 turbocharger. Larger, wraparound tail lights were also added for 1984.

The E-Class however, was not a sales success. Sales of the more expensive New Yorker were nearly double the E-Class's sales for 1984. Its slow sales caused it to be dropped from Chrysler's lineup after only two years on the market. Rather than discontinue a lower-priced model to be sold on Chrysler-Plymouth lots, Chrysler gave the car a minor refreshment (it lost the waterfall grille and crystal pentastar hood ornament) and transferred it to Plymouth's lineup, where it became the Caravelle for 1985.

1983 Chrysler E class

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Common 1983 Chrysler E class problems

The Chrysler E Class, introduced in 1983, was a front-drive family sedan marketed against the Buick Century and Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. Despite having just been upgraded with new interior and exterior features, it did not sell in the numbers Chrysler had expected and was dropped at the end of the 1984 model year.

One common problem with the Chrysler E Class is the difficulty in finding a mechanic who can deal with its specific issues. This is due to the car's unique engineering and design, which may not be familiar to all mechanics.

Another issue that some owners have reported is the car's tendency to have electrical problems. This is particularly true of the 1985 model, which was plagued by electrical issues that often left the car stranded or in need of frequent repairs.

The E Class also had issues with its engines. The base engine was the workhorse Chrysler 2.2, which put out 99 horsepower. However, buyers could opt for the 140-horse turbo version or a carbureted 2.6-liter Mitsubishi four with 101 horses. These engines were known to have issues with reliability and performance, particularly in the 1983 and 1984 model years.

Finally, the E Class was marketed as a luxury car, but it did not always live up to this billing. Some owners have reported issues with the car's interior materials, which were not always of the highest quality. Additionally, the car's exterior design, while unique, was not always well-received by consumers.

In summary, the Chrysler E Class was a unique and innovative car for its time, but it was not without its problems. From electrical issues to engine reliability and luxury appointments, the E Class had its share of challenges. However, for those who are willing to deal with these issues, the E Class can be a rewarding and enjoyable car to own.

1983 Chrysler E class engine

What is the mpg on a 1983 Chrysler E Class?

Chrysler E Class - 1983-1985

The E Class came with a standard 2.2 liter four-cylinder (electronic feedback carburetor) and three-speed automatic in 1983; fuel economy was 24 city, 32 highway. The trunk was rated at 17 cubic feet.

What did Chrysler introduce in 1983?

The Minivan Formula

Ultimately, the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager debuted in 1983 as vehicles that friends and family conveniently stepped into, like a car, rather than climbing up and into a full-size van.

Was the Chrysler New Yorker a luxury car?

A trim level named the "New York Special" first appeared in 1938, while the "New Yorker" name debuted in 1939. The New Yorker helped define the Chrysler brand as a maker of upscale models that were priced and equipped to compete against upper-level models from Buick, Oldsmobile, and Mercury.

How long does e-class engine last?

Just doing a little Googling shows a Mercedes Benz E-Class can have a long lifespan around 250,000 mile range or more… How Long Does a Mercedes Last? | Reliability, Longevity & Maintenance Tips.

What is the mpg on a 1983 Chrysler E Class?

Chrysler E Class - 1983-1985

The E Class came with a standard 2.2 liter four-cylinder (electronic feedback carburetor) and three-speed automatic in 1983; fuel economy was 24 city, 32 highway. The trunk was rated at 17 cubic feet.

What did Chrysler introduce in 1983?

The Minivan Formula

Ultimately, the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager debuted in 1983 as vehicles that friends and family conveniently stepped into, like a car, rather than climbing up and into a full-size van.

Was the Chrysler New Yorker a luxury car?

A trim level named the "New York Special" first appeared in 1938, while the "New Yorker" name debuted in 1939. The New Yorker helped define the Chrysler brand as a maker of upscale models that were priced and equipped to compete against upper-level models from Buick, Oldsmobile, and Mercury.

Is E-class fuel efficient?

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class provides a fuel economy of 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, depending on driving conditions.

1983 Chrysler E class car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chrysler E class problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Structure problems
  • Suspension problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Chrysler E class vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1983 Chrysler E class complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Chrysler E class.

1996-05-15

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-01
  • VIN: 1C3BT46C0DC
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: K FRAME RUSTED THROUGH AFTER RECALL REPAIRS.
1996-05-15

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-15
  • VIN: 1C3BT46C0DC
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: FRONT STRUT LEAKING. *DH

1983 Chrysler E class recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1983 Chrysler E class.

1989-03-29
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
  • Summary: FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER MAY CORRODE AND FAIL AT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR PIVOT MOUNTS IF OPERATED WHERE SALT IS USED TO AID IN SNOW REMOVAL.
  • Consequence: CONTROL ARM COULD DETACH FROM THE CROSSMEMBER, ADVERSELYAFFECTING DIRECTIONAL STABILITY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: INSTALL ATTACHMENT REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS TO PREVENT CONTROL ARM DETACHMENT AS A RESULT OF CORROSION WEAKENING.
1982-12-09
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: HYDRAULIC BRAKE TUBING ROUTED TO THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BRAKE SYSTEM MAY HAVE BEEN BENT OUT OF SHAPE DURING ASSEMBLY AND COULD CHAFE AGAINST THE EXHAUST SYSTEM HANGER BOLT.
  • Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND RELOCATE TUBE, IF NECESSARY. A RETAINING CLIP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ENSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FOR THE TUBING; ANY DAMAGED TUBES WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.
1982-09-24
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
  • Summary: THE TRAVEL COMPUTER SYSTEM WIRING, ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, MAY BE IMPROPERLY CONNECTED. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO INTERNAL COMPONENTS.
  • Remedy: THE WIRING WILL BE RECONNECTED TO ENSURE PROPER FUNCTIONING OF IGNITION SYSTEM..
1982-09-22
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
  • Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRICAL FUEL FILLER DOOR RELEASE WHICH IS ACTIVATED THROUGH A COILED CURRENT CARRYING WIRE (A SOLENOID). A SHORT IN THE SOLENOID COULD CAUSE SPARKING AT THE ATTACHING SCREWS OF THE SOLENOID.
  • Remedy: A SOLENOID GROUND WIRE WILL BE INSTALLED, BY THE DEALER, TO PREVENT SPARKING OF SOLENOID.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1983 Chrysler E class problems:

1980-83 Chrysler Cordoba/Dodge Mirada Problems | Allpar Forums
1980-83 Chrysler Cordoba/Dodge Mirada Problems | Allpar Forums
https://www.allpar.com/threads/1980-83-chrysler-cordoba-dodge-mirada-problems.155950/

Jul 1, 2014 ... ... 1983-84 Chrysler E-Class, 1984-90 Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager/Chrysler Town & Country). 5. Even when big car sales recovered in 1983, and ...

How good was the 1983 Chrysler new Yorker? - Quora
How good was the 1983 Chrysler new Yorker? - Quora
https://www.quora.com/How-good-was-the-1983-Chrysler-new-Yorker

Apr 21, 2023 ... They both rode about the same since the E Class was a stretched version of the FWD K car and the Fifth Avenue was a luxury version of the ...

The Chrysler K-Car Club • View topic - So, what so bad about ...
The Chrysler K-Car Club • View topic - So, what so bad about ...
http://forum.chryslerkcar.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1897

Nov 16, 2009 ... Car Information: 1983 Chrysler E-Class. Top ... transmission on Chrysler ... Chrysler 2.6L engines with repeated jet valve burning problems.

What are some reasons why people bash the Chrysler Fifth Avenue ...
What are some reasons why people bash the Chrysler Fifth Avenue ...
https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-reasons-why-people-bash-the-Chrysler-Fifth-Avenue

Aug 14, 2023 ... Read up on the Ford Power Shift transmission issue ... They all carry on about Chrysler's quality problems ... Did the 1983 Chrysler E-class ride ...

Q&A: 1982 Chrysler LeBaron - Convertible, Caburated | JustAnswer
Q&A: 1982 Chrysler LeBaron - Convertible, Caburated | JustAnswer
https://www.justanswer.com/chrysler/47kdx-chrysler-lebaron-1982-chrysler-lebaron-caburated.html

Nov 11, 2010 ... 1983 Through 1985 Aries/Reliant/Dodge 400/600/LeBaron/ E-Class/Caravelle/ New Yorker Front Wheel Drive Vehicles Equipped With 2.6L Engine.

Other years of Chrysler E class

chrysler e class 1983 photo
E class 1983
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1983 Chrysler E class photo