1981 Chrysler New yorker problems

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The Chrysler New Yorker is an automobile model produced by Chrysler from 1940 until 1996, serving for several decades as either the brand's flagship model or as a junior sedan to the Chrysler Imperial, the latter during the years in which the Imperial name was used within the Chrysler lineup rather than as a standalone brand.

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.

The New Yorker was Chrysler's most prestigious model throughout most of its run. Over the decades, it was available in several body styles, including sedan, coupe, and convertible.

Until its discontinuation in 1996, the New Yorker was the longest-running American car nameplate.

1981 Chrysler New yorker

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Common 1981 Chrysler New yorker problems

The Chrysler New Yorker, introduced in 1981, faced several common problems that were often cited by owners of this car. These issues are not only related to the car's design and performance but also to the company's financial situation and market positioning.

  • Design and performance: The 1981 New Yorker had a "me-too" design that resembled Ford and Mercury models, but it was longer and had more attractive proportions. However, the car's hidden headlights made the front end look mean, while the rear end was considered plain and fussy. The 318 V8 engine, which replaced the 360 V8 in 1980, was less powerful and reduced the top speed of the car, making it less appealing to law enforcement agencies.
  • Interior: The New Yorker's brougham interior was not well-received by some owners, who found it less attractive than more recent Chryslers. The interior design was criticized for being too generic and reminiscent of other cars from the era.
  • Quality and reliability: Chrysler's financial struggles and the company's focus on cost-cutting measures led to a perceived decline in quality and reliability. The R-body platform, which was used for the 1981 New Yorker, was criticized for its high number of defects, with an average of 11 issues per vehicle. This, combined with Chrysler's poor financial situation and the stigma of the company's struggles, negatively impacted sales of the New Yorker and its sibling, the Newport.
  • Market conditions and competition: The 1981 New Yorker faced stiff competition from General Motors' full-size offerings, which had scored a massive hit with buyers. Chrysler's inability to compete across a full line with Ford and GM, as well as the impact of the energy crisis and sky-high fuel prices, further hurt the New Yorker's sales prospects.

In summary, the Chrysler New Yorker 1981 faced a range of problems, including a lack of brand identity, design and performance issues, quality concerns, and market conditions that were unfavorable to full-size cars. These factors contributed to the car's poor sales performance and its eventual discontinuation in 1981.

1981 Chrysler New yorker engine

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.

What happened to the Chrysler New Yorker?

And the name quietly retired after 57 years in 1996.. This is a story of the Chrysler New Yorker. This is my old cars lose quiet ride. And so reliable it's protective for five years or 50 000 miles.

What engine is in a 1978 Chrysler New Yorker?

7.2-liter V8 engine

Under the hood, the 1978 New Yorker Brougham was powered by a 7.2-liter V8 engine, also known as the 440 cubic inch engine. This engine was paired with a three-speed automatic transmission and was capable of producing 195 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for the vehicle's size.

How much horsepower does a 1975 Chrysler New Yorker have?

Specifications for Chrysler New Yorker Brougham 2-door Hardtop 7.2 V8 TorqueFlite, 233hp, 1975 3-speed.

What happened to the Chrysler New Yorker?

And the name quietly retired after 57 years in 1996.. This is a story of the Chrysler New Yorker. This is my old cars lose quiet ride. And so reliable it's protective for five years or 50 000 miles.

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.

What engine is in a 1978 Chrysler New Yorker?

7.2-liter V8 engine

Under the hood, the 1978 New Yorker Brougham was powered by a 7.2-liter V8 engine, also known as the 440 cubic inch engine. This engine was paired with a three-speed automatic transmission and was capable of producing 195 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for the vehicle's size.

When was the first Chrysler New Yorker made?

The New Yorker was a series of luxury cars that for a large part of their pr... The Chrysler New Yorker was introduced for the 1940 model year. The New Yorker was a series of luxury cars that for a large part of their production run represented the top of the Chrysler model lineup.

1981 Chrysler New yorker car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Fuel system problems
  • Other problems
  • Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Chrysler New yorker vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1981 Chrysler New yorker complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Chrysler New yorker.

1999-10-22

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1989-06-30
  • VIN: 1C3BR57MXBA
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
  • Summary: 81 V 055 000 FUEL: CARBURETOR; VEHICLE EXPERINCING ON-GOING PROBLEM WITH CABURETOR FLOODING AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF MFR. RECALL.
1999-10-15

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-04-12
  • VIN: 1C3BR57MXBA
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CARBURETOR WENT OUT, AND THE VEHICLE WAS OVER FLOODING AND STALLING. ALSO,THERE WAS SOME TYPE OF KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. *AK

1981 Chrysler New yorker recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1981 Chrysler New yorker.

1981-09-22
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: THE AUTOMATIC SPEED CONTROL SWITCH MAY STICK IN THE "RESUME" POSITION RESTRICTING RETURN MOVEMENT. THIS WILL NOT ALLOW THE NORMAL BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION TO DEACTIVATE THE SYSTEM.
  • Remedy: THE SHIELD PORTION OF THE "RESUME" SLIDE LEVER IN THE SPEED CONTROL UNIT WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
1981-05-05
  • Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
  • Summary: ENGINE MAY LOSE POWER OR STALL DUE TO CARBURETOR FLOODING. THIS IS CAUSED BY A POOR ELECTRICAL GROUND ON THE CARBURETOR FUEL BOWL VENT SOLENOID. VEHICLES MAY ALSO HAVE DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS WHILE THE ENGINE IS WARMING UP IN COLD WEATHER. THESE PROBLEMS INCLUDE ENGINE MISSING, SAGS, AND HESITATION. THIS IS CAUSED BY A STICKING CARBURETOR OXYGEN FEEDBACK SOLENOID.
  • Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT CARBURETOR AND IF NECESSARY, THE BOWL VENT SOLENOID WILL BE REPAIRED BY RESOLDERING (RECONNECTING) THE EXTERNAL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION FREE OF CHARGE. IF APPLICABLE, THE OXYGEN FEEDBACK SENSOR WILL BE REPLACED.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1981 Chrysler New yorker problems:

This is my first car it's a 1975 Chrysler New Yorker and it's everything ...
This is my first car it's a 1975 Chrysler New Yorker and it's everything ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/classiccars/comments/156i3vo/this_is_my_first_car_its_a_1975_chrysler_new/

Jul 22, 2023 ... The car is in near mint condition with only a few problems like windshield wipers not working and the horn. ... common to improve performance on ...

Q&A: 1994 Chrysler New Yorker - Expert Answers for Your Queries
Q&A: 1994 Chrysler New Yorker - Expert Answers for Your Queries
https://www.justanswer.com/car/098dn-1994-chrysler-new-yorker-six-cylinder.html

Jun 19, 2006 ... We have and 1994 Chrysler, New Yorker six cylinder of which we have continuously had problems with ... auto repair since 1981 ... They said it is a ...

Cohort Pic(k)s of the Day: 1979-1981 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth ...
Cohort Pic(k)s of the Day: 1979-1981 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth ...
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/cc-cohort/cohort-picks-of-the-day-1979-1981-chrysler-new-yorker-fifth-avenue-edition-a-rare-sight/

Jan 14, 2021 ... Cohort Pic(k)s of the Day: 1979-1981 Chrysler New Yorker ... It's a car that was never a common sight ... In contrast, the problems that surfaced ...

1980 Chrysler New Yorker | Allpar Forums
1980 Chrysler New Yorker | Allpar Forums
https://www.allpar.com/threads/1980-chrysler-new-yorker.165507/

Aug 9, 2016 ... I'm pretty sure the 1981 Mirada had the insulator pad but my 1979 Cordoba does not (the 1979 Cordoba never had a computer problem either but ...

1982 Chrysler New Yorker Reviews - Carsurvey.org
1982 Chrysler New Yorker Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/chrysler/new_yorker/1982/

May 13, 2007 ... ... common problem with these cars). Engine leaks oil (needs new valve cover gaskets). General Comments: The Good: Couch-like seats with super ...

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