Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Chrysler LHS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The vehicle had a recall on the fuel rail which was repaired in 1999 by previous owner. Its blowing fuel onto the motor again. The same issue . It has 130K miles on it. When our mechanic looked at it we saw it was the same issue as the previous recall. The parts places we called said they do not sell the the recall kits to take to dealership. Called dealership spoke with manager. They said the recall kits are in detroit and since the recall. L hs been repaired once it cant be repaired again. We called manufacturer. They said to go to a scrap yard to get part or call back dealership and advise them to order the kit and re do it and theres also another recall on it currently amd forbthe dealership to honor that recall also. We called back dealership and are currently waiting on a decision. They said they would get back to us today. We havent heard back. This is my only work vehicle. …
While driving 10 MPH consumer was informed that vehicle was on fire. The consumer smelled fuel, and noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The consumer pulled over, and noticed that fluid was leaking from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the fuel rail o-rings needed to be replaced.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Chrysler LHS. The contact noticed a leak and smelled gasoline coming from the vehicle. The dealer stated that the leak originated from the fuel pump and that her VIN was included in NHTSA campaign id number 98V184000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system). The dealer called the manufacturer and they stated that the parts were no longer available for the recall repair. The vehicle is currently in the shop for repair. Updated 02-25-08 the o-rings and fuel rails were replaced. Updated.
Dt*: the contact stated while the heater was on, there was an odor of fuel. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, where it was determined the fuel rail cracked on the passenger side. There was a recall for the fuel injection system, #98V184000, performed on the vehicle in February 1999. The dealership determined the crack was not in the same location specified as the recall.
Recall 98V184000 concerning fuel leakage. Consumer smelled a strong gasoline odor while driving 35-40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that the o-rings cracked and leaked fuel onto the engine. Consumer contacted the manufacturer. A manufacturer's representative informed the consumer that this vehicle was not covered under the recall.
Petition for investigation of 1996 Chrysler LHS defective fuel rails. Petition is to also investigate the ABS and the frame construction/alignment. The vehilce's windshiled exploded on the driver's side below the windshield wipers. The vehicle's fuel rails leaked gasoline. The brake fluid in the master cylinder was contaminated.
Received a recall on the fuel injection o-rings. Prior to receiving the recall vehicle caught on fire. The dealer claims that they fixed all components that caused the fire . Consumer insisted that vehicle's condition worsened after the dealer fixed vehicle. Manufacturer has been notified.
While driving the consumer smelled fuel coming from the rear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection numerous times. The mechanic could not duplicate the problem at this time. Please provide further details.
On 15 nov 2003, my 1996 Chrysler LHS, VIN [redacted], started smelling of gas while I was waiting at an intersection. After driving to a nearby lot, I determined that fuel was leaking on top of the engine, around the fuel injector rails. Didn't want to drive it, so I parked it and called my auto service for a tow to a las vegas precision tune autocare that I've used for vehicle maintenance. They confirmed the fuel rail assembly was leaking and needed replaced. Injector base gasket, injector o-rings, plum gasket and injector rail assembly was replace for $540.72 equipment, $337.12 labor, shop supplies $34.55, and tax $43.14 for a total of $955.54. Upon filing my maintenance records I found an earlier daimler Chrysler safety recall to replace fuel rail o-rings and reinforce the fuel outlet rail, recall 790. I had a virginia chrylser dealer accomplish the recall corrections on 23 April 99. …
Vehicle would stall out while driving at highway speeds. Sometimes vehicle could be restarted after stalling out. Took vehicle to dealership, but mechanic could not resolve problem. Dealer stated to consumer stalling could be related to the fuel pump, however if they could not find the problem, the consumer would be charged. Vehicle intermittently will not start, it will crank but it will not start, after letting it sit for an hour or two it will start.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
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.
Remedy: 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…
NHTSA investigations
Fuel rail, brake fluid, chassis
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…
Fuel System complaints in other LHS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1996 Chrysler LHS?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1996 Chrysler LHS, 18% of the model year's 135 complaints. The component named most often is fuel injection system (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chrysler LHS fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-184 (fuel injection system, Aug 6, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Chrysler LHS fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.