The Chrysler Cordoba spans 1981–1983 with 3 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1982, 1983, 1981 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1981, 1983, 1982. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Chrysler Cordoba is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1983 across multiple generations.
How to read a Chrysler Cordoba VIN — every digit explained
Every Chrysler Cordoba carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Chrysler and the country it was built in (real Chrysler codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Cordoba.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- Mexico3A3 · 3A4 · 3A7 · 3A8 · 3B4 · 3B5
- Canada2B1 · 2BA · 2V8 · 2XM
- GermanyWCD · WD6 · WDR · WDY
- USA1VH · WD2 · WD5
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Cordoba, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Chrysler Cordoba have?
The Chrysler Cordoba has 3 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1983. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1982 Chrysler Cordoba recalls 1
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. THE SHIELD PORTION OF THE "RESUME" SLIDE LEVER IN THE SPEED CONTROL UNIT WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
1981 Chrysler Cordoba recalls 2
Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. THE SHIELD PORTION OF THE "RESUME" SLIDE LEVER IN THE SPEED CONTROL UNIT WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
Fuel System, Gasoline:carburetor System
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
Best and worst years for the Chrysler Cordoba
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 3 tracked years, the worst years are 1982, 1983, 1981 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1981, 1983, 1982.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 Cordoba | — | Avoid | |
| 1982 Cordoba | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 1983 Cordoba | — | Avoid |
What are the most common Chrysler Cordoba problems?
The most-reported Chrysler Cordoba problems are Engine And Engine Cooling (1 reports) — out of 1 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Chrysler Cordoba specifications & dimensions
The 1981 Chrysler Cordoba measures 210″ long on a 113″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,400 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Chrysler Cordoba window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 210″ | 73″ | 53″ | 113″ | 3,400 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Chrysler Cordoba cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Cordoba holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Chrysler Cordoba tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Chrysler Cordoba get?
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What engines does the Chrysler Cordoba have? Power & range
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How much does a Chrysler Cordoba cost to own?
A Chrysler Cordoba tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Check what a used Cordoba is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Cordoba loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Cordoba ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Chrysler Cordoba safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Cordoba yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Chrysler Cordoba last?
A well-maintained Chrysler Cordoba typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Chrysler Cordoba’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Cordoba’s VIN free →All Chrysler Cordoba model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Chrysler Cordoba — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 Cordoba | 0 | — | — |
| 1982 Cordoba | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1981 Cordoba | 2 recalls | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Cordoba?
By owner-complaint volume, 1982, 1983, 1981 drew the most reports. 1981, 1983, 1982 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Cordoba have?
3 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1983. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Chrysler recalls and reliability across every model.
How many miles does a Cordoba last?
A well-maintained Cordoba typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Cordoba reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Cordoba is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Chrysler Cordoba warranty?
New Chrysler models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Chrysler dealer.
Where is the Chrysler Cordoba made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Cordoba's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Chrysler may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Cordoba have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.