The Chrysler NEWPORT spans 1981–1988 with 2 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. It delivers up to 18 mpg combined 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 NEWPORT is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 1988 across multiple generations.
How to read a Chrysler NEWPORT VIN — every digit explained
Every Chrysler NEWPORT 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 NEWPORT.
- 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 NEWPORT, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Chrysler NEWPORT have?
The Chrysler NEWPORT has 2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1988. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1981 Chrysler NEWPORT 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 NEWPORT
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Chrysler NEWPORT — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Chrysler NEWPORT problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Chrysler NEWPORT — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Chrysler NEWPORT specifications & dimensions
The 1981 Chrysler NEWPORT measures 220″ long on a 119″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,627 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 NEWPORT window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 220″ | 78″ | 54″ | 119″ | 3,627 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Chrysler NEWPORT cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the NEWPORT holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 99 cu ft of passenger volume and 16 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
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 NEWPORT 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 NEWPORT get?
The Chrysler NEWPORT returns up to 18 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $4,300/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1989 Chrysler NEWPORT (5.2L 8-cyl) gets 17 mpg combined and costs about $4,550/yr to fuel, emitting 523 g/mi CO₂ — about $11,750 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 NEWPORT | 15 | 20 | $4,550 | 523 | — | 5.2L 8-cyl | |
| 1988 NEWPORT | 16 | 21 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 5.2L 8-cyl | |
| 1987 NEWPORT | 15 | 20 | $4,550 | 523 | — | 5.2L 8-cyl | |
| 1986 NEWPORT | 15 | 20 | $4,800 | 555 | — | 5.2L 8-cyl | |
| 1985 NEWPORT | 15 | 20 | $4,550 | 523 | — | 5.2L 8-cyl | |
| 1984 NEWPORT | 14 | 18 | $4,150 | 592 | — | 5.2L 8-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the NEWPORT stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this NEWPORT's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Chrysler NEWPORT have? Power & range
The Chrysler NEWPORT is offered with 1 powertrain — 5.2L 8-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V8 | 5.2L · 8-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | RWD | Premium |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Chrysler NEWPORT cost to own?
A Chrysler NEWPORT 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 NEWPORT 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 NEWPORT loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $21,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the NEWPORT 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 NEWPORT safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the NEWPORT yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Chrysler NEWPORT last?
A well-maintained Chrysler NEWPORT 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 NEWPORT’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this NEWPORT’s VIN free →All Chrysler NEWPORT model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Chrysler NEWPORT — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 NEWPORT | 0 | — | |
| 1987 NEWPORT | 0 | — | |
| 1986 NEWPORT | 0 | — | |
| 1985 NEWPORT | 0 | — | |
| 1984 NEWPORT | 0 | — | |
| 1983 NEWPORT | 0 | — | |
| 1982 NEWPORT | 0 | — | |
| 1981 NEWPORT | 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 NEWPORT?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Chrysler NEWPORT.
How many recalls does the NEWPORT have?
2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–1988. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Chrysler recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the NEWPORT get?
Up to 18 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a NEWPORT last?
A well-maintained NEWPORT typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the NEWPORT reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the NEWPORT is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Chrysler NEWPORT 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 NEWPORT made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your NEWPORT'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 NEWPORT 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.