Why did my Chrysler Cordoba fail a smog check as a gross polluter?

Short answer: A 1970s Cordoba labeled a gross polluter usually needs a carburetor adjustment or rebuild, plus a full tune-up: plugs, filters, timing and PCV. If the rear end is sagging or scraping, check the rear leaf springs for a broken leaf.

Symptom: The car fails a smog check by a wide margin, or the rear sits low and scrapes.

What to check first

1. Do a full tune-up: plugs, wires, filters, PCV valve and timing.
2. Have a carb-savvy mechanic check the mixture and choke.
3. Look under the rear for a cracked or broken spring leaf.
4. Run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Likely causes

1. Carburetor running rich or out of adjustment. An old carburetor that's worn or poorly adjusted lets in too much fuel, pushing emissions way over the limit.
2. Overdue maintenance. Plugs, filters, PCV and ignition timing all affect emissions.
3. Ignition weakness. Weak spark leaves fuel unburned, which raises emissions.
4. Broken rear leaf spring. Leaf springs are stacked steel strips that hold up the rear. If one breaks, the back sags and can scrape.

What it usually costs

Owners didn't post prices.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Failing smog is a legal problem, not a safety one. A broken leaf spring affects handling and can let the axle shift. Fix it before driving much.

DIY or shop?

Tune-ups are DIY. Carb tuning on an emissions-era car is best left to an experienced mechanic. Spring leaf swaps are doable with care.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Related recalls: NHTSA lists carburetor recalls for some Cordobas: 78V020000 (1975-1977: a distorted accelerator pump seal can keep the pump from delivering enough fuel) and 81V055000 (1981: carburetor flooding from a poor ground on the bowl vent solenoid). If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 0 keyword-matched complaints for Chrysler Cordoba 1975–1983 (of 2 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-29; keywords: emission, smog, idle, stall, carburet, fuel) (NHTSA returned no data for 4 model-year queries). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In '77 Chrysler Cordoba - "Gross Polluter" on Car Talk, a 1977 Cordoba driven under 2,000 miles a year was labeled a gross polluter in California. Members said a carburetor adjustment or overhaul should fix it, to check all maintenance, and suggested having a good mechanic do it since causes range from weak ignition to the carb.
• In I have a 1978 chrysler cordoba on Car Talk, a 1978 Cordoba's rear end was dragging and scraping. A member said if the main leaf is broken it needs a new spring, and if a smaller leaf is broken a junkyard piece can replace it after loosening the U-bolts.

Quick tip

On a low-mileage car, emissions problems are usually adjustments, not worn-out engines.

Vehicle focus: Chrysler Cordoba, 1975-1983 (the threads cover a 1977 318 V8 and a 1978).

Safety / mechanic note

Suspension damage is a safety item. Verify with a mechanic.