1991 Chrysler Spirit

Introduction

The 1991 Chrysler Spirit is a midsize sedan that was offered with two engine options: a 2.5L V6 and a 3.0L V6. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Spirit was praised for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, but it received criticism for its lack of power and poor fuel economy.

Engine

2.5L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

3.0L V6

• Engine Knock
  • Description/Symptoms: Knocking sound from the engine
  • Solution: Replace the connecting rod bearings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, no power
  • Solution: Replace the timing belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission struggles to engage gears
  • Solution: Replace the transmission fluid and filter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission overheats, car lurches or stalls
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Bearing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace the strut mount bearings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery drains quickly, dim headlights
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Starter Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start
  • Solution: Replace the starter solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Interior

• Cruise Control Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Cruise control won’t engage
  • Solution: Replace the cruise control switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows don’t work
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Exterior

• Body Panel Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on body panels
  • Solution: Rust repair or replacement of damaged panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of damage

Summary

The 1991 Chrysler Spirit is a reliable vehicle with some common issues. The most severe and expensive issues are the engine knock and timing belt failure on the 3.0L V6 engine. Overall, the cost of repairs for the Spirit is reasonable, and most issues can be resolved for less than $500.