1991 Dodge Stealth

Introduction

The 1991 Dodge Stealth is a Japanese-built sports car that was the result of a joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi. It was sold in the United States from 1991 to 1996 and was available in a variety of trim levels and engine configurations. The base model was powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produced 164 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. The R/T model was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produced 300 horsepower and 303 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

People like the 1991 Dodge Stealth for its sleek styling, powerful engine, and sporty handling. However, the car has also been criticized for its cramped interior, poor fuel economy, and lack of reliability.

Engine

3.0-liter V6

• Blown head gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 98V101000
• Timing belt failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, no start, bent valves
  • Solution: Replace the timing belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft position sensor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, no start, intermittent starting problems
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0-liter Twin-Turbocharged V6

• Turbocharger failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, blue smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intercooler leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, high boost pressure
  • Solution: Replace the intercooler
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel injector failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, poor fuel economy
  • Solution: Replace the fuel injectors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

• Synchronizer failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises
  • Solution: Replace the synchronizers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, delayed engagement, hard shifting
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque converter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, transmission overheating
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front strut failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise from the front suspension, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace the front struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear shock absorber failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise from the rear suspension, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery drain
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine fails to crank
  • Solution: Replace the starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead after sitting for a period of time
  • Solution: Find and fix the source of the drain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Clear coat peeling
  • Description/Symptoms: Clear coat on the paint flakes off
  • Solution: Repaint the vehicle
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight fogging
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights become foggy or cloudy
  • Solution: Replace the headlights
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Switch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Switches for the windows, locks, or lights fail to work
  • Solution: Replace the faulty switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Cruise control failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Cruise control does not work
  • Solution: Replace the cruise control module
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1991 Dodge Stealth is a fun and sporty car to drive, but it is also known for its reliability issues. The most common problems with the Stealth are related to the engine, transmission, and electrical system. These issues can be expensive to fix, so it is important to weigh the costs of potential repairs against the benefits of owning a Stealth before purchasing one.