2001 Chrysler Concorde
Here’s a breakdown of common problems reported for the 2001 Chrysler Concorde, categorized for your website.
The 2001 Chrysler Concorde is a full-size sedan known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It was offered with two engine options: a 2.7L V6 producing 202 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.2L V6 producing 225 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the car’s roomy cabin and smooth highway cruising, but common complaints include electrical issues, particularly with the instrument cluster, and some reliability concerns with the smaller 2.7L engine. The 3.2L Engine is overall more reliable than the 2.7L.
Engine
2.7L V6
- Sludge Buildup and Engine Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The 2.7L V6 engine is prone to sludge buildup due to its oiling system design. This can lead to oil starvation, overheating, and ultimately, engine failure. Symptoms include a knocking sound from the engine, low oil pressure warning light, and eventually, complete engine seizure.
- Solution: Regular oil changes using high-quality synthetic oil and shorter intervals can help mitigate this issue. If sludge has already formed, engine flushing may provide temporary relief, but engine replacement or rebuild is often the only permanent solution.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+ (engine replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Water Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The water pump is located inside of the engine and can be prone to failure. Symptoms include overheating, coolant leaks, and a whining noise coming from the engine.
- Solution: Water pump replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
3.2L V6
- No Issues Found
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic (42LE)
- Erratic Shifting / Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: The 42LE transmission can experience erratic shifting patterns, slipping between gears, and delayed engagement. This may be caused by a failing transmission solenoid pack or worn internal components.
- Solution: Diagnosing the root cause is essential. A transmission flush and filter change may help in some cases. If the solenoid pack is faulty, it should be replaced. For more severe issues, a transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 (solenoid pack replacement), $1,500 - $3,000+ (transmission rebuild/replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Worn Struts and Shocks
- Description/Symptoms: Over time, the struts and shocks can wear out, leading to a bouncy ride, poor handling, and increased body roll during cornering.
- Solution: Replace the worn struts and shocks. It’s often recommended to replace them in pairs (front or rear) for balanced performance.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (per axle)
- Recalls: None Found
- Broken Sway Bar Links
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when driving over bumps.
- Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Instrument Cluster Problems
- Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster is known to have issues, including flickering lights, inaccurate readings (speedometer, fuel gauge), and complete failure. This can be due to faulty soldering or components within the cluster.
- Solution: Sometimes resoldering the connections within the cluster can fix the issue. In other cases, the entire instrument cluster may need to be replaced or refurbished.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (resoldering), $300 - $600+ (replacement/refurbishment)
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Window Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Power windows may stop working due to a faulty window motor, regulator, or switch.
- Solution: Diagnose the specific component that has failed and replace it.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ (per window)
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Lock Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Doors failing to lock or unlock with the remote or switch.
- Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ (per door)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust on Lower Body Panels
- Description/Symptoms: Rust can develop on the lower body panels, especially around the wheel wells and rocker panels, particularly in areas with harsh winter climates.
- Solution: Repairing rust typically involves sanding, patching, and repainting the affected areas. In severe cases, panel replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (per panel, depending on severity)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Headliner Sagging
- Description/Symptoms: The headliner can sag or detach from the roof due to the aging adhesive.
- Solution: Re-gluing the headliner may provide a temporary fix. A more permanent solution involves removing the old fabric, cleaning the headliner board, and installing new headliner material.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Air Conditioning Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The air conditioning system can experience issues such as refrigerant leaks, compressor failure, or problems with the blend door actuator (resulting in improper temperature control).
- Solution: Diagnose the specific issue (leak, compressor failure, actuator). Repair or replace the faulty components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ (depending on the issue)
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2001 Chrysler Concorde, while offering a comfortable and spacious ride, has several potential issues that buyers should be aware of. The most concerning issue is the potential for sludge buildup and engine failure with the 2.7L V6, which can result in costly repairs. Electrical problems, such as instrument cluster failures, and suspension issues are also common. The severity and cost of repairs can vary, but addressing these issues promptly can help prevent further damage and extend the vehicle’s lifespan. While most issues are not extremely severe, the cost to fix can sometimes be high due to the age of the vehicle.