The 1991 Chrysler New Yorker with the A604/41TE 4-speed automatic is a comfortable highway cruiser undermined by catastrophic transmission failures and engine bearing issues. The 3.3L and 3.8L V6s are mechanically similar but share weaknesses in bottom-end durability when oil changes are neglected.
A604/41TE Transmission Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: harsh 2-3 shift or slipping in 2nd gear, no movement in any gear after warm-up, transmission goes into limp mode (stuck in 2nd), whining noise from torque converter
Fix: This Ultradrive transmission is notorious for solenoid pack failure, governor pressure sensor issues, and torque converter clutch burnout. Rebuilds require 8-12 labor hours with updated solenoid pack, valve body recalibration, and often a new torque converter. Many shops won't warranty rebuilds on these. Fluid and filter service every 30k miles delays but doesn't prevent failure.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Rod and Main Bearing Wear Leading to Engine Knock
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: deep knocking sound on cold start that may fade when warm, metallic ticking that worsens under load, low oil pressure at idle, metal shavings in oil during changes
Fix: The 3.3L and 3.8L engines have marginal oiling to the rod bearings, especially cylinder 2 and 5. Neglected oil changes accelerate wear. Repair requires engine removal, full disassembly, crank polishing or replacement, and new bearings throughout—18-24 labor hours. Most owners opt for a used engine swap (10-14 hours) or scrap the car.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
Head Gasket Failure Between Cylinders
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: white smoke from exhaust on startup, coolant loss with no visible leaks, rough idle and misfire codes, cross-contamination between adjacent cylinders on compression test
Fix: Head gaskets fail between cylinders rather than externally, often due to overheating from failed coolant fans or clogged radiators. Requires removal of both heads, decking if warped, and new gaskets with updated multi-layer steel design. 12-16 labor hours. If heads are cracked (common on 3.3L), add $600-900 for reman heads.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion and Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid puddle under front of vehicle, low fluid level causing delayed engagement, pink or red fluid visible along frame rails or radiator
Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through at mounting brackets and where they enter the radiator. The internal radiator cooler can also fail, mixing coolant and ATF (death sentence for the A604). Replace all steel lines with pre-formed replacements or have a shop fabricate in stainless. 2-3 hours labor. If radiator cooler compromised, add radiator replacement (another 3 hours).
Estimated cost: $350-800
HVAC Blower Motor Failure (Recall Item)
Common · low severitySymptoms: no air flow from vents on any speed, blower works intermittently or only on high, squealing or grinding from under passenger dash
Fix: Blower motor and resistor block fail frequently. There was a recall for fire risk from overheating motors, but many were never serviced. Motor is behind glove box—1.5 hours labor. Replace resistor block at same time ($40 part). If blower cage is broken, add 0.5 hour.
Estimated cost: $220-380
Front Engine Mount Collapse
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: clunk when shifting from park to drive or reverse, excessive engine movement visible when revving in park, vibration through steering wheel at idle
Fix: Hydraulic front mount collapses, allowing engine to rock excessively and stress transmission mount. Check all three mounts—if front is collapsed, transmission mount usually tears within 10k miles. Front mount replacement requires supporting engine from above, 2-3 hours. Do transmission mount at same time (add 1 hour).
Estimated cost: $350-650
ABS Pump and Accumulator Failure (Bendix-10 System)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: ABS light on with pump running continuously, extended brake pedal travel, groaning noise from ABS unit under hood, "BRAKE" warning light illuminated
Fix: The Bendix-10 ABS system's pump motor fails or the pressure accumulator loses charge. Pump runs constantly trying to build pressure, draining battery overnight. Requires replacement of entire pump/accumulator assembly (dealer-only part, $800-1200). 3-4 hours labor plus full brake bleed. System can be disabled by removing ABS fuse for conventional braking if owner declines repair.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Avoid unless free or under $1,000—the A604 transmission is a ticking time bomb and engine bottom-end failures are expensive enough to total the car; parts availability is declining and few shops want to work on these.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.