The 1995 LHS introduced Chrysler's 3.5L V6 and cab-forward design with ambition but suffered serious durability issues in both the engine and transmission that make it a risky purchase today.
Catastrophic Engine Failure - Piston Skirt Cracking
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Violent knocking from block, Metal shavings in oil, Sudden loss of compression, Complete engine seizure in worst cases
Fix: Early 3.5L blocks (through '97) had weak piston skirt designs that crack and disintegrate. Requires complete engine rebuild or replacement, 18-25 labor hours depending on route taken. Short block replacement is most common fix.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
42LE Transmission Failure - Governor Pressure Solenoid & Overdrive
Common · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 shift or no upshift past second, Limp mode - stuck in second gear, Check engine light with trans codes, No overdrive engagement on highway
Fix: The 42LE behind this engine is notoriously weak. Governor pressure solenoid pack fails frequently (8-10 hours with pan drop, filter, fluid), but often reveals broader internal damage requiring rebuild or replacement (12-16 hours).
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 solenoid only, $2,200-3,800 rebuild
Head Gasket Failure - External Coolant Leaks
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant weeping from head/block junction, Sweet smell after driving, Slow coolant loss without visible puddles, White residue on block sides
Fix: The 3.5L develops external head gasket leaks more than internal failures. Both heads typically need work (14-18 hours). If caught early before overheating, heads usually don't need machining.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure - No-Start
Common · medium severitySymptoms: Intermittent no-start, cranks but won't fire, Stalling at operating temperature, Starts fine cold, dies when hot, No tach reading during crank
Fix: Heat-related sensor failure, common on all early LH cars. Sensor is buried behind timing cover requiring 3-4 hours. Always replace the connector pigtail too as terminals corrode.
Estimated cost: $350-550
Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure (Recall Related)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps, Steering wander and instability, Uneven tire wear on inside edges, Visible bushing separation on inspection
Fix: Front lower control arm bushings fail, covered by recall but many never got done. Requires full arm replacement (both sides recommended), 2.5-3.5 hours with alignment.
Estimated cost: $500-800
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping near radiator, Low fluid level on dipstick, Pink fluid puddles under front of car, Delayed engagement when fluid is low
Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through where they connect to radiator, especially in salt states. Lines should be replaced as a pair (2-3 hours), then trans fluid refilled and system flushed.
Estimated cost: $400-650
Fuel Pump Relay Intermittent Failure
Occasional · low severitySymptoms: No fuel pump prime on key-on, Intermittent no-start, Car dies randomly and restarts later, Tapping relay makes it work temporarily
Fix: Power Distribution Center (under-hood fuse box) develops cracked solder joints on fuel pump relay socket. Can resolder for temporary fix (0.5 hours) or replace entire PDC (1.5 hours).
Estimated cost: $80-250
Pass unless free - the combination of weak pistons and fragile transmissions makes this a money pit waiting to happen, even at low asking prices.
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.