The 1991 LeBaron represents Chrysler's K-platform derivatives in their twilight years — affordable front-wheel-drive sedans and convertibles plagued by transmission failures and electrical gremlins. The 3.0L Mitsubishi V6 is the most reliable powertrain; avoid the turbocharged four-cylinders unless you enjoy chasing boost leaks and head gasket failures.
A413/A470/A670 Automatic Transmission Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Slipping between gears, especially 2nd to 3rd, Delayed engagement when shifting to Drive or Reverse, Whining or grinding noises from bellhousing area, Transmission fluid dark brown or smells burnt
Fix: These Chrysler 3-speed and 4-speed automatics are notorious for clutch pack wear and valve body failures. Rebuild requires 8-12 hours labor; many shops recommend sourcing a used/rebuilt unit and swapping it in 6-8 hours instead. Transmission mounts often need replacement simultaneously as they collapse and cause harsh shifting.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
2.2L/2.5L Turbo Head Gasket Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Oil milkshake appearance on dipstick or filler cap, Overheating under boost or highway speeds
Fix: The turbo four-cylinders blow head gaskets predictably, often warping the head in the process. Job requires 10-14 hours: remove turbo, manifolds, head, resurface or replace head, new gasket set, timing belt while you're in there. Often find cracked pistons or worn rings once opened up, turning into a full rebuild.
Estimated cost: $1,500-2,800
Power Module (ECU) and SMEC Computer Failures
Occasional · high severitySymptoms: No-start with good battery and starter function, Intermittent stalling at idle or while driving, Check engine light with no stored codes, Tachometer jumping or dead, erratic idle
Fix: Chrysler's Single Module Engine Controller (SMEC) and separate power modules are heat-sensitive and fail without warning. The power module mounts on the driver's inner fender and cooks itself to death. Diagnosis takes 1-2 hours; replacement is 0.5 hours but parts run $150-400 depending on availability. Many owners keep spares from junkyards.
Estimated cost: $250-600
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion and Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under front of vehicle, ATF spray coating undercarriage and engine bay, Low fluid level causing shifting issues, Rust perforation visible on steel cooler lines
Fix: Steel transmission cooler lines rust through where they route along the subframe, especially in salt-belt states. Replacement requires 2-3 hours to drop lines, fabricate or source replacements, and refill/bleed system. Often discovered too late after transmission has been starved of fluid.
Estimated cost: $300-600
Alternator Failure with Voltage Regulator Issues
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Battery light illuminated or flickering, Voltage gauge reading below 13V or above 15V, Dimming headlights at idle, Battery constantly dead or weak starting
Fix: Chrysler alternators from this era have internal voltage regulators that fail, causing undercharging or overcharging. The alternator is accessible at 1.5-2 hours labor on the four-cylinders, slightly more on the V6 due to cramped engine bay. Remanufactured units are readily available.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Front Subframe and Motor Mount Deterioration
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking on acceleration or deceleration, Excessive engine movement visible under hood, Vibration through steering wheel and shifter, Difficulty engaging gears smoothly
Fix: Hydraulic and rubber motor mounts collapse, allowing the transverse engine to torque excessively. The front transmission mount is the usual culprit (2 hours labor). Severe cases have subframe rust causing mount bolt holes to enlarge or tear out, requiring welded repairs or subframe replacement (8+ hours).
Estimated cost: $200-800
Convertible Top Hydraulic Cylinder and Hose Failures
Occasional · low severitySymptoms: Top moves slowly or stops mid-cycle, Hydraulic fluid leaking from cylinders or pump, One side of top raises before the other, Pump motor runs but top doesn't move
Fix: Convertible models suffer hydraulic cylinder seal failures and brittle hoses. Diagnosis and cylinder rebuild/replacement takes 3-5 hours depending on which cylinder failed. Parts availability is declining; many owners convert to manual operation or source used assemblies. Not a safety issue but kills resale value.
Estimated cost: $400-1,200
Buy only a 3.0L V6 coupe or sedan with documented transmission service, and only if you're getting it cheap enough to budget for an eventual transmission rebuild — convertibles and turbo models are money pits unless you wrench yourself.
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.