The 1968 AMC Rebel is a solid mid-size platform hampered by carburetor tuning issues, transmission durability concerns with the Borg-Warner automatics, and rust-prone unit-body construction. The engines themselves are bulletproof if maintained, but supporting systems need attention.
Borg-Warner Automatic Transmission Failure (Model 35/40)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 shift or slipping in third gear, Delayed engagement when shifting to Drive, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Whining or grinding under load
Fix: The BW35 and BW40 automatics used behind the V8s have weak direct clutch packs and thin bands that wear prematurely, especially if fluid wasn't changed every 25k. Full rebuild required with upgraded friction materials. 8-12 hours labor for R&R and rebuild.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Carburetor Icing and Lean Stumble (Carter AFB/AVS)
Common · medium severitySymptoms: Engine stumbles or dies in cold/damp weather, Hesitation on acceleration from idle, Ice buildup visible on carb throat, Poor fuel economy with black spark plugs
Fix: AMC's Carter carbs are notorious for improper heat riser routing and clogged idle circuits. Requires heat crossover verification, full carb rebuild with correct jetting, and choke adjustment. Many owners swap to Edelbrock replacements. 3-5 hours for proper setup.
Estimated cost: $350-750
Torque Box and Front Frame Rail Rust
Common · high severitySymptoms: Visible rust-through at front subframe mounts, Clunking over bumps from loose front suspension, Doors misaligned or hard to close, Sagging front end or uneven ride height
Fix: The unibody torque boxes where front suspension mounts attach are salt traps and rot from inside out. Requires cutting out old boxes, welding in patch panels or aftermarket replacement sections. Body-off-frame-quality repair: 16-24 hours. This can total the car if structural integrity is compromised.
Estimated cost: $2,500-5,000
Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Failure (V8 engines)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Metallic knocking that changes with clutch engagement (manual), Excessive crankshaft endplay measured at harmonic balancer, Oil pressure drop at idle, Clutch pedal feels spongy or weird (manual trans)
Fix: AMC V8s can wear out thrust bearings if the clutch was ridden or if oil changes were neglected. Requires full engine removal, crank removal, and bearing replacement. Often done during rebuild. 18-25 hours for crank R&R if caught early; add 10+ hours if doing full short block.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
Fuel Tank Sending Unit and Pickup Sock Clogging
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 60,000+ mi
Symptoms: Fuel gauge reads empty or erratic even with full tank, Engine stalls or hesitates when tank below half, Hard starting after sitting, Fuel starvation under acceleration
Fix: The in-tank sock filter clogs with sediment and varnish from old gas, and the cork-float sending units deteriorate. Tank must be dropped, cleaned, and sending unit replaced. 3-4 hours labor plus tank cleaning.
Estimated cost: $300-600
Rear Axle Wheel Bearing and Seal Leakage
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil dripping on brake drums, Humming or growling from rear end that increases with speed, Rear brakes grab or fade due to oil contamination, Visible oil on inside of rear wheels
Fix: AMC 20 rear axle bearings and seals wear, especially if the vent was clogged and pressure built up. Requires axle shaft removal, new bearings pressed on, seals replaced, and brake cleaning. 4-6 hours per side if bearings are damaged.
Estimated cost: $450-900
Buy one if the body is solid and the transmission shifts cleanly—engine work is manageable, but rust and transmission failure will sink you financially.
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.