1993–2004 CHRYSLER CONCORDE

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Check engine light with low oil pressure codes, Ticking or knocking from top end especially on cold starts, Engine runs rough and loses power, Sudden catastrophic failure with spun bearings, White smoke from oil burning in cylinders

Fix: The 3.5L V6 is notorious for forming sludge that clogs oil passages, starving bearings and cam followers. Extended oil change intervals accelerate this. Once damage occurs, expect engine rebuild (20-30 hours) with piston rings, bearings, head gaskets, and often crankshaft machining. Many shops recommend replacing with used engine (8-12 hours) instead due to block wear. Prevention requires 3,000-mile oil changes with quality synthetic oil.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking from front of engine bay, Pink or milky fluid on dipstick indicating coolant mixing, Harsh or delayed shifting, Transmission slipping or failing to engage gears, Engine overheating in some cases

Fix: The cooler lines running through the radiator corrode and leak, or the internal cooler fails allowing coolant and ATF to mix, destroying the transmission. Requires radiator replacement, new cooler lines, transmission flush minimum (4-5 hours). If contamination occurred, transmission rebuild or replacement adds 12-18 hours. Always replace radiator AND flush transmission when addressing this issue.

Estimated cost: $800-4,200

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Severe clunking when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Vibration through floor and steering wheel at idle, Visible engine movement when accelerating hard, Transmission tunnel feels like it's moving

Fix: The front transmission mount (dog bone mount) fails frequently due to the transverse 3.5L V6 torque. Rubber deteriorates and bracket cracks. Replacement requires supporting engine and transmission (2-3 hours). Often find engine mounts also worn and needing replacement at same time, add 1-2 hours for complete set.

Estimated cost: $250-600

Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Battery light on dashboard, Dimming headlights at idle, Dead battery after sitting overnight, Electrical accessories acting erratically, Whining or grinding noise from alternator area

Fix: The alternator position makes it vulnerable to heat and moisture causing premature failure. The voltage regulator and diodes fail most often. Replacement involves serpentine belt removal and working around AC compressor (1.5-2.5 hours). Wiring harness connectors also corrode requiring cleaning or replacement. Always test battery and connections before condemning alternator.

Estimated cost: $350-650

Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant smell from engine bay, Coolant loss with no visible external leaks, Rough idle when cold, White residue around intake manifold edges, Check engine light for lean condition codes

Fix: Upper and lower intake manifold gaskets deteriorate allowing coolant into cylinders or external leaks. Requires removing upper intake plenum, fuel rail, and associated vacuum lines (6-9 hours). Often find warped manifold surfaces requiring machining. Replace all intake gaskets, PCV valve, and vacuum hoses while apart. Common to find coolant contamination in oil requiring oil change.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Check engine light with EVAP leak codes (P0442, P0455), Fuel smell near gas cap or under vehicle, Difficulty filling gas tank with repeated shutoffs, Hissing sound when removing gas cap

Fix: The EVAP purge solenoid, canister, and associated rubber hoses deteriorate causing small leaks. Most common failure is the purge solenoid valve on firewall (1 hour). Smoke test required to pinpoint leak location. Lines under vehicle rust and crack requiring replacement (2-4 hours if extensive). Gas cap is cheapest check first.

Estimated cost: $150-650

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: No-start condition, cranks but won't fire, Intermittent stalling while driving, Check engine light with crank sensor codes, Sudden loss of power then recovery, Stalling when hot, starts fine when cold

Fix: The crank position sensor mounted near flexplate fails from heat exposure. Creates dangerous intermittent stalling on highway. Located above transmission bellhousing requiring removal of starter and working blind (2-3 hours due to access). Sensor itself is inexpensive but labor-intensive. Camshaft position sensor also fails but less critical for starting.

Estimated cost: $250-450