The 1987 LeBaron sits on Chrysler's K-platform derivative with notorious turbo 2.2/2.5 four-cylinders and the Mitsubishi-sourced 3.0L V6. At this age, you're dealing with 35+ year-old rubber, electronics, and automatic transmissions that were marginal when new.
A413/A470/A670 Automatic Transmission Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh 1-2 or 2-3 shifts, especially when cold, Slipping under load or delayed engagement into gear, Whining or grinding noises from torque converter, Governor pressure issues causing erratic shift points
Fix: These 3-speed automatics eat clutch packs and torque converters. Rebuilt units or salvage yard swaps are typical; full rebuild runs 12-16 hours labor. TCM failures also occur but are less common than mechanical wear. Output shaft bearings frequently howl before total failure.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Turbo I4 Timing Belt and Tensioner Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-80,000 mi intervals, critical on neglected engines
Symptoms: Rattling or squealing from front of engine at startup, Engine suddenly dies while driving (belt snap), Bent valves and no compression after belt failure
Fix: This is an interference engine - when the belt goes, valves meet pistons. Timing belt kit with tensioner and water pump is 3-4 hours on the 2.2/2.5 Turbo. If it snaps, add valve job or head replacement (8-12 hours). Tensioner springs weaken with age and cause premature belt wear.
Estimated cost: $450-750 preventive; $1,500-2,800 if valves bent
Turbocharger Oil Seal and Bearing Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Blue smoke on acceleration or at idle, Whistling or grinding noise under boost, Oil consumption increases noticeably, Loss of boost pressure and power
Fix: Garrett T03 turbos on these engines fail from oil coking and bearing wear. Rebuild kits available but most shops swap in remanufactured units. Requires 4-6 hours for removal, replacement, and oil feed line inspection. Poor oil change intervals accelerate failure.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
3.0L V6 Oil Pump Failure and Low Pressure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil pressure light flickers at idle when hot, Lifter noise or ticking that worsens as engine warms, Catastrophic bearing failure if ignored, Pressure gauge shows under 10 psi at hot idle
Fix: The Mitsubishi 6G72 oil pump develops excessive clearance and the relief spring weakens. Front main seal typically leaks by this mileage too. Oil pan drop and timing cover removal required - 5-7 hours labor. Sludge from extended oil changes kills these pumps early.
Estimated cost: $650-1,100
Engine and Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Severe clunking when shifting from park to drive, Engine rocks excessively during acceleration, Vibration through floor and steering wheel, Shifter feels loose or notchy
Fix: Hydraulic and rubber mounts deteriorate badly on these transverse engines. Front torque mount and right side mount are worst offenders. Replacing all three engine mounts plus transmission mount runs 3-4 hours. Worn mounts accelerate CV joint and transmission damage.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Fuel System Electrical Failures (Turbo Models)
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Intermittent stalling or no-start when hot, Stumbling or hesitation under boost, Check engine light with lean codes, Fuel pump relay clicking but pump not running
Fix: Logic module and power module (separate computers) fail from heat and age. Fuel pump relays stick, and in-tank pump connectors corrode. Diagnosing electrical gremlins on these systems requires 2-4 hours of testing. Modules are getting scarce in salvage yards.
Estimated cost: $300-900
Cooling System Neglect Consequences
Common · medium severityTypical onset: Every 5-7 years regardless of miles
Symptoms: Overheating in traffic or under load, Heater blows cold intermittently, Corroded radiator tanks or water pump weeping, Hoses swollen or rock-hard
Fix: Original radiators, water pumps, and thermostats from the 80s are time bombs. Timing belt jobs should include water pump on turbo models (already in there). Full cooling system overhaul with radiator runs 4-6 hours. These cars blow head gaskets quickly when overheated.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Buy only as a weekend project or nostalgia piece - the K-platform is outclassed by any 1990s economy car in reliability and safety, and finding good mechanics who remember these systems is increasingly difficult.
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.