The 1992 LeBaron, particularly the AA-body coupe/convertible, suffers from chronic automatic transmission failures and head gasket issues on the 3.0L Mitsubishi V6. The turbo four-cylinders are more durable but face their own oil consumption and sensor problems.
A604 (41TE) Automatic Transmission Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, especially 2-3 upshift, Slipping in overdrive or loss of reverse, Limp mode with check engine light, trans stuck in second gear, Whining noise from torque converter or pump
Fix: The A604/41TE is notorious for solenoid pack failures, worn clutch packs, and valve body issues. Most require full rebuild or replacement. Rebuild takes 12-16 hours; used trans swap 8-10 hours. Solenoid pack alone (if caught early) is 4-5 hours.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
3.0L V6 Head Gasket Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, sweet smell, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating or erratic temp gauge, Milky oil on dipstick or oil cap
Fix: Mitsubishi 3.0L V6 head gaskets fail between cylinders or into coolant passages. Requires both heads off, surface inspection, new gaskets, timing belt/water pump while apart. 14-18 hours labor. If heads are warped, add machining or replacement.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Oil Consumption and Valve Stem Seals (2.2L/2.5L Turbo)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start or deceleration, Burning one quart of oil every 500-800 miles, Fouled spark plugs, misfires, Oil smell from exhaust
Fix: Turbo four-cylinders wear valve stem seals and piston rings. Seal replacement alone is 8-10 hours (head off). If rings are gone, you're looking at piston replacement or full rebuild at 20+ hours. Many opt for used engines instead.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,500
Turbocharger Failure (2.2L/2.5L Turbo)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 110,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Loss of power, sluggish acceleration, Loud whistling or grinding noise under boost, Excessive black or blue smoke, Check engine light with boost pressure codes
Fix: Turbos fail from oil starvation, bearing wear, or wastegate sticking. Replacement turbo (aftermarket or reman) is 4-6 hours. Must inspect oil feed/return lines and replace if clogged. Neglected oil changes are the primary cause.
Estimated cost: $800-1,600
Speed Sensor and Computer Issues (A604 Trans)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Speedometer erratic or dead, Transmission stuck in limp mode (second gear only), ABS light on (if equipped), No-start or stalling due to PCM miscommunication
Fix: Output speed sensor on the trans or vehicle speed sensor fails, confusing the PCM and TCM. Sensor replacement is 1-2 hours. Sometimes the issue is corroded wiring at the trans connector — clean and reseal. PCM/TCM failures are rarer but require remanufactured units.
Estimated cost: $150-600
Fuel Pump and Pressure Regulator Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start or long cranking before start, Stalling at idle or under load, Hesitation or stumble on acceleration, Check engine light with lean or fuel pressure codes
Fix: In-tank fuel pump fails or pressure regulator leaks. Pump replacement requires dropping the tank, 3-4 hours labor. Pressure regulator (if external on 3.0L V6) is easier, 1-2 hours. Test fuel pressure before replacing.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Convertible Top Hydraulic Cylinder and Motor Failures
Occasional · low severitySymptoms: Top operates slowly or stops mid-cycle, One side lifts unevenly, Hydraulic fluid leaks at cylinders, Motor runs but top doesn't move
Fix: Convertible top hydraulic pumps, cylinders, and hoses leak or seize from age and lack of use. Motor replacement is 2-3 hours; cylinders add another 3-4 hours each. Used parts are scarce. Maintain by cycling top monthly and checking fluid.
Estimated cost: $600-1,800
Only if you're handy with transmissions or can find a rare example with a manual gearbox and the 2.5L turbo — otherwise the A604 is a ticking time bomb that makes these cars more trouble than they're worth.
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.