First-generation LH-platform sedan with pioneering cab-forward design, known for transmission fragility and head gasket failures on the 3.5L. The 3.3L is more durable but both engines share cooling system weaknesses that cascade into catastrophic failures if ignored.
41TE/42LE Transmission Failure (All Engines)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 shift or slipping between gears under load, No reverse or delayed engagement when cold, Whining noise from torque converter area, Check engine light with shift solenoid codes
Fix: Rebuild or replacement required. Internal clutch packs and solenoids wear prematurely, especially if fluid wasn't changed every 30k. Rebuild takes 8-12 hours, replacement 6-8 hours. Fluid cooler contamination often ruins new units if not flushed properly.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
3.5L Head Gasket Failure (SOHC 24-valve only)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Milky oil or overheating under load, Rough idle and misfires on cylinders 2, 4, or 6
Fix: Both heads typically need gaskets, resurface if warped. Common to find cracked heads if overheated. 14-18 hours labor for both sides including timing belt replacement (mandatory while in there). Engine must come out or be severely disassembled for rear bank access.
Estimated cost: $2,400-4,200
Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Separation
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front end, Steering wander or pulling to one side, Visible grease boot tears on ball joint, Excessive tire wear on inside edge
Fix: Ball joints not serviceable separately—entire lower control arm assembly required per side. NHTSA recall covered some VINs but many fall outside range. Alignment mandatory after replacement. 2-3 hours per side.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
Common · high severitySymptoms: No-start condition with cranks but won't fire, Stalling at idle or while driving with no warning, Intermittent loss of tachometer signal, Check engine light with crank sensor code
Fix: Sensor located behind engine near flywheel/flexplate on transaxle bellhousing. Requires raising engine or removing exhaust components for access. Heat cycling kills these sensors prematurely. 1.5-2.5 hours labor depending on engine mount approach.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Radiator and Water Pump Leaks Leading to Engine Damage
Common · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant puddles under car after sitting, Squealing from water pump bearing, Overheating in traffic or at highway speeds, Plastic radiator end tank cracks visible at seams
Fix: Plastic radiator tanks crack, water pumps leak from weep hole. Both failures often ignored until engine overheats and warps heads or cracks block. Do both simultaneously with thermostat and hoses—4-6 hours. Many engine rebuilds in repair data trace back to deferred cooling repairs.
Estimated cost: $600-1,100
Fuel Pump Failure (In-Tank)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting when fuel tank below 1/4 full, Loss of power under acceleration or uphill, Engine sputtering or cutting out at highway speed, Whining noise from rear seat area
Fix: Fuel tank must be dropped for pump/sender assembly replacement. Common to find rust contamination in tank on northern cars. 3-4 hours labor. Replace fuel filter simultaneously as it's often clogged and contributed to pump wear.
Estimated cost: $500-800
Automatic Transmission Floor Shifter Cable Linkage Binding
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Shifter feels stiff or won't move out of park, Gear indicator doesn't match actual gear position, Key won't release from ignition in park, Interlock solenoid clicks but shifter stuck
Fix: Cable stretches or binding at transmission end. NHTSA recall addressed some units but cable adjustment bushing wears regardless. 1.5-2 hours to replace cable and adjust properly. Temporary workaround is shifter release button override.
Estimated cost: $200-350
Buy only with full service records showing religious transmission and cooling maintenance, or budget $3k-5k for deferred repairs within the first year—3.3L models are the safer bet.
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.