The 1994 Dodge Stealth (rebadged Mitsubishi 3000GT) is a complex platform with impressive performance but notorious maintenance challenges, especially on the twin-turbo AWD variant. High-mileage examples often need significant engine and transmission work due to heat management issues and demanding service procedures.
Crankshaft Position Sensor / Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition with cranking but no firing, Intermittent stalling when hot, restarts after cooling, Check engine light with crank/cam correlation codes
Fix: Replace crank sensor (behind timing covers, 4-6 hours labor on DOHC/TT due to tight access) or cam sensors (2-3 hours). Sensors fail from heat cycling. On twin-turbo models, intercooler and intake manifold removal often required for access.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Spun Rod or Main Bearings Leading to Engine Rebuild
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Heavy knocking noise from bottom end, especially when cold, Sudden loss of oil pressure, Metal shavings in oil or filter, Catastrophic failure with connecting rod through block
Fix: These 6G72 engines are known for bearing failures, particularly when oil changes are stretched or owners boost twin-turbo models aggressively. Full rebuild or short block replacement requires 25-35 hours labor due to transverse AWD packaging. Must pull engine, split cases, inspect/replace bearings, hone cylinders, often need new pistons/rings.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure and Trans Overheating
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: ATF leak under vehicle, typically passenger side, Transmission slipping or harsh shifts when hot, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Pink fluid mixed with coolant in radiator (indicates internal cooler failure)
Fix: Steel hardlines rust through, especially in salt states. External line replacement is 2-3 hours. If internal radiator cooler fails, contaminates both systems—requires radiator replacement, full trans flush, sometimes trans rebuild if coolant damaged clutches (add 15-20 hours).
Estimated cost: $300-600 for lines only, $2,500-4,500 if trans contaminated
Head Gasket Failure (Both Banks)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on startup, Coolant loss with no external leaks, Overheating under load, Oil milkshake (coolant in oil) or bubbles in radiator, Misfires on one bank
Fix: The 6G72 DOHC has documented head gasket issues, especially rear bank on turbo models due to heat. Both heads must come off (18-24 hours labor)—requires removing intake manifolds, turbos if equipped, exhaust. Machine heads for flatness, replace gaskets with updated MLS if available, ARP studs recommended on turbo cars.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
Active Aero / Pop-Up Headlight Motor Failure
Common · low severitySymptoms: Pop-up headlights stuck open, closed, or one-side operation, Active rear spoiler won't deploy or retract, Grinding noise from headlight motors, Front spoiler actuator clicking but not moving
Fix: Motor gears strip or motors seize from age/corrosion. Headlight motors are 1-2 hours each side, spoiler actuators 2-3 hours. Parts are NLA from Dodge, require used/aftermarket or rebuild. Not safety-critical but annoying and fails inspection in some states.
Estimated cost: $200-600 per system
Transfer Case Leaks and Viscous Coupling Failure (AWD Models)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil leak at transfer case seals, Binding or clunking in tight turns, Check engine light with AWD system fault, Vibration during acceleration, Loss of AWD function, becomes FWD
Fix: Viscous coupling wears out or transfer case seals leak (common NHTSA recall item). Seal replacement is 4-6 hours (requires dropping transfer case). Coupling failure needs transfer case rebuild or replacement (8-12 hours). Used units often have same wear.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 for seals, $2,000-3,500 for coupling/rebuild
Fuel System Issues - Tank Rust and Pump Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 15+ years age-related
Symptoms: Hard starting after sitting, Stalling under acceleration or at highway speed, Fuel gauge erratic or stuck, Check engine light with fuel trim codes, Rust flakes in fuel filter
Fix: Steel fuel tanks rust from inside out in humid climates. Pump fails or clogs from debris. Filter replacement is 1 hour, pump is 3-4 hours (drop tank). If tank is rusty, needs replacement (add 2 hours, tank is expensive/NLA, often requires used). Turbos are especially sensitive to fuel pressure issues.
Estimated cost: $400-700 for pump, $1,200-2,000 with tank
Buy only if you're handheld-capable or have a trusted Mitsubishi specialist nearby—these are money pits for casual owners, but rewarding if maintained properly and you accept that major service costs rival German cars due to complexity.
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.