The 1995 Dodge Stealth (rebadged Mitsubishi 3000GT) is a complex AWD sports coupe that's mechanically ambitious but plagued by cramped engine bay access, aging AWD components, and expensive turbo-related failures on TT models. Non-turbo SOHC versions are more reliable but still suffer platform-wide issues.
Twin Turbo Engine Failures (Spun Bearings, Crankshaft Damage)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Severe knocking from bottom end, Loss of oil pressure, Metal shavings in oil, Catastrophic engine seizure
Fix: The 6G72TT engine is notorious for bearing failures, often from deferred oil changes or boost abuse. Repair requires full engine-out teardown, crankshaft machining or replacement, new bearings, and typically new pistons/rings while you're in there. Engine removal in this chassis takes 12-16 hours alone due to AWD transaxle complexity. Total rebuild: 35-45 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $6,500-12,000
Transfer Case and Center Differential Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Grinding or howling from center of car, Binding in tight turns, AWD warning light, Inability to shift into gear
Fix: The transaxle-mounted transfer case develops bearing wear and viscous coupling failures. This is an engine-out repair requiring transaxle removal and internal rebuild or replacement. Used units are scarce; new Mitsubishi parts are discontinued. Expect 18-24 hours labor if combining with clutch work.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
Dual-Layer Head Gasket Failure (All Engines)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating, Milky oil, Cross-bank coolant transfer on DOHC
Fix: Both SOHC and DOHC 6G72 engines use problematic dual-layer head gaskets that fail between cylinders or into coolant passages. Requires both heads off, resurfacing, new gaskets, timing belt service while accessible. DOHC is worse—cramped bay means 20-28 hours labor. SOHC is 16-22 hours.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks and Cooler Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: ATF puddles under engine, Transmission overheating, Burnt ATF smell, Slipping gears after warmup
Fix: Steel hard lines rust through and the cooler itself develops pinhole leaks. Lines run tight against the block—requires subframe work and partial exhaust removal for access. If ATF contaminated the coolant system (or vice versa), both the radiator and transmission may need replacement. 6-10 hours labor depending on extent.
Estimated cost: $800-2,200
Active Aero and Suspension Control Module Failures
Occasional · low severitySymptoms: Active aero spoiler stuck up or down, ECS warning light, Suspension stuck in one mode, No damping adjustment
Fix: The electronic control modules for active aero and ECS (electronically controlled suspension) fail due to capacitor aging and corrosion. Replacement modules are NLA from Mitsubishi; used units are hit-or-miss. Many owners bypass the system or convert to fixed suspension. Diagnosis: 1-2 hours; replacement if available: 2-4 hours.
Estimated cost: $500-1,500
Fuel Pump and Fuel Filter Assembly Issues
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start or hard start when hot, Stumbling under boost (TT), Fuel starvation at sustained high RPM, Check engine light with lean codes
Fix: The in-tank fuel pump fails or the integral sock filter clogs. Tank must be dropped—tight fit in AWD models with full exhaust over the tank. Common to replace pump, filter assembly, and associated fuel lines while in there. 4-6 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Hydraulic Lifter Tick (DOHC Models)
Common · low severityTypical onset: 50,000+ mi
Symptoms: Valve train ticking on cold start, Noise persists after warmup on neglected engines, Occasionally progresses to lifter collapse
Fix: DOHC 6G72 uses hydraulic lash adjusters that wear and stick. Requires valve cover removal and lifter replacement—tedious due to four cams. Often done during head gasket jobs. Standalone repair: 8-12 hours labor for all 24 lifters.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Buy a SOHC naturally-aspirated model only if you're handy and patient; avoid TT versions unless you have a $10k emergency fund and a masochistic streak—these are money pits for the unprepared.
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.