The 1981 Plymouth Arrow (rebadged Mitsubishi) is a simple, carbureted rear-driver with decent bones but critical timing-related vulnerabilities and typical '80s Japanese rust issues. The 2.6L 'Silent Shaft' engine requires the most attention.
Timing Belt/Chain Failure (especially 2.6L)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Engine suddenly quits without warning, Metallic rattling from front of engine (chain models), Whining or squealing on cold starts, Bent valves and no-start condition after failure
Fix: The 2.6L uses a timing chain that stretches and wears guides; 1.6L and 2.0L use interference-design timing belts. Both are catastrophic if they fail. Complete timing service includes belt/chain, tensioner, guides (chain), water pump while you're in there. 4-6 hours labor for belt, 6-8 hours for chain due to balance shaft complexity.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Carburetor Varnish and Idle Circuit Clogging
Common · medium severitySymptoms: Hard starting when cold, Stalling at idle or when coming to stops, Erratic idle speed, hunting between 500-1500 RPM, Hesitation on acceleration from stop
Fix: These Mikuni carbs gum up badly if the car sits or uses ethanol fuel. Full teardown, ultrasonic cleaning, new gaskets, and float/needle replacement typically needed. Rebuilds kits are getting scarce. 2-3 hours labor if you know these carbs, 4-5 if you don't.
Estimated cost: $300-600
Rear Wheel Bearing Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Growling or humming that increases with speed, Wheel wobble felt through chassis, Excessive heat at wheel hub after driving, Uneven inner tire wear
Fix: The rear axle uses tapered roller bearings that need periodic repacking; most haven't been touched in decades. Requires axle removal, bearing/seal replacement, proper preload adjustment. 2-3 hours per side.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Rust in Rear Quarter Panels and Tailgate
Common · medium severitySymptoms: Bubbling paint at lower quarters behind wheels, Holes visible in tailgate bottom edge, Rust jacking at drip rails and door seams, Trunk floor perforation from outside-in
Fix: These cars rust from the inside out in salt states. Proper repair requires cutting out cancer, welding patch panels, seam sealing, then paint. Budget 8-15 hours bodywork depending on severity. Many are too far gone to justify repair economically.
Estimated cost: $1,500-3,500
Clutch Cable Fraying and Breakage (Manual Trans)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clutch pedal feels notchy or catches mid-travel, Sudden loss of clutch disengagement, Visible fraying at firewall or pedal end, Pedal goes to floor with no resistance
Fix: The cable routes through a sharp bend at the firewall and wears internally. Replacement is straightforward but NOS or quality aftermarket cables are hard to source now. 1-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $150-300
Fuel Tank Sending Unit Failure
Occasional · low severitySymptoms: Fuel gauge reads empty or full regardless of fuel level, Erratic gauge swings while driving, Gauge stuck at one position, No gauge movement at all
Fix: The float arm corrodes and the resistor strip wears out. Tank must be dropped for access. Finding good used or NOS units is the challenge now. 2-3 hours labor for R&R.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Buy only if rust-free and timing service is documented; budget $1,500 immediately for deferred maintenance, and accept parts scarcity as part of ownership.
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.