1998 PLYMOUTH BREEZE

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Blue smoke on startup and acceleration, Burning through a quart of oil every 500-1000 miles, Loss of power under load, Check engine light for misfire codes, Eventually seized engine if ignored

Fix: The 2.0L SOHC develops excessive piston ring wear and oil control issues, often requiring full engine rebuild with new pistons, rings, rod bearings, and main bearings. Some shops opt for short block replacement. Figure 18-24 labor hours for a proper rebuild, 12-16 hours for short block swap if you find a good core.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500

Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Delayed engagement into drive or reverse, Harsh 2-3 shift or slipping between gears, Transmission overheating (burnt fluid smell), Limp mode or won't move at all, Whining noise from torque converter

Fix: The 41TE four-speed automatic is notoriously weak in this application. Oil cooler lines corrode and contaminate the transmission, solenoid pack fails, or the entire unit grenades. Rebuild runs 12-16 hours, replacement with used/reman is 8-10 hours. Always replace the external oil cooler and lines during repair or you'll be back in six months.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating especially under load, Milky oil on dipstick or oil cap, Rough idle and loss of compression

Fix: The 2.0L SOHC can blow head gaskets, especially if overheated or if the oil consumption issue wasn't addressed. Head removal, resurfacing, new gasket set, timing belt/water pump while you're in there. 10-14 labor hours depending on how warped the head is and if it needs machine work.

Estimated cost: $1,400-2,200

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking over bumps, Steering wander or pulling, Tire wear on inside edge, Visible play when prying on wheel, In worst cases, complete wheel separation (NHTSA recall territory)

Fix: Ball joints are pressed into the control arms and can separate catastrophically. Chrysler issued recalls but many cars fell through the cracks. Replace both lower control arms with ball joints as assemblies (not serviceable separately on most aftermarket parts). 2.5-3.5 hours per side, always do alignment after.

Estimated cost: $450-750

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from park to drive, Excessive engine movement visible under hood during acceleration, Vibration at idle in gear, Shifter feels sloppy or difficult to move

Fix: The front transmission mount collapses due to the weight of the transaxle and engine torque. It's hydraulic-filled and cracks internally. Replacement is straightforward, 1.5-2 hours with proper support of the engine/trans. Check all three engine mounts while you're diagnosing.

Estimated cost: $180-320

Typical onset: 110,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: No-start or extended cranking, Stalling when fuel tank below 1/4, Loss of power under acceleration, Whining noise from rear seat area, Check engine light for fuel pressure codes

Fix: In-tank fuel pump assembly fails, usually the pump motor itself. Drop the tank or cut an access panel through the rear seat floor (not factory-recommended but common shortcut). 2.5-3.5 hours to drop tank properly, 1.5 hours if access panel already exists. Replace fuel filter at same time.

Estimated cost: $380-600