The 1991 Dodge Stealth (rebadged Mitsubishi 3000GT) is a complex front-engine AWD sports coupe with era-typical electronics and serious transmission vulnerabilities on turbo models. Naturally aspirated versions are more reliable but all suffer from tight engine bay access and expensive maintenance.
Automatic Transmission Failure (Especially Twin Turbo AWD)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 shift or slipping between gears, Delayed engagement into drive or reverse, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Check engine light with transmission codes
Fix: The 4-speed automatic behind the twin turbo cannot handle the torque long-term. Clutch packs wear, valve body fails, or torque converter grenades. Rebuild runs 18-24 hours labor plus $1,200-1,800 in hard parts. Used replacements are scarce and risky. Many owners swap to manual but that's 30+ hours with custom adapter work.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
Transfer Case Leaks and Failure (AWD Models)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil pooling under center of vehicle, Grinding or whining from center differential area, AWD warning light illuminated, Binding sensation during tight turns
Fix: Seals fail due to heat and age, leading to fluid loss and eventual internal damage. Front output shaft bearing is common culprit. R&R requires dropping exhaust and portions of driveline—12-16 hours labor. Rebuilt units run $800-1,400, seals alone are $150-250 in parts but you're already in there deep. NHTSA had recalls on this component for good reason.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Crankshaft and Rod Bearing Wear (Twin Turbo)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Knocking sound from lower engine, worse when cold, Low oil pressure at idle when hot, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Sudden catastrophic failure with rod through block
Fix: The 6G72TT responds poorly to missed oil changes or boost abuse. Bearings wear undersized and spin. Full teardown required—crank needs machining or replacement, all bearings, often pistons if debris circulated. 30-40 hours labor for proper rebuild with machine work. Short block replacement if crank is toast adds $2,500-3,500 in parts alone.
Estimated cost: $5,000-8,500
Head Gasket Failure (All Engines)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Milky oil on dipstick or cap, Overheating under load, Bubbles in coolant reservoir when running
Fix: The transverse V6 layout makes this a nightmare job—rear bank especially. Must pull intake plenum, turbos on TT models, exhaust manifolds. Both heads typically done together. 16-22 hours labor, $800-1,200 in gaskets and hardware, plus machining if heads are warped ($200-350). ARP studs recommended for turbo cars adds $300.
Estimated cost: $3,200-5,000
Active Aero and Pop-Up Headlight Motor Failures
Common · low severitySymptoms: Pop-up headlights stuck open, closed, or one up/one down, Active rear spoiler won't deploy or retract, Whirring motor noise with no movement, Fuse blowing repeatedly for aero system
Fix: Plastic gears strip in motors, or motors seize from corrosion. Headlight motors are $120-180 each, 1.5 hours per side. Spoiler motor is $250-400, 2-3 hours. Many owners disable active aero and manually wire headlights due to parts scarcity. Not safety-critical but annoying and kills the car's cool factor.
Estimated cost: $300-800
Fuel System Issues (Clogged Filter and Pump Wear)
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Hesitation or stumble under hard acceleration, Hard starting when hot, Check engine light with lean codes, Stalling at idle after highway runs
Fix: In-tank filter and pump assembly wear from ethanol fuel and age. Filter not serviceable separately on early models—whole pump assembly required. Tank must be dropped, 4-5 hours labor. Pump assembly $350-600. Inline filter (if equipped) is $40 and 30 minutes but often overlooked. Turbo cars especially sensitive to fuel pressure drop.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Only buy if you're handy, patient, and have $3k-5k in reserve for inevitable transmission or engine work—these are project cars now, not daily drivers.
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.