1998 Chrysler Concorde Problems
- Complaints
- 175filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 72,048miles, 70 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.7L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Chrysler Concorde (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report the 2.7L V6 engine failing outright, frequently with little or no warning, and many complaints describe sludge-related or bearing/rod failures discovered only after the car stalled or locked up. Coolant and cooling-system trouble is the other recurring theme, with a smaller but steady number of complaints about hard-to-move floor shifters, seat recliners, and electrical/ignition faults.
- Engine cooling
2.7L engine failure / seized engine
- 56 complaints (32%)
- median 83,000 mi at 7.6 yrs old (39 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,250 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2000–2010
Owners describe the engine suddenly shutting off, losing power, or locking up while driving, often preceded or accompanied by a knocking, rattling, or ticking noise. Many say a mechanic or dealer determined the engine needed full replacement, and some were told the failure involved oil sludge, spun rod bearings, or a dropped valve. Several note regular oil changes and still being told the engine was beyond repair. Mostly reported between roughly 55,000 and 120,000 miles, with a number of failures in the 60,000-90,000 mile range.
What to check: Have a mechanic check for oil sludge, knocking or ticking at cold start, and evidence of low oil pressure; ask for maintenance records and whether the engine has ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 1998 Chrysler Concorde with 60,000 miles.took it into Chrysler numberous times for a loud ticking noise in the engine, they siad they could not find the problem, then my engine totally died.called Chrysler and was told to have it towed back to the dealer where they proceeded to come back with there is sludge in my engine from not proper oil changes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10091229, filed 2004-09, 60,000 miles“I was driving my 1998 Chrysler concord to the hospital on a highway with my wife and my 5 month old baby, then all the sudden, and with no warning the car just stopped . I got a towtruck and I spent 2,000 to rebuilt the engine but still the car is not working properly.I have no idea what triged the engine failue especially that I keep changing oil and tune up every 3 months.”
NHTSA complaint #10192286, filed 2007-06, 86,800 miles - Engine cooling
Overheating and cooling-system leaks
- 10 complaints (6%)
- median 117,500 mi at 6.6 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 1999–2010
Complaints describe the temperature gauge climbing into the red, steam or smoke from under the hood, and coolant loss, sometimes traced to a melted or failed bleeder valve/connector. In some cases owners say the cooling failure led to engine damage or replacement. Owners also report having to top up coolant or oil frequently. Reported from about 54,000 up past 130,000 miles, often during highway driving.
What to check: Check coolant level and look for crusty residue or a cracked/melted bleeder connector near the coolant housing; ask whether the cooling system has been pressure-tested recently.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Car will not start after short drive. You have to wait one hour between restarts. Many attempts to repair at our local five star dealer. Fuel filter was changed, radiator,oxygen. Sensor,fuel pump. We were told that ethanol fuel was the issue, and to only use premium. This has not resolved the issue . We have spent thousands on repairs with no solution.”
NHTSA complaint #10152337, filed 2006-03, 22,000 miles“My engine has been burning oil and I have to ad at least a ouart of oil or more each month 2.7l engine all I have heard about these engines is bad they all blow up and also the cooling system were the bleeder is blew off and the guy at the auto junk yard says all the engines the get in have this replaced or already blowen off and their is a waiting list for these engines do to a large number of them blowing up.”
NHTSA complaint #10083120, filed 2004-08, 83,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Hard-to-move floor shifter / park interlock
- 10 complaints (6%)
- median 59,000 mi at 6.4 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2013
Owners describe the floor gear shifter becoming very stiff, sometimes needing both hands, or refusing to move out of reverse or into park. Others report the shifter can be moved out of park without the key, or the key cannot be removed, leaving the car in accessory and draining the battery. Some say a dealer could not perform the interlock recall repair because parts were unavailable. Mostly reported between about 28,000 and 70,000 miles, with some at higher mileage.
What to check: Ask whether recall 04V021000 (floor shifter ignition-park interlock) has been performed on this vehicle, and test that the shifter moves freely and the key releases only in park.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Automatic shift on the floor. Does not shift correctly. Key cannot be removed. It stays on accessory and drains my battery. There was a recall for this problem, however I was told it was not covered because of the year of the car. I purchased the car in august 2012. Ran fine until 06/01/13. I feel it should still be under the recall. It doesn't go into park properly. I feel this could be a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10550624, filed 2013-11, 157,000 miles“I was reading the news and found the article about a probe being broadened on the dodge durango to cover the Chrysler sebring also. I was wanting to make a complaint or bring to your attention that I have a 1998 Concorde lxi and this same thing where the car can be shifted out of park without a key in the ignition. This has happened several times, luckily it has never caused any serious injury besides a twisted ankle or two. It is a rather serious problem though. …”
NHTSA complaint #10028856, filed 2003-07, 45,000 miles - Electrical system
Stalling and no-start electrical faults
- 21 complaints (12%)
- median 83,294 mi at 7.5 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2013
Owners describe the car stalling or failing to restart, sometimes traced to a crankshaft sensor, a failed headlight wiring harness, or a body control module working intermittently. Others report gauges dropping out, interior lights flashing, or the ignition switch not releasing after start, leaving power accessories non-functional. Some also mention corroded battery cables buried in the fender well. Mostly reported between about 36,000 and 100,000 miles.
What to check: Ask about any history of stalling or no-start repairs (crank sensor, harness, body control module), check battery cable condition, and confirm the key turns and releases cleanly.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Ignition switch problem with 1998 Chrysler Concorde. Switch dosen't seem to release after starting, consiquence is that air bags, power windows,power lockls and all related power equipment is non functional. I know of other Chrysler products that have the same problem, seems to be a problem in the ignition switch and/or related linkage.”
NHTSA complaint #10067744, filed 2004-04, 95,000 miles“There was no instruction to check/inspect battery cables that were buried behind r/f wheel fender well and below engine. When inspected, they were so corroded, that both had to be replaced at significant labor expense which would have been negated by normal preventive maintenance instruction procedures.”
NHTSA complaint #10136290, filed 2005-09, 36,371 miles
Buying note. This model year draws repeated complaints about engine failure and cooling problems, so a pre-purchase inspection focused on oil condition, sludge, and the cooling system is worthwhile. Confirm whether the open shifter-interlock and seat recliner recalls were completed before buying.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 175 consumer complaints for the 1998 Chrysler Concorde. 70 of the complaints include a mileage, and 16% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 72,048 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 10 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 25 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling66 38%
- Electrical system17 9.7%
- Brakes16 9.1%
- Transmission and drivetrain14 8.0%
- Steering10 5.7%
- Body and structure10 5.7%
- Vehicle speed control10 5.7%
- Exterior lighting9 5.1%
- Seats9 5.1%
Also reported: Suspension (9), Air bags (4), Equipment (4), Seat belts (4), Latches, locks and linkages (3), Fuel system (1), Interior lighting (1), Other or unknown (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “The connecting rod bearings in my 1998 concord failed, causing excessive knocking and loss of oil pressure leading to noise in the top end. .because of the high demand for these 2.7 liter engines the repair cost is impossible for me.”
NHTSA complaint #10155949, filed 2006-04, 54,000 milesElectrical system: “On the morning of 10/20/2006, my husband was driving to work in our 1998 Chrysler Concorde. He was in rush hour traffic and the engine started knocking and losing power, the oil light also came on when he stopped. He was able to make it to work and park the car. Only to be told by a certified mechanic that we have engine failure and need a new engine. More than likely due to oil sludge ...whatever that is. We have had the oil changed in this car every 3,000 miles with synthetic oil since purchasing it from my parents in 2001. …”
NHTSA complaint #10171638, filed 2006-10, 72,095 milesBrakes: “Brake rotors, shake in steering wheel, at 60 miles hr., june 17,1999, manufacturer took care of, after I complained to them, had 13,714 miles at the time. Now here we are again with same problem, may 2001 shake in steering wheel at 60 miles per hr., rotors again, 36,700 miles, repair not completed now in the shop!”
NHTSA complaint #744825, filed 2001-05Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “This car has multiple problems. I find that the complaints with the windows are consistent e.g. Won't roll down on passenger side front and off track driver's side front. I have water collecting on the driver's side front after lots of rain. The molding on the car whether it be the headlights or around the doors does not stay in place. The trunk vent has been replaced and the struts and sway bar had to be replace shortly after the purchase.”
NHTSA complaint #10016145, filed 2003-04, 28,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
16% of the 70 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 59,000 and 100,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1998 Chrysler Concorde version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concorde FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 28 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Concorde FWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 04V021000Jan 13, 2004Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shiftCovers: Chrysler Concorde 1993–1999, Dodge Intrepid 1993–1999, Chrysler LHS 1993–1999 +6 more
On certain passenger vehicles, the floor shifter ignition-park interlock may fail and allow the shifter to be moved out of the park position with the key removed. An inoperative interlock may also allow the key to be removed when the shifter has not been…
- 03V035000Feb 5, 2003Seats › Front assembly › ReclinerCovers: Chrysler Concorde 1998–2002, Dodge Intrepid 1998–2002, Chrysler 300M 1998–2002 +1 more
On certain passenger vehicles, seat back recliner bolt breakage can occur resulting in the seat back reclining unexpectedly.
Recall details for the 1998 Chrysler Concorde → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA03011Auto trans ignition-park interlockClosed · Jul 17, 2003
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 25 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Equipment. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10121832Nov 16, 2016Equipment. Wiper If Mopar OE wipers are unavailable, the below alternatives can be offered instead. 05066964A$ = WBRW0011A$ 05066973A$ = WB000019A$ or WBF00019A$ 05096134A$ = WB000027A$ or WBF00028A$…
Other model years of the Chrysler Concorde
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 40 | 72,260 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 27 | 45,600 | 0 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2002 | 65 | 55,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 106 | 65,678 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 307 | 66,000 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 333 | 74,000 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 175 | 72,048 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 134 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 161 | 78,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 219 | 107,342 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 348 | 93,725 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 302 | 104,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Chrysler Concorde model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chrysler Concorde?
Owners of this model year most often report the 2.7L V6 engine failing outright, frequently with little or no warning, and many complaints describe sludge-related or bearing/rod failures discovered only after the car stalled or locked up. The issues reported most often: 2.7L engine failure / seized engine; Overheating and cooling-system leaks; Hard-to-move floor shifter / park interlock.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Chrysler Concorde have?
NHTSA recorded 175 consumer complaints for the 1998 Chrysler Concorde as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Chrysler Concorde is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 66 complaints (38% of the total), followed by electrical system with 17.
Has the 1998 Chrysler Concorde been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Chrysler Concorde get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Chrysler Concorde (Concorde, 2.7L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 18 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Chrysler Concorde reported?
Among the 70 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 72,048 miles and the middle half falls between 59,000 and 100,000 miles; 16% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.