1991 Dodge Stealth Problems
- Complaints
- 63filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 107,250miles, 14 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns 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
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl FWD · 16 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1991 Dodge Stealth (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 1991 Dodge Stealth most often describe driveline problems, especially manual transmission and transfer case trouble, and many say they were told the unit had to be replaced rather than repaired. A second recurring theme is front seat belts that stop retracting and leave slack in the belt. Complaints typically come from cars with well over 80,000 miles, though some describe failures much earlier.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission failure and grinding shifts (Getrag 5-speed)
- 27 complaints (43%)
- median 136,887 mi at 14.3 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 1997–2012
Owners describe synchronizers grinding on shifts, particularly 1-2, 3-4 and reverse, and say the problem gets worse over time until the car is hard to shift. Several report the output shaft losing teeth or snapping, and some say shops and dealers would only install a complete replacement unit rather than repair the original. Complaints also mention fluid leaks from the transmission and, in some cases, the gears jamming while driving. Reported across a wide mileage range, with several owners describing failures under 70,000 miles and others past 150,000 miles.
What to check: On a test drive, shift through all gears from cold and listen for grinding or notchiness, and ask for service records showing whether the transmission or output shaft was ever replaced. Check for fluid leaks under the car and ask whether a revised output shaft was fitted.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“As you are seeing, many of us are fed up with transmission failures. Any problem constitutes replacement, costing $4000+. I have had 3 failures, all under 60k miles on the transmission, and one of which had been _professionally_ rebuilt. The manufacturer wants no part of this, but we love our cars and can't afford to keep this up. Please do whatever you can to help us, all is appreciated.”
NHTSA complaint #752618, filed 2001-09“I was driving down my block, stopped fully at a stop sign, accelerated gently and the output shaft in my 1991 Dodge Stealth twin turbo snapped, causing the car to run front wheel drive for a bit untilt he vcu burnt. I had to replace the whole transmission because it snapped.”
NHTSA complaint #10112753, filed 2005-03 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transfer case oil leak and lock-up
- 10 complaints (16%)
- median 110,000 mi at 15.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 1996–2012
Complaints describe oil leaking from the all-wheel-drive transfer case, sometimes until the unit runs dry and the bearings are damaged. Owners report the transfer case locking up while driving, in some cases damaging the transmission or output shaft, and several mention that a recall repair had already been done but the leak or failure came back. Some say the dealer inspected the car and reported nothing wrong. Mostly described on cars well past 80,000 miles, though filing dates span the late 1990s through 2012.
Recall 02V143002Recall 93V033001
What to check: Look for oil weeping around the transfer case and ask whether recall 02V143002 or 93V033001 was performed and when. Check the transfer case fluid level and listen for whining or grinding on a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmission/transfer case locked up destroying carrier bearing and rear differential. I bought this car used and am not aware if this is the origional unit for this car. From what I have heard, many of these cars had transmissions/transfer cases replaced while still under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #743706, filed 2001-04“Transfer case locked up and destroyed the transmission prior to receiving recall notification. Also, dealership failed to perform repairs for the brake recall 96v143003, but indicated that they did. Upon inspection the original part was still on the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10046059, filed 2003-10, 169,000 miles - Seat belts
Front seat belts fail to retract, leaving slack
- 11 complaints (17%)
- median 98,200 mi at 16.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2006–2007
Owners report that the front seat belts stop retracting and leave a large amount of slack across the body even after buckling. Some say cleaning the belt guide did not help, and several note that other owners of the same car described the same behavior. Complaints describe the belt as not holding the occupant snugly. Reported from very low mileage up to about 150,000 miles, with many complaints filed in the mid-2000s.
What to check: Pull each front belt out fully and let it go; it should reel back in smoothly and remove slack once buckled. Ask whether the buckle assembly was replaced under recall 95V103003.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1. Seat belt will not retract, and remove slack once the seat belt is latched.--- 2. After buckling my seat belt, the seat belt will not retract. It will leave a large amount of slack between my body and the seat. In a wreck, if there is slack in the seat belt between the body and the seat, the seat belt will not be able to properly restrain the body. …”
NHTSA complaint #10178728, filed 2007-01, 92,000 miles“My driver's side seatbelt does not work properly. When I pull it out to buckle up the extra slack does not get taken care of. It just remains loose and I don't know how well it would hold up in an accident. This seems to be most of the time but once in a while for some reason it will retract the extra slack.”
NHTSA complaint #10185792, filed 2007-03, 18,000 miles
Buying note. Given how often driveline and seat belt complaints appear in this sample, a pre-purchase inspection focused on the transmission, transfer case and front belts is worthwhile, along with records showing which recalls were completed. Parts availability for the manual transmission is a practical question to settle before purchase.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 42 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 63 consumer complaints for the 1991 Dodge Stealth. 14 of the complaints include a mileage, and 14% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 107,250 miles. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 0 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.
- Seat belts13 21%
- Brakes5 7.9%
- Engine cooling4 6.3%
- Air bags3 4.8%
- Electrical system2 3.2%
- Suspension2 3.2%
- Other or unknown1 1.6%
- Vehicle speed control1 1.6%
- Wheels1 1.6%
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “The transmission output shaft has failed for the second time on my 1991 Dodge Stealth rt turbo. When this failure occurs, power is no longer transmitted to the rear wheels which causes the car to torque steer . Basically even moderate acceleration can cause the car to unpredictably veer to the left or right.”
NHTSA complaint #10065932, filed 2004-04, 113,775 milesSeat belts: “I have a 1991 Dodge Stealth and the retractor for the seat belt no longer works. When you put on the seat belt in most cases the slack is not taken up. I have not been in an accident and I hope I'm not.”
NHTSA complaint #10186660, filed 2007-04, 150,000 milesBrakes: “Would apply the brakes (ABS) to slow or stop, the brake pedal would continue to the floor. The vehicle would experience extended stopping distance. Does not happen often. Took to dealer & no problem was found.”
NHTSA complaint #819890, filed 1997-11Engine cooling: “Valves are very noisy with no aperent fix. The motor has been rebuilt with new valves and replaced bad rollers rockers. Made noise before and after rebuild. Has aprox. 30000 on rebuild.”
NHTSA complaint #700129, filed 1998-10Mileage when problems were reported
14% of the 14 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 92,000 and 126,000 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 1991 Dodge Stealth 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stealth FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,350 |
| Stealth FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
| Stealth FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Stealth 4WD/AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
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
- 02V143002May 14, 2002Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)Covers: Dodge Stealth 1991–1996
On certain passenger vehicles built by mitsubishi motor corporation for daimlerchrysler, a condition exists that allows oil to leak from the all-wheel drive transfer case.
- 96V143003Oct 8, 1996Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Dodge Stealth 1991–1994
Under conditions of full lock steering and full suspension travel, the left or right front wheel-side brake hose can crack, resulting in brake fluid leakage.
- 95V103003May 24, 1995Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Dodge Stealth 1991, Colt 1986–1991, RAM 50 1986–1991 +7 more
The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
- 93V033001Apr 8, 1993Power train › DrivelineCovers: Dodge Stealth 1991
A condition exists that allows oil to leak from the all wheel drive transfer case. Low oil levels in the transfer case can cause bearing damage and failure.
Recall details for the 1991 Dodge Stealth → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA92004Transfer case lockupClosed · Jan 23, 1992
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1991 Dodge Stealth.
Other model years of the Dodge Stealth
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 13 | 102,000 | 1 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1994 | 28 | 100,750 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 39 | 90,200 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 92 | 101,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 63 | 107,250 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Dodge Stealth model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Dodge Stealth?
Owners of the 1991 Dodge Stealth most often describe driveline problems, especially manual transmission and transfer case trouble, and many say they were told the unit had to be replaced rather than repaired. The issues reported most often: Transmission failure and grinding shifts (Getrag 5-speed); Transfer case oil leak and lock-up; Front seat belts fail to retract, leaving slack.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1991 Dodge Stealth have?
NHTSA recorded 63 consumer complaints for the 1991 Dodge Stealth as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1991 Dodge Stealth is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 35 complaints (56% of the total), followed by seat belts with 13.
Has the 1991 Dodge Stealth been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1991 Dodge Stealth get?
The EPA rates the 1991 Dodge Stealth (Stealth, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1991 Dodge Stealth reported?
Among the 14 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 107,250 miles and the middle half falls between 92,000 and 126,000 miles; 14% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.