VehicleVerdict

1991 Dodge Stealth problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 72 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median Stealth year — the 1991 model ranks #2 of 7 Stealth years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 54% of all reports (39 of 72), far ahead of seat belts at 13.

72

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Stealth years?

Stealth NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted122 complaints1991: 72 complaints1992: 122 complaints1993: 52 complaints1994: 32 complaints1995: 17 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 4 complaints
Stealth NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Stealth years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Dodge Stealth problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission3954%
Seat Belts1318%
Brakes57%
Airbags46%
Engine46%
Electrical System23%
Suspension23%
Other11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Speed Control11%

Does the 1991 Dodge Stealth have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V143002TransmissionMay 14, 2002 · 9,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

LOW OIL LEVELS IN THE TRANSFER CASE COULD CAUSE BEARING DAMAGE AND RESULT IN DRIVE TRAIN LOCKUP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSFER CASE FOR INDICATIONS OF OIL LEAKAGE. VEHICLES THAT HAVE NO OIL LEAKAGE WILL HAVE THE TRANSFER CASE OIL CHANGED. VEHICLES THAT HAVE OIL LEAKAGE WILL HAVE THE TRANSFER CASE RESEALED OR REPLACED IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DECEMBER 2, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

96V143003BrakesOctober 8, 1996 · 23,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE WILL CAUSE ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP AND REDUCTION IN BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSES WITH REVISED HOSE ASSEMBLIES.

95V103003Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 920,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

93V033001TransmissionApril 8, 1993 · 2,700 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

BEARING FAILURE IN THE TRANSFER CASE RESULTS INPOWER TRAIN LOCKUP WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, WHILE THE VEHICLE IS AT HIGHWAY SPEED.THIS COULD CAUSE IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

INSTALL A C-RING TO TRANSFER CASE TO PREVENT OIL LEAKAGE, OR REPLACE TRANSFER CASE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT OIL LEVELS IN THE TRANSFER CASE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 4/19/2003 FOR RECALL# 02V143002 SUBJECT: TRANSFER CASE LEAKAGE. A WEEK AFTER, THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP AND NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE TRANSFER CASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHICH STATED IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 21, 2007

“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.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“THOUSANDS OF OTHER STEALTH/3000GT OWNERS HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. NOTED IN TSB, SHOULD BE REPAIRED BY MANUFACTURER, MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 1, 2001

1991 Dodge Stealth — common questions

Is the 1991 Dodge Stealth reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 72 complaints put the 1991 model at #2 of 7 Stealth years. It is one of the Stealth years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 Stealth problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (39 complaints), seat belts (13 complaints), brakes (5 complaints).

Does the 1991 Dodge Stealth have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Dodge Stealth. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Dodge Stealth under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Stealth years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Stealth years to avoid are 1992, 1991, 1993. The cleanest record among Stealth years belongs to 1996.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.