With 122 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.8 times the median Stealth year — the 1992 model ranks #1 of 7 Stealth years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 7 deaths and 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 43% of all reports (52 of 122), far ahead of seat belts at 24.
122
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries
7
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1992 compare to other Stealth years?
Stealth NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.
2 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.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I HAVE HAD ENDLESS PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT. ABS, AIR BAG,ROTORS(5 TIMES AT LEAST), FUEL LINE, POWER STEERING LEAKS, TRANSMISSION, REAR END LEAKS, ENGINE LEAKS, DOESN'T DRIVE SAFELY AROUND CORNERS, GRINDING NOISE FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS, RINGING NOISE, TIRES, ETC! PROBABLY CLOSE…”
“I CURRENTLY OWN A 1992 DODGE STEALTH R/T TURBO. MY DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS DO NOT SEEM TO RETRACT. THEY SOMETIMES WILL HANG LOOSELY FROM THE DISPENSER CAUSING EXCESS SLACK IN THE SEAT BELT. I FEEL THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND CAN CAUSE A MORE SEVER INJURY IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS THE SECOND…”
“I HAVE HAD ENDLESS PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT. ABS, AIR BAG,ROTORS(5 TIMES AT LEAST), FUEL LINE, POWER STEERING LEAKS, TRANSMISSION, REAR END LEAKS, ENGINE LEAKS, DOESN'T DRIVE SAFELY AROUND CORNERS, GRINDING NOISE FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS, RINGING NOISE, TIRES, ETC! PROBABLY CLOSE…”
“I HAVE HAD ENDLESS PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT. ABS, AIR BAG,ROTORS(5 TIMES AT LEAST), FUEL LINE, POWER STEERING LEAKS, TRANSMISSION, REAR END LEAKS, ENGINE LEAKS, DOESN'T DRIVE SAFELY AROUND CORNERS, GRINDING NOISE FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS, RINGING NOISE, TIRES, ETC! PROBABLY CLOSE…”
“I HAVE HAD ENDLESS PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT. ABS, AIR BAG,ROTORS(5 TIMES AT LEAST), FUEL LINE, POWER STEERING LEAKS, TRANSMISSION, REAR END LEAKS, ENGINE LEAKS, DOESN'T DRIVE SAFELY AROUND CORNERS, GRINDING NOISE FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS, RINGING NOISE, TIRES, ETC! PROBABLY CLOSE…”
1992 Dodge Stealth — common questions
Is the 1992 Dodge Stealth reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 122 complaints put the 1992 model at #1 of 7 Stealth years. It is one of the Stealth years to avoid.
What are the most common 1992 Stealth problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (52 complaints), seat belts (24 complaints), engine (11 complaints).
Does the 1992 Dodge Stealth have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Dodge Stealth. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1992 Dodge Stealth under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.