VehicleVerdict

1996 Dodge Stealth problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1996 Dodge Stealth — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Stealth years?

Stealth NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted122 complaints1991: 72 complaints1992: 122 complaints1993: 52 complaints1994: 32 complaints1995: 17 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 4 complaints
Stealth NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Stealth years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Dodge Stealth problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1100%

Does the 1996 Dodge Stealth have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING, THE OIL LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE CONSUMER PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT. THE CONSUMER NOTICED OIL HAD LEAKED OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE OIL GALLEY PLUG NEEDED REPLACEMENT. 671 RECALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 19, 2004

1996 Dodge Stealth — common questions

Is the 1996 Dodge Stealth reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1996 Dodge Stealth have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 Dodge Stealth. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 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.