Owners have filed 32 complaints
about the 1994 Dodge Stealth with NHTSA between 1996 and 2012.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 48
Against the median year of the Dodge Stealth. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 81
15.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Retractor
834.8%
Manual Transmission
417.4%
Automatic Transmission
417.4%
Column Shift
28.7%
Frontal
28.7%
Switch/Wiring
14.3%
Lower ARM
14.3%
Control Unit/Module
14.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
225.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
225.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
450.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 1996peak 3Nov 2012
NHTSA investigations into the 1994 Dodge Stealth
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP03002Opened 7 May 2003Closed 22 Jul 2003STEERING:COLUMN
STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION
MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSAFURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.IN PART BECAUSE OF 49 CFR ? 30120(G), NHTSA HAS DECIDED TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THE PETITION VEHICLES TO 1993-1995 MODELS, EXCLUDING THE 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND 1994-1995 DODGE RAM SERIES TRUCKS THAT WERE RECALLED (93V210 & 96V230) FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE.IF THE ANALYSIS OF THESE VEHICLES HAD IDENT...
PE02013Opened 31 Jan 2002Closed 3 Jun 2002WHEELS
TRANSFER CASE LOCKUP
Recalls on the 1994 Dodge Stealth
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
02V143002
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
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.
Risk: LOW OIL LEVELS IN THE TRANSFER CASE COULD CAUSE BEARING DAMAGE AND RESULT IN DRIVE TRAIN LOCKUP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
96V143003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
Risk: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE WILL CAUSE ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP AND REDUCTION IN BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20021081,327 units in Canada
Powertrain
Certain passenger vehicles built by Mitsubishi Motor Corporation. A condition exists that allows oil to leak from the all-wheel drive transfer case. Low oil levels in the transfer case could cause bearing damage and result in drive train lockup, increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealer will inspect the transfer case and affect repairs as needed.
Recall 19961722,479 units in Canada
Brakes
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS). UNDER CONDITIONS OF FULL LOCK STEERING AND FULL SUSPENSION TRAVEL, THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL-SIDE BRAKE HOSE MAY CRACK, THUS RESULTING IN BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, REDUCTION IN BRAKING EFFICIENCY AND ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP. CORRECTION: BOTH FRONT BRAKE HOSES WILL BE REPLACED WITH REVISED MORE DURABLE HOSES.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Madisonville, TNCrash1 killed
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING MAJOR INJURIES INCLUDING DEATH. THE AIR BAG PLASTIC COVERING CAUSED THE SKIN TO TEAR FROM NECK TO THE EAR TO THE BONE, CAUSING THE LUNGS TO COLLAPSE. ALSO, CAUSED A AIR BUBBLE IN THE BRAIN WHICH RESULTED IN THE DRIVER GOING BRAIN DEAD.
NHTSA complaint #816081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waldorf, MD1 killed
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE HAD A DIRECT FRONTAL COLLISION. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, BUT HOSPITAL CLAIMED AIRBAG CAUSED THE OCCUPANT'S LUNGS TO COLLAPSE AND AN AIR BUBBLE TO THE BRAIN, CAUSING OCCUPANT TO BE BRAIN DEAD. OCCUPANT HAD NO PRIOR HEALTH PROBLEMS AND WAS SEAT BELTED.
NHTSA complaint #814723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VACrash1 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE/ACCIDENT/INJURY. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT)
NHTSA complaint #508069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Vallejo, CA
SEAT BELTS
DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELTS TWIST AND FOLD GETTING STUCK WITHIN THE GUIDE RINGS CAUSING THEM NOT TO FULLY RETRACT OR PULL FORWARD SO THAT YOU ARE EITHER UNABLE OR MUST FORCIBLY CLICK THEM INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. THE CONSTANT EFFORT OF UNTWISTING THEM CAUSES THEM TO SHRED ALONG THE OUTER EDGES. BECAUSE THEY OFTEN REMAIN TWISTED WHEN FORCIBLY PULLED FORWARD TO ENGAGE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, THEY NEVER FULLY RETRACT AND REMAIN LOOSE ACROSS THE SHOULDER WHEN BUCKLED.
NHTSA complaint #10483911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesCasselberry, FL
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 DODGE STEALTH. SHE STATED THAT THE SUNROOF GLASS SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE PARKED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND THEY STATED THAT SOMEBODY MUST HAVE THROWN SOMETHING ON THE SUNROOF. AS OF APRIL 11, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 136,000.
NHTSA complaint #10224253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesSAN Francisco, CA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT ON THEIR OWN. THEY HAVE TO BE HAND FED BACK OR ELSE THEY JUST REMAIN FULLY EXTENDED AFTER BEING UNBUCKLED. THIS PROBLEM WILL SOMETIME EVER CREATE EXTRA SLACK IN THE SEAT BELT WHILE DRIVING (WITH SEAT BELT BUCKLED). THIS IS A GREAT SAFETY PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10197875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesCoconut Creek, FM
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT AS THEY ARE INTENDED TO.
NHTSA complaint #10177385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesCoconut Creek, FM
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT AS THEY ARE INTENDED TO.
NHTSA complaint #10177385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesTucson, AZ
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT. HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE TIME I GET IN MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10176205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesWichita, KS
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
WHENEVER SEAT BELT PULLS OUT, IT FAILS TO RETRACT ON IT'S OWN, UNLESS HAND-FED INTO THE REEL. MANY TIMES THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT PROPERLY RETRACT WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #10157969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,750 milesOLD Saybrook, CT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
AFTER FASTENING THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS, THEY DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY RETRACT TO BE TIGHT ON THE BODY. THE EXCESS SLACK CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TO NOT OPERATE PROPERLY IF AN ACCIDENT WERE TO HAPPEN.
NHTSA complaint #10157003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palatine, IL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. IT IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE THERE IS USUALLY EXTRA SLACK WHEN IT IS BUCKLED. IT HAS BEEN LIKE THIS FOR QUITE SOME TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10155397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delran, NJ
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SEAT BELT STICKS WHEN PULLED OUT, ALLOWING EXCESS SLACK IN BELT. NO INCIDENT OF INJURY, BUT EXCESS SLACK COULD PREVENT OPERATOR FROM BEING RESTRAINED PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #10155145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesRotonda West, FL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
WHEN THE SEAT BELT IS PULLED ON IT DOES NOT RETRACT, LEAVING ENOUGH SLACK IN THE BELT THAT IF AN ACCIDENT WERE TO OCCUR, IT WOULD NOT SERVE ITS PURPOSE AS A SAFETY RESTRAINT.
NHTSA complaint #10155098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Labanon, IL
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE WILL HEAVILY JERK CAUSING IT TO BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #8020288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
High Ridge, MO
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #757653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, OR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSFER CASE LEAKS FLUID WHICH HAS BEEN KNOWN TO CAUSE THE AWD SYSTEM TO LOCK UP SOMETIMES, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. MY TRANSFER CASE LEAKS BUT I AM CONSTANTLY CHECKING FLUID TO MAKE SURE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN. I KNOW IT HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER OWNERS OF THE STEALTH RT TT AND MITSU 3000GT VR4 WHICH IS WHY I KEEP SUCH A CLOSE EYE ON IT. THE TRANSFER CASE OUTPUT SHAFT ALSO SEEMS TO BE LOOSE, CAUSING A SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE CAR, I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS CAUSES THE LEAK OR NOT THOUGH. THERE ARE OTHER PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GETRAG TRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CASE IN THE STEALTH RT TT (TWIN TURBO) AND MITSUBISHI 3000GT VR4 THAT ARE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO FIX BECAUSE MITSUBISHI AND / OR GETRAG REFUSES TO OFFER ANY PARTS AVAILABLE TO FIX THESE PROBLEMS EXCEPT FOR A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE PART!! WHICH MEANS IF A $200 SYNCRONIZER GOES BAD IN THE TRANSMISSION, YOUR ONLY CHOICE IS TO BUY A $4000 TRANSMISSION! THIS DOES NOT CAUSE SAFETY PROBLEMS LIKE THE TRANSFER CASE LOCKING UP THOUGH. IF THE TRANSFER CASE LOCKING UP HAS NOT COST ANYONE THEIR LIFE YET I WOULD BE SUPRISED. IMMAGINE A PERSON DRIVING 75 MPH ON THE FREEWAY AROUND A CORNER WHEN IT'S RAINING IN 5:00 TRAFFIC AND THE TRANSFER CASE LOCKS UP. NOT HARD TO TELL WHAT WILL HAPPEN THEN.
NHTSA complaint #757687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, OR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
TRANSFER CASE LEAKS FLUID WHICH HAS BEEN KNOWN TO CAUSE THE AWD SYSTEM TO LOCK UP SOMETIMES, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. MY TRANSFER CASE LEAKS BUT I AM CONSTANTLY CHECKING FLUID TO MAKE SURE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN. I KNOW IT HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER OWNERS OF THE STEALTH RT TT AND MITSU 3000GT VR4 WHICH IS WHY I KEEP SUCH A CLOSE EYE ON IT. THE TRANSFER CASE OUTPUT SHAFT ALSO SEEMS TO BE LOOSE, CAUSING A SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE CAR, I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS CAUSES THE LEAK OR NOT THOUGH. THERE ARE OTHER PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GETRAG TRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CASE IN THE STEALTH RT TT (TWIN TURBO) AND MITSUBISHI 3000GT VR4 THAT ARE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO FIX BECAUSE MITSUBISHI AND / OR GETRAG REFUSES TO OFFER ANY PARTS AVAILABLE TO FIX THESE PROBLEMS EXCEPT FOR A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE PART!! WHICH MEANS IF A $200 SYNCRONIZER GOES BAD IN THE TRANSMISSION, YOUR ONLY CHOICE IS TO BUY A $4000 TRANSMISSION! THIS DOES NOT CAUSE SAFETY PROBLEMS LIKE THE TRANSFER CASE LOCKING UP THOUGH. IF THE TRANSFER CASE LOCKING UP HAS NOT COST ANYONE THEIR LIFE YET I WOULD BE SUPRISED. IMMAGINE A PERSON DRIVING 75 MPH ON THE FREEWAY AROUND A CORNER WHEN IT'S RAINING IN 5:00 TRAFFIC AND THE TRANSFER CASE LOCKS UP. NOT HARD TO TELL WHAT WILL HAPPEN THEN.
NHTSA complaint #757687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Littleton, CO
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
MY TRANSMISSION IN MY 1992 STEALTH AWD, THE SYNCROS WENT AT 60K, REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE NOT MADE. HAD A USED ONE PUT IN UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRENTEE. MY TRANS IN MY 94 STARTED LEAKING AT 50K MILES. WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRENTEE FROM DODGE, 10K MILES AND 13 MONTHS LATER MY NEW ONE STARTED LEAKING AGAIN. IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRENTY.
NHTSA complaint #757506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alachua, FL
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
SYNCROS FAILING.
NHTSA complaint #755971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, IL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
BOTH TRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CASE SUFFER FROM OIL LEAKS ALLOWING THEM TO BE RUN DRY IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME AND DAMAGING THE CONPONENT ITSELF.
NHTSA complaint #742134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, IL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
BOTH TRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CASE SUFFER FROM OIL LEAKS ALLOWING THEM TO BE RUN DRY IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME AND DAMAGING THE CONPONENT ITSELF.
NHTSA complaint #742134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
HEAD LIGHTS FOGGING UP ON INSIDE. GETTING DIMMER EVERYDAY
NHTSA complaint #738117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Juan PR., PR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA complaint #733443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, VA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
I HAVE TALKED TO 3 STEALTH OWNERS AND THEY, LIKE ME, HAVE HAD THEIR TRANSMISSIONS SIEZE WHILE DRIVING. WONDERING IF THERE IS A RECALL OR SOMETHING ON RECORD OF THIS PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #727605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton, MS
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE STEALTHS AND THE MITSUBISHI 3000GT'S IT IS A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESS BECAUSE MITSUBISHI HAS AVOIDED THIS PROBLEM LONG ENOUGH AND NOW IT IS TIME FOR THEM TO ACCEPT SOME RESPONSIBILTY ON THE VEHICLES
NHTSA complaint #729590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Paso, TX
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING
REAR WINDOW WIPER SWITCH WOULD NOT DISENGAGE LEAVING THE REAR WIPER ON CONSTENTLY. THE REAR WIPER SWITCH ON THE DASH HAD TO BE REPLACED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #537158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Leroy, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
ABS MALFUNCTION.
NHTSA complaint #531955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.