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Chrysler · Known Issues

1998 Chrysler Concorde Problems: 4 Known Issues

1998 model year · 890+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 890+ owner reports, the 1998 Chrysler Concorde has 4 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are 2.7L V6 Engine Oil Sludge and Seizure ($2,500-$5,000 repair), 3.5L V6 Timing Belt Tensioner Failure ($800-$1,500 repair) and 42LE Transmission Solenoid Pack Failure ($300-$1,200 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 2.7L V6 Engine Oil Sludge and Seizure with 400 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Concorde Engine2
  • Concorde Transmission1
  • Concorde Steering1
  • Recalls9
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine2
  • Transmission1
  • Steering1
  • Recalls9
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993
Community reported
400 owners

On the 1998-2004 Chrysler Concorde 2.7L DOHC V6, the 2nd generation Concorde (1998-2004) equipped with the 2.7L DOHC V6 suffers from the same catastrophic oil sludge issue as the Intrepid and Stratus. The engine's inadequate oil drain-back passages allow oil to cook and form sludge that clogs oil galleries, starves bearings of lubrication, and causes engine seizure. The internal water pump (driven by the timing chain) is an additional failure point that can introduce coolant into the oil and dramatically accelerate sludge formation. This is widely regarded as one of the worst engine designs in modern automotive history.

This issue also affects: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Chrysler 300, Chrysler 300M

Common Symptoms

  • Oil pressure warning light flickering at idle
  • Engine knocking or ticking noises
  • Heavy sludge visible on oil filler cap
  • Check engine light with misfire codes
  • Sudden catastrophic engine seizure

How to Fix

Diagnosis starts with verifying low oil pressure using a mechanical gauge, inspecting under the oil filler cap/valve covers for sludge, checking for bearing noise, and testing for coolant contamination from the timing-chain-driven internal water pump. Mild cases may be addressed by removing the oil pan and valve covers, cleaning sludge from the pickup screen and oil return passages, replacing the oil pump, timing chain set, water pump, PCV valve, and performing multiple short-interval oil changes, but heavily sludged or knocking engines usually require complete engine replacement or professional rebuild. If coolant intrusion is present, the water pump and timing components must be replaced immediately, and any damaged bearings or seized rotating assembly make replacement the only practical repair. Typical costs range from about $1,500-$3,000 for partial cleanup and timing/water pump service to $4,000-$7,000+ for a quality rebuilt or replacement 2.7L engine installed.

Typical repair cost:$2,500 - $5,000

Research This Issue

Based on 400 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence400 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
280 owners

On the 1993-2004 Chrysler Concorde 3.5L V6 SOHC, the 3.5L SOHC V6 (available across both Concorde generations) uses a timing belt with a hydraulic tensioner. The tensioner can fail, allowing the timing belt to skip teeth or break, resulting in catastrophic engine damage as the 3.5L is an interference engine. The tensioner's hydraulic damper loses its ability to maintain proper belt tension over time. Chrysler recommends timing belt replacement at 100,000 miles, but tensioner failures have been reported before this interval. The water pump is driven by the timing belt and should be replaced simultaneously.

Common Symptoms

  • Rattling or slapping noise from front of engine
  • Engine misfires or runs rough
  • Check engine light with timing-related codes
  • Engine will not start (belt has broken or jumped)
  • Sudden catastrophic engine failure

How to Fix

Typical repair cost:$800 - $1,500

Research This Issue

Based on 280 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence280 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
210 owners

On the 1998-2004 Chrysler Concorde, the Concorde's 42LE 4-speed automatic transmission suffers from solenoid pack failures that cause erratic shifting, limp mode, and delayed engagement. The internal solenoid seals deteriorate, causing pressure loss and harsh or missed shifts.

This issue also affects: Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300M, Chrysler Cirrus

Common Symptoms

  • Transmission stuck in second gear (limp mode)
  • Harsh or delayed shifts
  • Check engine light with transmission codes
  • No reverse
  • Slipping between gears
  • Delayed engagement when shifting to drive

How to Fix

Replace the transmission solenoid pack assembly and filter. A full transmission fluid flush is recommended at the same time. If the transmission has been driven extensively in limp mode, internal hard parts may also be damaged.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $1,200

Research This Issue

Based on 210 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence210 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 1993-2004 Chrysler Concorde, the power steering high-pressure hose develops leaks at the crimped fittings, and the rack and pinion can leak from worn seals. Low fluid from leaks causes pump whine and eventual pump failure.

This issue also affects: Chrysler 300M, Dodge Grand Caravan

Common Symptoms

  • Power steering fluid on ground
  • Whining when turning
  • Heavy steering effort
  • Low fluid in reservoir

How to Fix

Replace the leaking high-pressure hose and inspect the rack and pinion for seal leaks. If the rack is leaking, replacement is more cost-effective than rebuilding. Use ATF+4 as the power steering fluid (Chrysler spec).

Typical repair cost:$150 - $600

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence
NHTSA Recalls9 recalls

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Campaign #09E01200007/04/2009

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, AN INTERNAL HOOD LATCH COMPONENT MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A CRACK, WHICH COULD PROPAGATE AND BREAK, ALLOWING THE PRIMARY/SECONDARY LATCH SPRING TO DISENGAGE.

Campaign #03V33200008/09/2003

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLT BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN THE SEAT BACK RECLINING UNEXPECTEDLY.

Campaign #03V03500005/02/2003
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Other Chrysler Models

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chrysler Concorde problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 890+ owner reports, the 1998 Chrysler Concorde has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2.7L V6 Engine Oil Sludge and Seizure, 3.5L V6 Timing Belt Tensioner Failure, 42LE Transmission Solenoid Pack Failure. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chrysler Concorde reliable?

The 1998 Chrysler Concorde has 4 known issues documented across 890+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 2.7L V6 Engine Oil Sludge and Seizure and 3.5L V6 Timing Belt Tensioner Failure and 42LE Transmission Solenoid Pack Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Chrysler Concorde problems?

Repair costs for known Chrysler Concorde issues range from $150 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2.7L V6 Engine Oil Sludge and Seizure, typically costs $2,500-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1998-2004 Chrysler Concorde 2.7L V6 Engine Oil Sludge and Seizure?

The 2nd generation Concorde (1998-2004) equipped with the 2.7L DOHC V6 suffers from the same catastrophic oil sludge issue as the Intrepid and Stratus. The engine's inadequate oil drain-back passages allow oil to cook and form sludge that clogs oil galleries, starves bearings of… Repairs typically run $2,500-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 1993-2004 Chrysler Concorde 3.5L V6 Timing Belt Tensioner Failure?

The 3.5L SOHC V6 (available across both Concorde generations) uses a timing belt with a hydraulic tensioner. The tensioner can fail, allowing the timing belt to skip teeth or break, resulting in catastrophic engine damage as the 3.5L is an interference engine. The tensioner's hyd… Repairs typically run $800-$1,500. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 890+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES (NON-SUNROOF ONLY) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."

Campaign #01V27300002/08/2001

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: NON-ABS EQUIPPED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER PISTON RETAINER SNAP RING MAY HAVE BEEN BENT INWARD DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS. THE MASTER CYLINDER PISTON MAY BE IN A "BRAKE APPLIED" POSITION DUE TO THE DAMAGED PISTON RETAINER SNAP RING. WHEN THE PISTON IS IN THE APPLIED POSITION, THE FLUID COMPENSATION PORTS ARE CLOSED WHICH RESULTS IN A BRAKE DRAG CONDITION.

Campaign #00V18000010/07/2000

+ 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 1998-2004 Chrysler Concorde 42LE Transmission Solenoid Pack Failure?

The Concorde's 42LE 4-speed automatic transmission suffers from solenoid pack failures that cause erratic shifting, limp mode, and delayed engagement. The internal solenoid seals deteriorate, causing pressure loss and harsh or missed shifts. Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 1993-2004 Chrysler Concorde Power Steering Hose and Rack Leak?

The power steering high-pressure hose develops leaks at the crimped fittings, and the rack and pinion can leak from worn seals. Low fluid from leaks causes pump whine and eventual pump failure. Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.