Dodge · Known Issues

1992 Dodge Stealth Problems: 3 Known Issues

1992 model year · 270+ owner reports · Updated November 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 270+ owner reports, the 1992 Dodge Stealth has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are VR-4/R/T Twin Turbo AWD Transfer Case Failure ($50-$2,500 repair) and ECU Capacitor Failure Causing No-Start ($100-$400 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Active Exhaust System (AES) Valve Failure with 150 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

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All 3 Known Issues

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Community reported

120 owners

On the 1991-1996 Dodge Stealth, the AWD transfer case in the Stealth R/T Twin Turbo (VR-4 equivalent) is a known weak point, especially in vehicles that have been modified with higher boost levels. The viscous coupling unit that distributes torque between front and rear axles degrades over time, causing binding, vibrations, and eventually complete failure. Oil leaking from the transfer case is the primary cause: low oil level damages the bearings and can lock up the driveline, which led to NHTSA recall 02V-143 for 1991-1996 Stealth AWD models. Finding replacement parts is increasingly difficult as these are shared with the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 and production was limited. The transfer case is also sensitive to mismatched tire sizes.

Common Symptoms

Binding sensation during tight turns
Vibration at highway speeds
Grinding noise from center of vehicle
AWD system warning light
Complete loss of power to front wheels

How to Fix

First check whether recall 02V-143 was performed: under it dealers inspected the transfer case for oil leaks, changed the oil on non-leaking units and resealed or replaced leaking ones. Diagnose by confirming all four tires are the exact same brand, model, size, and tread depth, then road test for binding and vibration and inspect the transfer case fluid level, seals, and fluid for metallic debris or burnt odor; also check for driveline play and verify whether the viscous coupling is locking up. If symptoms are present, remove the transfer case and replace it with a known-good rebuilt or used AWD unit from a Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo or Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, replacing input/output seals, inspecting the splines, and refilling with the correct gear oil; if available, rebuild or replace the viscous coupling at the same time. Typical repair cost is about $1,200-$2,500 using a used or rebuilt assembly, but can exceed $3,000 if hard-to-find parts, driveshaft damage, or additional transmission/output shaft wear are found.

Typical repair cost:$50 - $2,500

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Based on 120 owner reports

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Community Reported

High Confidence120 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Updated Nov 7, 2026

Community reported

150 owners

On the 1991-1996 Dodge Stealth, the Dodge Stealth (particularly RT/TT and ES models) features an Active Exhaust System with electronically controlled valves that open at higher RPM to reduce backpressure. These valves seize from rust and carbon buildup, causing restricted exhaust flow, reduced power, and a check engine light. The changeover valve is pulled open by an actuator motor and cable and closed by a spring, and the motor, cable and control unit also fail with age. Many owners simply remove the system entirely and replace with a straight-through exhaust, which provides better performance and eliminates the failure point. The AES is shared with the Mitsubishi 3000GT as both cars were built on the same platform.

This issue also affects: Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee

Common Symptoms

Reduced engine power at higher RPM
Rattling noise from exhaust area
Check engine light related to exhaust restrictions
Exhaust valves stuck in closed position
Poor throttle response above 3500 RPM

How to Fix

Diagnose the AES by switching between Tour and Sport and checking whether the changeover valve in the rear muffler moves, inspecting the actuator motor, cable and spring return for binding or breakage, and confirming seized butterfly valves from rust/carbon buildup at the rear exhaust section. If originality is desired, free up or replace the AES valve assemblies, adjust or replace a stretched or broken cable, and replace a faulty actuator motor or control unit; if the valves are badly corroded, the more common permanent fix is deleting the AES with straight-through exhaust sections or an aftermarket cat-back system. After repair, clear any stored fault codes and verify full valve operation or improved high-RPM power on a road test. Typical cost ranges from about $100-$300 for actuator/cable repairs, $300-$800 for used or replacement AES components, or $500-$1,500 for an exhaust delete or aftermarket system depending on parts and labor.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $600

Research This Issue

Based on 150 owner reports

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Community Reported

High Confidence150 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Updated Nov 7, 2026

NHTSA Recalls2 recalls

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.

Campaign #02V14300214/05/2002

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.

Campaign #96V14300308/10/1996

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Dodge Stealth problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 270+ owner reports, the 1992 Dodge Stealth has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: VR-4/R/T Twin Turbo AWD Transfer Case Failure, ECU Capacitor Failure Causing No-Start, Active Exhaust System (AES) Valve Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Dodge Stealth reliable?

The 1992 Dodge Stealth has 3 known issues documented across 270+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: VR-4/R/T Twin Turbo AWD Transfer Case Failure and ECU Capacitor Failure Causing No-Start. 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 Dodge Stealth problems?

Repair costs for known Dodge Stealth issues range from $50 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, VR-4/R/T Twin Turbo AWD Transfer Case Failure, typically costs $50-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1991-1996 Dodge Stealth VR-4/R/T Twin Turbo AWD Transfer Case Failure?

The AWD transfer case in the Stealth R/T Twin Turbo (VR-4 equivalent) is a known weak point, especially in vehicles that have been modified with higher boost levels. The viscous coupling unit that distributes torque between front and rear axles degrades over time, causing binding… Repairs typically run $50-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 1991-1996 Dodge Stealth ECU Capacitor Failure Causing No-Start?

Electrolytic capacitors inside the ECU leak and fail with age, causing intermittent no-start, rough idle, and random stalling. This is a known aging issue on all Mitsubishi 3000GT/Stealth ECUs. Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: high.

What is the 1991-1996 Dodge Stealth Active Exhaust System (AES) Valve Failure?

The Dodge Stealth (particularly RT/TT and ES models) features an Active Exhaust System with electronically controlled valves that open at higher RPM to reduce backpressure. These valves seize from rust and carbon buildup, causing restricted exhaust flow, reduced power, and a chec… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.

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.

1992 Dodge Stealth Problems: 3 Known Issues

All 3 Known Issues

1991-1996 Dodge Stealth: VR-4/R/T Twin Turbo AWD Transfer Case Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

1991-1996 Dodge Stealth: ECU Capacitor Failure Causing No-Start#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

Research This Issue

1991-1996 Dodge Stealth: Active Exhaust System (AES) Valve Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

Other Dodge Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Dodge Stealth problems?

Is the Dodge Stealth reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Stealth problems?

What is the 1991-1996 Dodge Stealth VR-4/R/T Twin Turbo AWD Transfer Case Failure?

What is the 1991-1996 Dodge Stealth ECU Capacitor Failure Causing No-Start?

What is the 1991-1996 Dodge Stealth Active Exhaust System (AES) Valve Failure?