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Dodge · Known Issues

1993 Dodge Stealth Problems: 4 Known Issues

1993 model year · 490+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 490+ owner reports, the 1993 Dodge Stealth has 4 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are 6G72 Timing Belt and Balancer Belt Failure ($500-$1,500 repair), 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 6G72 Timing Belt and Balancer Belt Failure with 220 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Stealth Engine2
  • Stealth Drivetrain1
  • Stealth Electrical1
  • Recalls2
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine2
  • Drivetrain1
  • Electrical1
  • Recalls2
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

Filter:
ALL YEARS199619951994199319921991
Community reported
220 owners

On the 1991-1996 Dodge Stealth 6G72, the Stealth's Mitsubishi 6G72 3.0L V6 (both SOHC and DOHC twin-turbo) uses a timing belt that must be replaced on schedule. The twin-turbo DOHC version is an interference engine. The balance shaft belt can also break and get tangled in the timing belt, causing catastrophic engine damage.

This issue also affects: Chrysler 300, Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler Cirrus

Common Symptoms

  • Ticking from timing cover area
  • Rough idle or misfires
  • Engine dies suddenly and won't restart
  • Metallic rattling on startup
  • Balance shaft noise
  • Check engine light with misfire codes

How to Fix

Replace the timing belt, balance shaft belt, water pump, tensioner, and all idler pulleys as a complete kit every 60,000 miles. Some owners delete the balance shaft belt entirely with a plug to eliminate the risk of it interfering with the timing belt.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • 6G72 DOHC timing belt, water pump, OEM idler, tensioner pulley and hydraulic/solid tensioner options

    Complete scheduled timing-system service on a DOHC Stealth Fitment: 1991-1996 Stealth turbo and non-turbo DOHC; choose belt, water-pump and tensioner options on the live page Live direct specialist product page with Add to Cart when checked

Typical repair cost:$500 - $1,500

Research This Issue

Based on 220 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerified220 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Aug 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 vacuum-actuated system uses solenoids and diaphragms that 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 200, Dodge Dart, Dodge Durango

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 checking whether the exhaust valves move when vacuum is applied with a hand pump, inspecting the vacuum hoses, solenoids, and diaphragm actuators for leaks or failure, 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, repair cracked vacuum lines, and replace faulty control solenoids or actuators; 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 vacuum/solenoid 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

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence150 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
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. Transfer case fluid breakdown from heat and age is the primary cause. 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

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 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

Research This Issue

Based on 120 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence120 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 1991-1996 Dodge Stealth, 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.

Common Symptoms

  • Intermittent no-start
  • Random stalling
  • Erratic idle
  • Check engine light flickers

How to Fix

Remove ECU and re-cap all electrolytic capacitors with modern equivalents. Multiple specialist services offer ECU recap for $100-150. Alternatively, replace the entire ECU (used units have the same problem unless already recapped).

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Foreign Auto Computer Dodge Stealth ECU/TCU/ECS overhaul service

    Repair leaking-capacitor and board-trace damage in the original matched module Fitment: Early-1990s Stealth modules; select the exact ECU/TCU/ECS part number listed on the live service page $225 repair-and-return, 1-2 business-day outbou…

Typical repair cost:$100 - $400

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 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 490+ owner reports, the 1993 Dodge Stealth has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 6G72 Timing Belt and Balancer Belt Failure, VR-4/R/T Twin Turbo AWD Transfer Case Failure, ECU Capacitor Failure Causing No-Start. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Dodge Stealth reliable?

The 1993 Dodge Stealth has 4 known issues documented across 490+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 6G72 Timing Belt and Balancer Belt Failure and 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, 6G72 Timing Belt and Balancer Belt Failure, typically costs $500-$1,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1991-1996 Dodge Stealth 6G72 Timing Belt and Balancer Belt Failure?

The Stealth's Mitsubishi 6G72 3.0L V6 (both SOHC and DOHC twin-turbo) uses a timing belt that must be replaced on schedule. The twin-turbo DOHC version is an interference engine. The balance shaft belt can also break and get tangled in the timing belt, causing catastrophic engine… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: high.

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.

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 490+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

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.