1996 Dodge Stealth Problems & Reliability

If you’re a car enthusiast or just someone who appreciates the unique charm of 90s vehicles, the 1996 Dodge Stealth might have caught your eye. With its sleek design and sporty performance, this car was a head-turner in its heyday. However, like any vehicle that’s been around for a few decades, the Stealth has its share of quirks and issues. In this blog post, we’ll dive into some of the common problems owners have faced with the 1996 Dodge Stealth and discuss its overall reliability. Whether you’re considering buying one or just curious about this iconic ride, you’ll find some valuable insights here. Owning a classic car like the Dodge Stealth can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to go in with your eyes wide open. From engine troubles to electrical gremlins, the 1996 model has its fair share of challenges. But don’t let that scare you off just yet! Many owners have found ways to keep their Stealths running smoothly with a bit of TLC and some know-how. We’ll explore the most common issues and offer some tips on how to address them, so you can decide if this classic beauty is worth the investment. So, buckle up and let’s take a closer look at what makes the 1996 Dodge Stealth both a beloved classic and a bit of a handful.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Oil Leak From Transfer Case

Analysis:

The 1996 Dodge Stealth is known to have some issues with oil leaks from the transfer case, which can be a bit of a headache for owners. This problem might not be a deal-breaker, but it does require regular checks and maintenance to ensure it doesn’t lead to more serious damage. Overall, while the Stealth has its quirks, staying on top of these issues can help maintain its reliability.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Oil Leak From Transfer Case

Analysis:

The 1996 Dodge Stealth is known to have some issues with oil leaks from the transfer case, which can be a bit of a headache for owners. This problem might not be a deal-breaker, but it does require regular checks and maintenance to ensure it doesnt lead to more serious damage. Overall, while the Stealth has its quirks, staying on top of these issues can help maintain its reliability.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • Oil Leak From Transfer Case

Analysis:

The 1996 Dodge Stealth is known to have some issues with oil leaks from the transfer case, which can be a bit of a headache for owners. This problem might not be a deal-breaker, but it does require regular checks and maintenance to ensure it doesn’t lead to more serious damage. Overall, while the Stealth has its quirks, staying on top of these issues can help maintain its reliability.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Drive train failure due to tire size mismatch

Analysis:

The 1996 Dodge Stealth can run into some issues with drive train failure, especially if there’s a tire size mismatch. This problem can put a strain on the vehicle’s drive train components, leading to potential reliability concerns. It’s important to ensure all tires are the same size to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on the drive train.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Drive train failure due to tire size mismatch

Analysis:

The 1996 Dodge Stealth can run into some issues with drive train failure, especially if there’s a tire size mismatch. This problem can put a strain on the vehicle’s drive train components, leading to potential reliability concerns. It’s important to ensure all tires are the same size to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on the drive train.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

  • Drive train failure due to tire size mismatch

Analysis:

The 1996 Dodge Stealth can run into some issues with drive train failure, especially if there’s a tire size mismatch. This problem can put a strain on the vehicle’s drive train components, leading to potential reliability concerns. It’s important to ensure all tires are the same size to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on the drive train.

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

  • Manual Transmission Shifting Difficulty

Analysis:

The 1996 Dodge Stealth seems to have some issues with manual transmission shifting difficulty, which can be a bit of a hassle for drivers who enjoy a smooth ride. While this problem doesn’t affect every vehicle, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering buying one or already own it. Overall, the car has its quirks, but with proper maintenance, it can still be a fun ride.

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

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Onboard & Powertrain Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Conclusion

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