Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Chrysler Concorde owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I would like to file a complaint with daimler-Chrysler regarding the longevity of their automobiles. Thiswas the second vehicle that failed between 100,000 and 110,000 with proper maintenance and upkeep. I had problems with the headlights, door seals, the automatic seats and now the engine. I took the car to Chrysler dealer, and the service department manager told me I had a bad rod and the engine was virtually shot and wasn't worth fixing. He said he was ashamed to say the 2.7 engines were junk. I have researched my car and found out that there were a lot of others with the same, if not more problems than what I had, which indicated that daimler-Chrysler should be ashamed of for not caring or making good for their mistakes instead of ignoring them! This car has had many other problems, including electrical problems with door locks, the power seats, and the seals from around the doors. …
I own a 1998 Chrysler Concorde with a 2.7 l engine. We have maintained it according to the schedule in the handbook, with oil changes approximately every 4500 - 7500 miles. The car has 79000 miles on it. About a week ago we noticed an engine noise that sounded like a fan going out. We took the car into an independant shop and they diagnosed a failure of the cooling fan. That was repaired, but at the same time a much large problem was found. The engine is making a clicking noise that sounds like lifters. The shop determined it was not upper engine, and hence not lifters. We can't afford to have the engine torn apart and replaced ($7,000) but the problem is apparently lower engine. …
I own a 1998 Chrysler Concorde lxi and currently the mileage on this car is around 84000. On June 28, 2006, while driving, suddenly engine making a rattling noise without any warning or indications, and lost power and turned off. After obtaining three different expert opinions from different mechanics, I have been told that the engine has failed and I have two options - either put a new engine or junk it. The estimated cost of repair is around $6000. I called the Chrysler today (July 2, 2006) and received a file number (it is 15115756). At the end of the call, I was told that Chrysler cannot help in this matter. I have the understanding that Chrysler has received many complaints about this problem and in many cases, they have got the cars repairs at their cost. …
Dt: the car stopped while in motion, mechanic reports that the problem was the crankshaft sensor. The consumer was traveling about 63 MPH on the interstate when car began to putter and then suddenly the engine cut off. There was no brakes, no steering, no electrical system. As it began , owner began to pull off to shoulder, then it died completely. There were no dashboard warning lights on at the time. The car was then towed to shop, where mechanic put it on the diagnostic computer. Mechanic installed new crankshaft sensor, and car started back up. Then after this, the next day after coming out of the shop, the engine began to knock horribly, and then the owner checked the engine oil and temperature, and everything was normal. The mechanic reported this time that there was a #2 piston that needed to be replaced. At a cost of 7000 dollars. The car is in the shop. …
I bought a used 1998 Chrysler Concorde in the spring of 2008. Three weeks after I bought the car the oil light turned on, I thought nothing of it, though I gave the car an oil change. Roughly 5 days after giving the car an oil change I drove it around for the day and the oil light came on again, but this time when I shut the car off it wouldn't start again. When I did get the car to start I took it to harmon's expert auto to see what was wrong with it. I was then informed the car's oil portals were clogged due to oil sludge. The recommended fix was a new engine. I was told the car had only 15 pounds of oil pressure and that eventually the motor will blow due to the oil sludge. Lastly I was informed that they see this problem all the time with the 2.7l engine in the Chrysler concordes, and that they can't understand why Chrysler will do nothing about it. Neither can I.
I have a 1998 Chrysler Concorde with 60,000 miles.took it into Chrysler numberous times for a loud ticking noise in the engine, they siad they could not find the problem, then my engine totally died.called Chrysler and was told to have it towed back to the dealer where they proceeded to come back with there is sludge in my engine from not proper oil changes. Not from me but from the previous owner,(which I bought the car with 23,000 miles on it with an extended warr.)so Chrysler said there is nothing they will do for me,and charged me 268.00 to tear my engine apart and throw it in the trunk in pieces. I had the car towed from the lot and it sits in my driveway. But I was also told that they would be happy to put a new engine in my car for 5,000.00 . What a joke.
3/2/05 I left the car repair shop getting 2 sensors for my transmission replaced, I drove away, within 30 minutes of leaving, the engine began making loud clicking noises that then became a noise similar to a diesal engine running. I drove a total of approximately 4 miles, was sitting at a stop sign waiting to enter onto a main road, my engine just shut down. I was not able to restart the engine and unless I replace it for roughly $3500 the car is no longer able to be used. That is only the cost of the replacement engine without the labor charge included...adding that will be an astronomical amount. This car has been well maintained, I purchased it new in 6/98. Having this happen is unacceptable.
While driving the engine started making a noise then lost power. I had it towed to a local repair shop who believes that the "wrist pin" May have failed and the only way to find out for sure is to tear it down. They don't recommend repairing due to the amount of work and other potential engine problems but to replace the whole engine. Cost $2000 - $3000. I called Chrysler and received a file number. They will not commit to anything until a authorize Chrysler repair shop diagnosis the problem and of course I will have to pay for the diagnosis. The vehicle is only 8 years old and only has 55,000 miles on it. I would think an engine has a longer life than that!
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 MPH on the freeway there was a loud noise and the vehicle stalled suddenly without warning. The check engine light illuminated at the time of the incident. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. A independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and determined the engine failed and a new engine would have to be installed. The contact maintained oil changes every 3,000 miles. On one occasion, the oil light illuminated indicating the oil was low, but the oil was at the proper spot when checked. When the contact accelerated the vehicle, blue smoke came out of the exhaust. The vehicle also failed the smog check.
My Concorde broke down while on vacation, was towed it to a nearby Chrysler dealer/service center. I was told I needed a new engine. Since the car was still under the 7/70 powertrain warranty (by about 400 miles), it was covered completely and a brand new engine was installed. Less than 10 months later, that engine has experienced a catastrophic failure and needs to be replaced at a cost to me of 6K. I was told the "new" engine that had just exploded was only warrantied for 1 year or 12K miles. I had exceeded the milage by about 6K. They have finally agreed to cover the thing with me "only" being charged $500.
Engine complaints in other Concorde years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Chrysler Concorde?
NHTSA has 66 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Chrysler Concorde, 38% of the model year's 175 complaints. The component named most often is engine (34 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chrysler Concorde engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1998 Chrysler Concorde, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Chrysler Concorde engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.