Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl contact owns a 2000 Chrysler LHS. While turning the vehicle, the steering made a loud noise. The steering failure began in August of 2006. The dealer replaced the steering gear and the rack and pinion. In June of 2008, the steering failure recurred and the noise worsened. The manufacturer took a report and stated that they would not assist with the repairs due to the age of the vehicle. The contact will take the vehicle to another dealer for a diagnosis. She purchased the vehicle brand new and the oil gasket, water pump tension pulley, transmission cooling line clamp, and the water pump were all replaced due to the failure. The failure mileage was 58,337 and current mileage was 77,000.
Prob.#1-rear view mirror does not adjust for lights from rear traffic. Prob.#2-temperature gauge in overhead console is very slow to update the correct outside temperature. Temperature gauge hangs up at the incorrect degree. Had same problem with 1994 model.
Dt: when the consumer's wife started the vehicle it went forward while the vehicle was in park. This caused vehicle to run over a short wall. This resulted in injuries to the driver and the passengers. Upon impact, airbags failed to deploy. The consumer believed that the problem was the transmission. Recall work done on this issue. The consumer felt that the recall work was the reason for the accident. When the consumer contacted the manufacturer, they stated that it was not their fault. The accident occurred on 7-17-05. Just the week before this accident a new battery and transmission were installed at the service dealer. The consumer believes the computer malfunctioned.
The car has had regular oil changes and was due for a transmission service. Sensors were replaced approximately three years ago. Mechanic indicated that the pan below was wet with oil. When the car was towed out of the driveway, aaa tow jumped the battery it held for about a minute and then would not hold the start. The tow driver indicated that he believed that it was no transmission. Sometimes there is an engine knock and sometimes as the charge is about to stop the engine runs with no noise. This car only has approximately 61,0000 miles, and has only been long distance to traverse city. Further one shop indicated that the battery was only operating at 25%. No one would do a paid diagnostic on this vehicle. It was towed to Firestone and mo's, in southfield and oak park respectively.
I drive a 1997 Chrysler LHS. I have 2 issues both covered under recalls that Chrysler has performed. 1. Evaporator failed - Chrysler added an addendum to increase the warranty on this to 71,000 miles. Mine failed at 53K and I had a independant mechanic repair my car. Total cost was around $1,000. Called Chrysler and they simply said they would not cover the cost of the repair. I asked why and the help desk person said a tech told him we won't cover the costs. The repairs we're made last year. If it's covered and their addendum states it will ocver it how are they allowed to skirt past this? 2. My car leaks gas. Found a recall in 1999 that addressed an issue about bad fuel rails and Chrysler would did indeed repair cars. My car has the recall repairs performed. Doing a VIN check verified this. So I explained to my Chrysler dealer that obviously the recall is bad. …
While driving, smoke came from underneath the hood on the passenger side. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The cause was not determined. Please provide more information.
Vehicle would stall out while driving at highway speeds. Sometimes vehicle could be restarted after stalling out. Took vehicle to dealership, but mechanic could not resolve problem. Dealer stated to consumer stalling could be related to the fuel pump, however if they could not find the problem, the consumer would be charged. Vehicle intermittently will not start, it will crank but it will not start, after letting it sit for an hour or two it will start.
Our mechanic stated he has replace 9 to 10 timing belts, idler pully, water pumps on the same type of cars. It seams like the idler pully freezes, causing the water pump to freeze, which then causes the timing chain to break. Total cost to repair was 503.00 plus a large towing bill. I would think a $85.00 pulley should be made better as to not cause so much damage when it breaks.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chrysler LHS years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (24), 1999 (14), 1996 (12) and 1997 (9) model years. Engine complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Chrysler LHS engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Chrysler LHS model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chrysler LHS engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles; 11% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (20 mentions), followed by the cooling system (18).
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.