1997 Chrysler Concorde LX review from North America

Tie rod bushings replaced three times (everyone who own one of these MUST check these at least once a year, it's a SAFETY ISSUE as well as a design flaw).

Transmission catastrophic failure at 51,000 miles -- completely replaced.

Steering gear mounting bushings failed, causing steering gear damage -- replaced steering gear.

Won't hold alignments due to above problems.

Water pump replaced three times.

Radiator replaced.

Power steering pressure hose replaced.

Battery failed prematurely (original OEM part).

Power door lock servos (motors?) malfunctioned within 1 month of purchase. Replaced under warranty and subsequently failed again within a year -- never replaced again.

Visor clips only last one year (become brittle after a few exposures to heat during summer). Replaced multiple times until Chrysler discontinued the part (gee, wonder why!)

Replaced O2 sensor.

Replaced front struts.

Parking brake cable snapped three years ago when engaging it.

Turn signal silk-screening comes off with exposure to ammonia based window cleaner... ooops.

Steering wheel coating wore off years ago, it's just a sticky rubbery material now.

Passenger air bag cover shrunk and curled around the edges.

Etc... etc... I could go on for a while...

I am the original owner of 1997 Concorde and have had too many problems over the years to list here. I've put at least 6-7 thousand dollars into it in repairs over the years. I've replaced the tie rod bushings twice myself and had a shop do it once, all 97 Concords suffer from this design flaw and it is a serious safety concern. There were something like 4 service bulletins on it (I got access to them, the general public usually doesn't). Chrysler quietly upped the torque specifications and recommends a higher grade bolt when replacing them. It should have been recalled for a new steering gear design, if you ask me. Anyway, I had the transmission go out at 51,000 miles, just out of warranty. Chrysler did offer to pay for a "rebuilt" one if I'd pay for the labor ($700), I did. I've replaced the steering gear, the radiator, I'm on my fourth water pump. I've replaced the timing belt (although, that's not unusual after a certain mileage and should be considered routine maintenance). I had the power door lock motors replaced in the first year (under warranty) and within a year or so they were slipping (and making a really loud whine) again, I've just dealt with that for the last few years. The clear coat is almost completely gone on all of the horizontal surfaces and the paint is so dull that if you drag a paper towel across it, you'll get fuzzy lint on the car. Don't even consider waxing it! It turned parts of it white and I couldn't buff it off! Basically, the paint is self-destructing, much like my last car (also a Chrysler). I don't know what it is about Chrysler's clear coats, but they don't last for me. The engine has held up pretty well. I think I'm on my second O2 sensor though. Oh, and due to the steering gear problem and the tie rod bushings constantly needing to be replaced, it doesn't hold an alignment and subsequently "eats" tires. Oh, and the steering (from day one) is very stiff. This goes back to that "design flaw" in the steering gear. There are whole websites on that steering gear and Chrysler's lack of experience designing single take-off steering gears (a copy of another luxury brand's design) at that time. Anyway, I'm getting ready to sell it now, after 10 years and get a Prius. I don't expect to get more than $1500 for it, if I'm lucky.