1997 Chrysler Concorde: common problems and reliability

The 1997 Chrysler Concorde has 158 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and service brakes. Owners most often flag automatic transmission failures — premature breakdowns, including multiple failures within a short ownership period, described as "dogshit early on." frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 1997 model year

158
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
12
Crash reports
6
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Chrysler Concorde vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine and engine cooling
27
service brakes
19
hydraulic
19
fuel system
18
steering
18

Recalls affecting the 1997 Concorde

power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift

Campaign 04V021000

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REM…

fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system

Campaign 98V184000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THE FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM CAN LEAK FUEL FROM SOME OF THE SEALING O-RINGS OR FROM HAIR LINE CRACKS IN THE THERMOSET FUEL INJECTION RAIL.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on individual vehicle history and maintenance. A significant portion of long-term owner reports describe the Concorde as a comfortable, spacious, and capable highway cruiser, particularly when purchased at a l

  • Automatic transmission failures — premature breakdowns, including multiple failures within a short ownership period, described as "dogshit early on." Frequency: very frequent.
  • Chronic electrical problems — erratic behavior including flickering dashboard lights, random accessory activation (horns, wipers, alarms), parasitic battery drains, non-functional interior lights, and complete electrical system gremlins. Often intermittent and difficult to diagnose. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine oil sludge (2.7L V6) — severe oil contamination leading to engine failure, noted as a known and widespread flaw. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Oil consumption/leaks — requiring frequent oil addition (e.g., a quart per week), with oil light flickering at idle. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Engine stalling/rough idle — stalling at stops, rough cold starts, often linked to faulty idle air control valves or other sensors. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Concorde.

Typical used price

Used Concorde listings typically run $4,295–$5,900 across 1993 to 2002 model years.

Other Concorde model years

2002 Concorde
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