1989 Chrysler Maserati problems
The Chrysler TC by Maserati is a jointly developed car by Chrysler and Maserati. It was positioned as a grand tourer and introduced at the 1986 Los Angeles Auto Show. It is a "Q" body built on a modified second-generation Chrysler K platform. After two years of development delays, the TC became available in late-1988 and a total of 7,300 units (the minimum required under the contract) were manufactured in Milan, Italy, through 1990. All cars sold as 1991 models were manufactured in 1990.
Development
Lee Iacocca started a friendship with Alejandro de Tomaso while at Ford, which led to the De Tomaso Pantera, which had flopped because of safety concerns and limited interest from buyers. During the 1980s, Iacocca headed Chrysler while De Tomaso was the owner of the historic Maserati brand. In 1983, Iacocca had considered manufacturing a knock-off of a Mercedes roadster based on a Plymouth Reliant-until he was talked out of it.
In 1984, both companies signed a memorandum of understanding to create a sports coupe that ultimately became the TC, or "turbocharged coupe", an "image builder" which carried the hopes that it might help overcome Chrysler's blue-collar image and attract better-heeled customers to showrooms, and a revival of the luxury reputation they enjoyed during the late 1950s to mid-1960s with the Chrysler 300 letter series coupes and convertibles.
Chrysler also became an investor in Maserati during that period. In 1985, Lee Iacocca stated that the planned "Q-coupe" would be the prettiest Italian to arrive stateside since his mother immigrated. The luxury roadster, which resembled a Chrysler LeBaron—it shared many of the LeBaron's components—had taken five years to complete because of mismanagement and squabbling among Chrysler and Maserati engineers which resulted in delay after delay. The original plan was for the TC to be introduced before the LeBaron.
The 1989 TC used a slightly detuned 160 bhp (119 kW; 162 PS) Daytona-spec turbocharged 2.2 L straight-4. This intercooled version, known as the Turbo II, was coupled to an A413 three-speed automatic transaxle. The Turbo II was replaced by a Mitsubishi-sourced 3.0 L 141 bhp (105 kW; 143 PS) V6 engine for the 1990 and 1991 model years, with the automatic transaxle being upgraded to a four-speed A604 unit.
500 cars were built with an optional drivetrain consisting of a Getrag manual transmission and a 16-valve head version of the 2.2 L. This engine is often called the "Maserati" engine because it was assembled by Maserati and has a Maserati-branded cast valve cover.
The 200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS) 16-valve 2.2 L "Maserati" engine's cylinder head was cast in England by Cosworth and finished in Italy by Maserati. The pistons came from Mahle GmbH in Germany. The camshafts were designed by Florida-based Crane Cams and were manufactured by Maserati in Modena. The "Maserati" engine used a specially-made 2.2 block, upgraded crankshaft, and rods. A Japanese turbocharger was sourced from IHI. The rest of the engine used Turbo II parts made in the United States.
The TC's platform was based on a shortened Dodge Daytona chassis with suspension and axles from the original model (except for the 5-speed Getrag with "Maserati" engine). The bodywork was produced by De Tomaso subsidiary Innocenti. The struts and shock absorbers were specially designed for the car by Fichtel and Sachs, and a Teves anti-lock braking system was standard. The special wheels were made in Italy by the Formula One supplier Fondmetal.
After every other Chrysler executive insisted that the TC was hopeless and should be written off, Iacocca refused to accept responsibility for its failure saying it might have worked if his marketers had "positioned" it properly. According to Bob Lutz, a Chrysler executive, the partnership with Alejandro de Tomaso resulted in only the TC, a "misadventure" that wound up costing Chrysler "close to $600 million." That is, the cost to produce each of the 7,300 TCs was about $80,000 in 1990 dollars ($186,572 in 2023 dollars ).
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Common 1989 Chrysler Maserati problems
The Chrysler TC by Maserati, produced in 1989, was a collaboration between Chrysler and Maserati, aiming to combine American and Italian engineering and design. However, the car faced numerous problems, leading to its poor performance in the market.
- Engine and Transmission Issues: The Chrysler TC by Maserati was equipped with various engines and transmissions throughout its production, including a 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter V6 from Mitsubishi, and a 2.2-liter 16-valve motor from Cosworth in England. These frequent changes in powertrain components led to inconsistencies in performance and reliability.
- Suspension and Brake System Problems: The car's suspension components were sourced from Sachs in Germany, while the body was crafted by Maserati in Italy.
- Design and Styling: The Chrysler TC by Maserati shared many parts with the Chrysler LeBaron, and its design was criticized for being too similar to a less expensive car. This led to customer dissatisfaction and a perceived lack of value for the TC's high price point.
- Marketing and Sales: The car was marketed as a luxury sports coupe, but its performance and reliability did not meet customer expectations.
- Customer Satisfaction: Owners of the Chrysler TC by Maserati have reported various issues, including surging wires, high amperage on 12-volt lines, and problems with the ABS system. These problems have led to dissatisfaction among owners and a perception of poor quality control.
In conclusion, the Chrysler TC by Maserati was plagued by engine and transmission issues, suspension and brake system problems, design and styling concerns, marketing and sales challenges, and overall customer dissatisfaction. These factors contributed to the car's poor performance in the market and its eventual discontinuation in 1991.
What is the most common problem with Maserati?
From brake issues to clutch and transmission problems, faulty electrical systems, and poor build quality, Maserati vehicles have a reputation for being unreliable. It is essential to factor in the potential costs of repairs and maintenance when making your decision.
How many Chrysler TC by Maserati were made?
7,300 units
Production ended in calendar year 1990, though a few 1991 model-year cars were produced. Approximately 7,300 units were built in total.
Are old Maseratis reliable?
In conclusion, Maserati isn't very dependable. At all. Their exclusivity means that they do not have the mass-production set-up that many of their competitors have, which goes some way in improving reliability. This also means that they are expensive to repair and the parts can take a long time to source.
Why do Maseratis break down so much?
Another reason why Maserati vehicles break down a lot is that certain models are prone to engine issues. This can be due to a range of factors, such as poor maintenance or defective parts. Some of the common engine issues that may occur include stalling, loss of power, and oil leaks.
What is the most common problem with Maserati?
From brake issues to clutch and transmission problems, faulty electrical systems, and poor build quality, Maserati vehicles have a reputation for being unreliable. It is essential to factor in the potential costs of repairs and maintenance when making your decision.
Which Chrysler car was made by Maserati?
Chrysler TC by Maserati | |
---|---|
Production | 1988–1990 |
Model years | 1989–1991 |
Assembly | Torino, Italy (stamping) Sparone, Italy (assembly) Milan, Italy (Maserati's Innocenti complex; final assembly) |
Body and chassis |
Are old Maseratis reliable?
In conclusion, Maserati isn't very dependable. At all. Their exclusivity means that they do not have the mass-production set-up that many of their competitors have, which goes some way in improving reliability. This also means that they are expensive to repair and the parts can take a long time to source.
Why not to buy a Maserati?
Another reason why Maserati vehicles break down a lot is that certain models are prone to engine issues. This can be due to a range of factors, such as poor maintenance or defective parts. Some of the common engine issues that may occur include stalling, loss of power, and oil leaks.
1989 Chrysler Maserati car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chrysler Maserati problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Equipment problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Chrysler Maserati vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Chrysler Maserati complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Chrysler Maserati.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-11
- VIN: ZC2FP1108KB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE A/C COMPRESSOR LEAKED AND WAS REPLACED. THE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR WAS REPLACED. *PH *NLM *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-19
- VIN: 2GBEG25K5N4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BOTH BRAKE LINES CROSSING FROM RIGHT TO LEFT ARE RUSTED AND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID CAUSING FRONT BRAKE TO FAIL AND PEDAL TO GO TO THE FLOOR.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-05-31
- VIN: ZC2FP1108KB
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: OPERA GLASS WINDOWS CAUSE BURNS IN THE CARPETS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-04-24
- VIN: ZC2FP1108KB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NOISE HEARD FROM ENGINE DUE TO BELTS HAVING GLAZE OVER THEM.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: ZC2FP1104BK
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE OPERA WINDOWS IN THE CONVERTIBLE TOP CONCENTRATE THE SUNLIGHT AND BURN THE CARPET WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-07
- VIN: 2C2FP1107KB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTILOCK BRAKES FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-12-03
- VIN: 2C2FP1107KB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN INOPERATIVE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Chrysler Maserati problems:
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