1990 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 1990 Chrysler Maserati problems
The Chrysler TC by Maserati, produced between 1989 and 1991, was a result of a collaboration between Chrysler and Maserati, born out of a friendship between Lee Iacocca and Alejandro de Tomaso. The car was intended to be a luxury sports coupe that combined American and Italian engineering and design, aiming to enhance Chrysler's image and attract a wealthier clientele. However, the car faced numerous problems, which ultimately led to its failure in the market.
One of the main issues with the Chrysler TC by Maserati was its poor management and production. The car was built from a wild mixture of parts, with different engines and transmissions used throughout its production. This inconsistency in parts and powertrains led to a disjointed and poorly managed production process.
Another significant issue was the car's high price point. Retailing at $37k in 1991, which is equivalent to over $80k in today's money, the Chrysler TC by Maserati was significantly more expensive than a Chrysler LeBaron with most of the options boxes ticked. This price difference, combined with the car's lackluster design and performance, failed to impress customers and higher-ups at Chrysler.
The Chrysler TC by Maserati also faced criticism from automotive reviewers, who were not kind to the car. Its undistinguished performance, high price tag, exclusivity problems, and lack of spec-sheet options all contributed to poor sales, with barely 7,300 examples produced over a three-year stretch.
In conclusion, the Chrysler TC by Maserati was plagued by various problems, including poor management and production, a high price point, negative reviews, and poor sales. These issues ultimately led to the car's failure in the market, making it one of the worst entries into the car market ever.
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.
How much horsepower does a 1990 Chrysler TC Maserati have?
The V-6 replaced the standard four cylinder, and had a new four-speed automatic transaxle. The engine was as smooth but offered up only 141 horsepower.
What is the value of a 1990 Chrysler TC?
The value of a used 1990 Chrysler TC ranges from $2,917 to $11,820, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
Does Maserati use a Chrysler engine?
Believe it or not, Maserati engines have been built by Ferrari over the past several years. However, as of 2022, some Maserati engines are now constructed by Fiat Chrysler, while others, like the Nettuno engine, are designed by Maserati itself!
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 |
How much horsepower does a 1990 Chrysler TC Maserati have?
The V-6 replaced the standard four cylinder, and had a new four-speed automatic transaxle. The engine was as smooth but offered up only 141 horsepower.
What is the value of a 1990 Chrysler TC?
The value of a used 1990 Chrysler TC ranges from $2,917 to $11,820, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
Does Maserati use a Chrysler engine?
Believe it or not, Maserati engines have been built by Ferrari over the past several years. However, as of 2022, some Maserati engines are now constructed by Fiat Chrysler, while others, like the Nettuno engine, are designed by Maserati itself!
1990 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:
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Chrysler Maserati vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Chrysler Maserati complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Chrysler Maserati.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-01
- VIN: ZC2F21206LB
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: RUG BURNS CAUSED BY PRISM EFFECT FROM SIDE OPERA WINDOWS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Chrysler Maserati problems:
Reliability as a Daily Driver? - Chrysler's TC by Maserati - Antique ...
Oct 8, 2010 ... the most common found problem that I had with my TC were simple electrical problems mostly cured by cleaning the grounds or replacing a switch.
1990 Chrysler TC Maserati: Common Problems & Q&A
Jul 16, 2009 ... Hi my name is john. Here what the book say. there is two flasher. The fuse panel is located under the instrument panel to the left of the ...
A Series of Unfortunate Problems - Chrysler's TC by Maserati ...
Dec 5, 2015 ... The idle bypass passage can get gummed up pretty bad over time and cause sticking idle problems and stalling. A bad TPS could also cause ...
1990 Chrysler TC by Maserati: Regular Car Reviews : r/cars
Jun 3, 2019 ... 80's Chrysler is very reliable compared to 80's Maserati. The auto's were weak. The cable shifted 5 speeds were solid - 520, 523, 543 (V6), 555 ...
Brake Problems - Chrysler's TC by Maserati - Antique Automobile ...
Oct 30, 2012 ... Just bought a 1990 Chrysler TC with 6 Cylinder drove home from Colorado to the Panhandle of Texas first ABS Light came on then the Brake ...
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