FaultScore

1996 Dodge Stratus engine problems

360 of the 776 complaints about the 1996 Dodge Stratus are about the engine — 46% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 90,000 miles.

F

360

Complaints

1

Crashes

23

Fires

2

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Engine 224 62.2%
Gasoline 101 28.1%
Engine AND Engine Cooling 12 3.3%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe 10 2.8%
Emission Control 3 0.8%
Exhaust System 2 0.6%
Cooling System 2 0.6%
Crankcase (Pcv) 2 0.6%
Radiator Assembly 1 0.3%
GAS Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) 1 0.3%

Engine & Cooling across every Dodge Stratus year

1995 116 11.0%
1996 360 34.3%
1997 177 16.8%
1998 125 11.9%
1999 57 5.4%
2000 26 2.5%
2001 61 5.8%
2002 51 4.9%
2003 11 1.0%
2004 26 2.5%
2005 21 2.0%
2006 20 1.9%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 167,000 miles Cedar Rapids, IA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

R&R FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING FIX, HUB & BEARING ASSEMBLY TOTAL COST $214.55 CLEAN ENGINE TOTAL COST $83.46 ENGINE OIL LEAK, TRIED OIL STOP LEAK & SEEMS TO BE WORKING FOR THE TIME BEING. RADIATOR/ANTIFREEZE LEAK, I'M SPENDING $150 MONTH FOR ANTIFREEZE. PUTTING IN 1-2 BOTTLES A DAY. PROBABLY WILL HAVE RADIATOR FIXED SOON. MUFFLER FELL OFF, CAN'T AFFORD A NEW ONE. NEEDS NEW SPARK PLUGS, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS MANIFOLD GASKET, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS OIL PAN GASKET, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS NEW WIPERS, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER.

NHTSA complaint #10681330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ft.sill, OK

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

MY CAR HAD THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED AND A FEW OTHER THINGS ON IT. BUT I CAN SMELL BURNING OIL FROM SOME WERE AND THE LIGHT IS ON FOR THE OIL. I ONLY DRIVE SHORT DISTANCES BECAUSE I AM AFRAID OF A FIRE. NOT ONLY THAT IT WELL MAYBE ONLY GO ABOUT 2 MILES BEFORE IT SHUTS DOWN. THEN I HAVE TO WAIT FOR IT TO COOL DOWN TO START IT AND GET IT BACK HOME.

NHTSA complaint #10288908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 193,000 miles Belding, MI Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A GAS STATION, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. SHE WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SUFFERED A MELT DOWN. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 193,000. UPDATED 8/7/09 *CN THE PCM AND POWER SHIFTER WERE FAULTY. UPDATED 08/11/09.

NHTSA complaint #10274355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles East ST Louis, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE MOTOR WAS NOT MOUNTED DOWN AND WAS MISSING TWO SCREWS. THE MOTOR JERKS BACK AND FORTH SO SEVERELY THAT IT SEEMS AS IF THE ENGINE WILL FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE TIMING CHAIN, FUEL PUMP, IGNITION COIL, SERPENTINE BELT, AND MUFFLER ARE FAILING. NEW BRAKES AND STRUTS ARE ALSO NEEDED. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCOVER THESE ISSUES UNTIL AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. TWO DAYS LATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #10267700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Apex, NC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

I HAVE A 1996 DODGE STRATUS AND THE HEAD GASKET LEAKS LIKE CRAZY. I ASKED THE DEALER TO TAKE A LOOK AT THIS AND THEY SAID IT WAS A DEFAULT IN DESIGN FROM DAIMLER CHRYSLER. I ASKED IF THEY COULD GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION ON A RECALL OR HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO REPAIR IT. THE DEALER QUOTED ME $2500!! UNBELIEVABLE! ESPECIALLY IF IT IS A DEFECT FROM MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN. I NEED MY "ONLY" MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION FIXED! RECALLS NEED TO BE DONE ON THIS CAR FOR THE HEAD GASKET LEAKAGE.

NHTSA complaint #10179253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 132,232 miles Kentwood, MI

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUGS NEEDED TO PLUGGED IN OR REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE REPAIRS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER NHTSA RECALL #96V006000 REGARDING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING :ENGINE:GASOLINE DUE TO THE VIN. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN, NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. UPDATED 11/30/2006 - THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10171695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Kentwood, MI

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ONE OF THE OIL GALLEY PLUGS ON THE 2.4L ENGINE OF OUR DAUGHTER'S 1996 DODGE STRATUS CAME OUT, AND THE CAR SPEWED MOST OF ITS OIL OUT INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CHRYSLER HAD A RECALL (#671) ON THESE BACK IN 1995 AS SEVERAL FIRES OCCURRED. OUR VIN FELL WITHIN THE RANGE OF VINS AFFECTED, BUT WE WERE TOLD IT WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE RECALL ENDED WITH CARS MANUFACTURED OCT. 13, 1995 AND OUR CAR (WE WERE TOLD) WAS MANUFACTURED OCT. 14TH. THE FIX AS OF THAT DATE WAS A CHANGE TO THE CYLINDER HEAD MACHINING AND THE PLUG THICKNESS. OBVIOUSLY, EITHER OUR ENGINE IS ONE FROM BEFORE THE CHANGE WAS FULLY IMPLEMENTED, OR THE CHANGE WAS NOT A CURE ALL, AS THE PLUG ON OURS CAME OUT. THEIR SOLUTION FOR AFFECTED ENGINES WAS A BRACKET THAT BOLTS ON TO RETAIN THE PLUGS, BUT NO ONE AT THE 1-800 NUMBER NOR AT THE DEALERSHIP COULD TELL ME IF IT WOULD FIT OR WORK ON OUR ENGINE WITH THE SUPPOSED MACHINING CHANGES. PARTS AND LABOR WILL LIKELY BE ONLY AROUND $100, BUT THEY WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR EVEN WITH THE PROXIMITY OF RECALL DATE TO OUR MANUFACTURE DATE, THE FACT THAT OUR CAR HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS CARS THAT WERE RECALLED, AND THIS BEING A SAFETY ISSUE. HOPE THEY ARE 100% CORRECT THAT OUR CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, SEEMS LIKE A RISK ON THEIR PART TO NOT COVER THIS.

NHTSA complaint #10171334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 167,000 miles Sandston, VA Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

I OWN A 96 DODGE STRATUS, I PURCHASED IT YEAR OF 97. I RECEIVED NUMEROUS RECALLS ON THIS VECHICLE SINCE THE DAY OF PURCHASED. I FOLLOWED UP ON EACH RECALL THAT I RECEIVED. AS TIME WENT ON I HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. OVER THE YEARS I AWAYS BELIEVE IN CHRYSLER PRODUCTS TO BE SAFE AND SOUND.I FEEL THAT IT'S BEEN TRULY UNFAIR TOO LOYAL CONSUMERS SUCH AS MYSELF MANY OTHERS. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY A COMPANY SUCH AS CHRYSLER AND ENGINEERS WOULD ENGINEERED A PRODUCT LIKE THE DODGE STRATUS WITH SO MANY DEFECTS. ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2005 I WENT TO PAY A BILL ABOUT FIVE TO TEN MILES AWAY FROM HOME. RETURN HOME, PARK THE CAR, LOCK THE DOORS WENT INTO MY APARTMENT. ABOUT TEN MINUTES LATER A NEIGHBORHOOD BOY KNOCK ON MY DOOR AND SAID YOUR GOLD CAR IS ON FIRE. I RAN OUTSIDE TO SEE, YES IT WAS MY CAR ON FIRE! FIRE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, THEY ARRIVE ABOUT TEN MINUTES LATER TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE FIREMAN HAD TO BREAK THE HOOD LATCH TO GET INTO THE ENGINE AREA TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE FIRE DESTROY MY MOTOR AND HOOD. THANK GOD MYSELF OR MY KIDS WASN'T IN THE CAR! I'M TRULY SADDEN THAT THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN TO ME AND MY FAMILY I'M SINGLE PARENT WITH NO TRANSPORTATION. AFTER THE INVESTIGATION OF THE CAUSE OF FIRE IT WAS DETERMINE THAT THE OIL GALLERY PLUG WAS FAULTY. MY INSURANCE COVERAGE WOULDN'T COVERAGE IT.

NHTSA complaint #10142485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 58,000 miles Pensacola, FL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

HEAD GASKET LEAKING AT 58,000 MILES. CHRYSLER REFUSES TO FIX EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW. I HAVE SEEN OVER 100 POSTS ONLINE ABOUT OTHER THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10112369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Snellville, GA Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ON 12/18/1997 I PURCHASED A 1996 DODGE STRATUS AT A BUY HERE PAY HERE LOT THAT WENT OUT OF BUSINESS. WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE I WAS BACKING OUT OF A SLOPED DRIVEWAY. I FELT A BUMP AND KEPT DRIVING. BEFORE I COULD REACH THE END OF THE STREET MY OIL LAMP CAME ON. I STOPPED AT THE GAS STATION CHECK THE OIL AND DISCOVERED I NEEDED OIL. I PUT OIL IN THE CAR AND GOT ON THE INTERSTATE. MY CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN STOPPED PULLING. AFTER THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THE OIL PAN HAD A HOLE IN IT AND MOST LIKELY GOT IT DURING THE BUMP. I HAD TO GET A NEW MOTOR FOR THE CAR WHICH A $500 DEDUCTIBLE HAD TO BE PAID BY ME AND THE OTHER $3600 WAS PAID BY ALLSTATE(MY INSURANCE COMPANY). LAST YEAR IN LATE APRIL THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN AND THE CAR HASN'T BEEN REPAIRED SINCE OR OF COURSE DRIVEN. THE SECOND TIME THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND SOMEONE CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. I THEN HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME.

NHTSA complaint #10108333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Metairie, LA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VEHICLE TENDED TO SHUTDOWN UNEXPECTEDLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF BRAKES AND STEERING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10105594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 37,840 miles Dedham, MA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK RECALL CAMPAIGN; NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 96V006000. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAVE THE RECALL SERVICE DONE AND THE PROBLEM BECAME WORSE.

NHTSA complaint #10103659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Medford, NY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

HEAD GASKET LEAKED OIL. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT.

NHTSA complaint #10081627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Bend, WI

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

DRIVING THE CAR AND HEARING KNOCKING COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND VIBRATION COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10074948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Coral Springs, FL Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF WHICH BELONGED TO THE CONSUMER'S SON. *PH (MARY FRANCIS ON BEHALF OF ALEX FRANCIS) THE FIRE MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A FAULTY ENGINE PLUG. RECALL#96V006000. OTHER CONSUMER CONTACT INFO: ALEX FRANCIS 754-235-8335 *SC

NHTSA complaint #10071865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 92,880 miles Irwin, PA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

MY MECHANIC STATED THAT MY ENGINE IS LEAKING OIL FROM PRETTY MUCH EVERYWERE, I HAVE TO ADD A QUART OF OIL EVERY 4 - 5 DAYS. I HAVE NO INTERIOR LIGHTS, MY ODOMETER AND TACHOMETER DO NOT FUNCTION AND DISPLAY. MY RADIO DOES NOT WORK, AND NOW MY BRAKE LIGHTS AREN'T FUNCTIONING. I CHECKED AND ALL OF MY FUSES ARE FINE. I CAN'T AFFORD THE ENGINE REPAIRS FOR THE OIL. I HAVE TO GET THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM FIXED. CHRYSLER SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THESE PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #10068189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 58,000 miles Pasadena, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

I PURCHASED MY 1996 DODGE STRATUS IN THE SUMMER OF 1996 AND SO FAR I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH THIS VEHICLE, ONE HEAD GASKET REPAIR THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP AT A COST OF $1600, ONE TIMING CHAIN REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF $600 AND NOW AGAIN ANOTHER HEAD GASKET LEAK. IN THE YEAR 2000 THIS CAR SAT IN THE GARAGE FOR A TOTAL OF 11 MONTHS DUE TO NOT HAVING THE MONEY TO FIX THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM WHICH CAUSED A SEVERE FINANCIAL AND A MENTALLY FRUSTRATING TIME DURING THOSE MONTHS WITHOUT A CAR. I WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST CHRYSLER SO PLEASE FORWARD ME ANY INFORMATION NEEDED IN GOING FORWARD WITH THIS LAWSUIT.

NHTSA complaint #10070551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Saltillo, MS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE DRIVER NOTICED OIL ON THE GROUND. TOOK TO A MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE GASKETS, SEALS, ETC., NEED REPLACING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #10065555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 78,000 miles Oronoco, MN

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

CURRENTLY OWN A 1996 DODGE STRATUS 4 CYLINDER, AND IT IS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY AND I AM UNABLE TO USE IT, AS THE HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT OF IT, AND WILL COST OVER $1500 DO REPLACE(AND SO I HEAR EVEN IF YOU DO REPLACE IT, THE HEAD GASKET WILL BLOW AGAIN SHORTLY AFTER DUE TO THE IMPROPER DESIGN OF THE ENGINE)..THIS IS SO WELL KNOWN A PROBLEM, AND I AM DISGUSTED TO THINK THAT WITH OUR FAMILY BEING LIFETIME DODGE/CHRYSLER PEOPLE, THE COMPANY WOULD IGNORE SAFETY AND ALLOW THIS PROBLEM TO CONTINUE IN LATER MODELS. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO GET SOME HELP HERE!!!! I AM A POOR MOM OF TWO CHILDREN, ONE DISABLED, AND THOUGHT THAT I WAS MAKNG A GOOD PURCHASE WITH THE STRATUS. I CURRENTLY CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE FIXED, AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET MY DISABLED CHILD TO THE DOCTOR AS I DO NOT HAVE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION......THIS IS PATHETIC! PLEASE SOMEONE HELP!

NHTSA complaint #10064317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles Vancouver, WA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

MY DODGE STRATUS 1996 LEAKS OIL LIKE A SIVA. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A GLOBAL ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THE V6 ENGINE USED IN IT. I HAVE CARED FOR THIS CARE VERY WELL AND IT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BETTER THAN RECOMMENDED BY DODGE.

NHTSA complaint #10064221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2ND REQUEST FAX FWD EMAIL FM BEHALF OF [XXX] (TX) RE NUMEROUS DEFECTS ON A 1996 DODGE STRATUS (VIN#[XXX]). *MR THE A/C LEAKED, ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS MALFUNCTIONED, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, AND POOR DRIVEABILITY. THERE WAS STEERING OSCILLATION WHEN DRIVEN ABOVE 50 MPH, ROUGH RIDE WHEN THERE WAS AN IRREGULAR SURFACE, ERRATIC IDLE, PERFORMANCE LOSS, OVERHEATING IN TRAFFIC AND OR THE A/C WOULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, WARM-UP SAG, HESITATION/DIE OUT, REAR GRID DEFOGGER INDICATOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED, INSIDE LIGHTS WORKED IMPROPERLY, ERRATIC LATE HARSH TRANSMISSION SHIFTS, FREQUENT RUMBLE OR GEAR NOISE FROM THE FRONT BETWEEN 50 AND 70 MPH, MUSTY ODOR AND DEFOGGER FAILED TO CLEAR THE GLASS. *SCC THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO IN NEED OF AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND STRUTS. *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10052043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

2ND REQUEST FAX FWD EMAIL FM BEHALF OF [XXX] (TX) RE NUMEROUS DEFECTS ON A 1996 DODGE STRATUS (VIN#[XXX]). *MR THE A/C LEAKED, ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS MALFUNCTIONED, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, AND POOR DRIVEABILITY. THERE WAS STEERING OSCILLATION WHEN DRIVEN ABOVE 50 MPH, ROUGH RIDE WHEN THERE WAS AN IRREGULAR SURFACE, ERRATIC IDLE, PERFORMANCE LOSS, OVERHEATING IN TRAFFIC AND OR THE A/C WOULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, WARM-UP SAG, HESITATION/DIE OUT, REAR GRID DEFOGGER INDICATOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED, INSIDE LIGHTS WORKED IMPROPERLY, ERRATIC LATE HARSH TRANSMISSION SHIFTS, FREQUENT RUMBLE OR GEAR NOISE FROM THE FRONT BETWEEN 50 AND 70 MPH, MUSTY ODOR AND DEFOGGER FAILED TO CLEAR THE GLASS. *SCC THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO IN NEED OF AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND STRUTS. *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10052043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 71,000 miles Orlando, FL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

I HAVE A 1996 DODGE STRATUS (71,000 MILES) WITH A SEVERE OIL LEAK FROM THE HEAD GASKET. IT IS A 2.4L ENGINE AND LIKE ALL OTHERS IF HAS FAILED. CHRYSTLER KNOWS THEY HAVE A POOR PRODUCT AND A FAILURE OF A DESIGN, BUT THEY DO NOT WANT TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR MISTAKE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN VERY LITTLE, MOSTLY TO SCHOOL TO DROP OFF THE KIDS AND TO THE LOCAL STORES. A CAR WITH LESS THAN 9,000 MILES A YEAR ON IT SHOULD NOT HAVE A $1000.00 REPAIR TO SUCH A MAJOR PART. THE CHRYSTLER CORPORATION SHOULD REPAIR ALL 2.4L ENGINES AT THEIR COST BECAUSE IT IS TERRIBLE ENGINE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHRYSTLER PRODUCT AND I WILL ATTEMPT TO ERSUADE EVERYONE I KNOW FROM MAKING THE MISTAKE I MADE !

NHTSA complaint #10048951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Galesburg, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

HEAD GASKET OIL LEAK, TIE RODS BAD, TIRES REPLACED, BRAKES GOING BAD, ENGINE LIGHT ON.

NHTSA complaint #10045334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

LTR FM JOVAN MATHEWS (TX) RE PROBLEMS WITH HIS 1996 DODGE STRATUS AND ASKING DAIMLER CHRYSLER TO INITIATE A RECALL. *MR THE A/C LEAKED, ELECTRIC CIRCUITS MALFUNCTIONED, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET, AND POOR DRIVE ABILITY. THE CONSUMER HAD REPLACED THE TIMING BELT, HYDRAULIC TENSIONER, WATER PUMP, ALTERNATOR, ALTERNATOR BELT, ROTORS, BRAKE SHOES, REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS, PCV VALVE, DRYER, A/C COMPRESSOR, TIRES, ALL FILTERS, AND FLUIDS. THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEED OF AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WINDSHIELD, STRUTS, SHOCKS, STEERING WHEEL, AND A HEAD GASKET. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATION/VIBRATION ABOVE 50 MPH, ROUGH RIDE ON ROAD WITH IRREGULAR SURFACE, ERRATIC IDLE, PERFORMANCE LOSS, OVERHEATED,WARM UP SAG, HESITATION, REAR GRID DEFOGGER INDICATOR MALFUNCTION, INSIDE LIGHTS HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE, LATE/HARSH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS, FREQUENCY RUMBLE OR GEAR NOISE FROM THE FRONT BETWEEN 50 AND 70 MPH, MUSTY ODOR, AND THE DEFROSTER FAILED TO CLEAR THE GLASS. *SCC

NHTSA complaint #10040045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

LTR FM JOVAN MATHEWS (TX) RE PROBLEMS WITH HIS 1996 DODGE STRATUS AND ASKING DAIMLER CHRYSLER TO INITIATE A RECALL. *MR THE A/C LEAKED, ELECTRIC CIRCUITS MALFUNCTIONED, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET, AND POOR DRIVE ABILITY. THE CONSUMER HAD REPLACED THE TIMING BELT, HYDRAULIC TENSIONER, WATER PUMP, ALTERNATOR, ALTERNATOR BELT, ROTORS, BRAKE SHOES, REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS, PCV VALVE, DRYER, A/C COMPRESSOR, TIRES, ALL FILTERS, AND FLUIDS. THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEED OF AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WINDSHIELD, STRUTS, SHOCKS, STEERING WHEEL, AND A HEAD GASKET. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATION/VIBRATION ABOVE 50 MPH, ROUGH RIDE ON ROAD WITH IRREGULAR SURFACE, ERRATIC IDLE, PERFORMANCE LOSS, OVERHEATED,WARM UP SAG, HESITATION, REAR GRID DEFOGGER INDICATOR MALFUNCTION, INSIDE LIGHTS HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE, LATE/HARSH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS, FREQUENCY RUMBLE OR GEAR NOISE FROM THE FRONT BETWEEN 50 AND 70 MPH, MUSTY ODOR, AND THE DEFROSTER FAILED TO CLEAR THE GLASS. *SCC

NHTSA complaint #10040045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 11,565 miles Hays, KS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

THREE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *MR THE CONSUMER HAD EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AFTER ONE YEAR OF PURCHASE. THE CONSUMER HAD BEEN WITHOUT THE VEHICLE EVERY OTHER MONTH. THE VEHICLE HAD A PERPETUAL OIL LEAK AND SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, SHE HAD TO SEEK HELP FROM AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE HAD SO MUCH OIL LEAKING OUT, THE CONSUMER PLACED OIL IN THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF GAS. CHRYSLER WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. THE VEHICLE HAD STARTED TO LEAK TRANSMISSION FLUID, ALSO THE FRONT SEAL BEGAN TO LEAK AS WELL, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON, THEN THE VEHICLE STARTED MISSING OUT, SPUTTERED, AND THE STARTER WAS INTERMITTENT DUE TO A SHORT. THE CONSUMER HAD REQUESTED A REFUND OF REPAIRS. OTHER REPAIRS WERE AS FOLLOWED: THE AIR COMPRESSOR ON THE AIR CONDITIONER, STARTER, REPLACEMENT OF THE HEAD GASKET THREE TIMES, ONCE AT 11565K MILES AND SECOND AT 20495K MILES AND AGAIN AT 69000K MILES. *SCC

NHTSA complaint #10037844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

MY NAME IS [XXX], AND I AM A TWENTY-FOUR YEAR OLD FATHER OF THREE WHO IS CURRENTLY RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY. I AM WRITING THIS LETTER TODAY BECAUSE I AM HAVING SOME PROBLEMS WITH MY 1996 DODGE STRATUS (VIN# [XXX]). THE TYPES OF PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING CONSISTS OF AIR CONDITIONING LEAKS, ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS THAT MALFUNCTION, TRANSMISSION TROUBLES, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, AND POOR DRIVEABILITY. CHRYSLER MOTOR CORPORATION PRIDES ITSELF AS REPRESENTING VALUE, QUALITY, DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY, BUT I CANT SEEM TO SEE THAT AS A TRUE STATEMENT WITH ALL OF MY CURRENT PROBLEMS. I COULD NOT BELIEVE ALL THE PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING WITH THIS VEHICLE AT ONE GIVEN TIME SO I DECIDED TO RESEARCH MY DIFFICULTIES ON THE INTERNET AND I FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THESE SAME ISSUES. I FEEL THAT DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR MY REPAIRS DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES CAUSED BY SHODDY PARTS AND QUALITY. SO FAR I HAVE REPLACED THE TIMING BELT, HYDRAULIC TENSIONER, WATER PUMP, ALTERNATOR, ALTERNATOR BELT, ROTORS, BAKE SHOES, REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS, PCV VALVE, DRYER, AC COMPRESSOR, TIRES, ALL FILTERS, AND FLUIDS. I AM IN DYER NEED OF A EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WINDSHIELD, STRUTS, SHOCKS, STEERING WHEEL, HEAD GASKET. ALSO, I AM EXPERIENCING STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATION/VIBRATION ABOVE 50 MPH, ROUGH RIDE ON ROAD WITH IRREGULAR SURFACE & BOTTOMING OUT ON POTHOLE, ERRATIC IDLE, PERFORMANCE LOSS, OVERHEATS IN TRAFFIC &/OR A/C BECOMES INOPERATIVE, WARM-UP SAG, HESITATION & DRIVEWAY DIE OUT, REAR GRID DEFOGGER INDICATOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONS, INSIDE LIGHTS WORK IMPROPERLY, ERRATIC, LATE OR HARSH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS , FREQUENCY RUMBLE OR GEAR NOISE FROM FRONT BETWEEN 50 & 70 MPH , MUSTY ODOR AND DEFROSTER FAILS TO CLEAR GLASS. AS IT APPEARS I NEED A LOT OF WORK AND BEING LOW INCOME I NEED HELP.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10033411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

MY NAME IS [XXX], AND I AM A TWENTY-FOUR YEAR OLD FATHER OF THREE WHO IS CURRENTLY RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY. I AM WRITING THIS LETTER TODAY BECAUSE I AM HAVING SOME PROBLEMS WITH MY 1996 DODGE STRATUS (VIN# [XXX]). THE TYPES OF PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING CONSISTS OF AIR CONDITIONING LEAKS, ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS THAT MALFUNCTION, TRANSMISSION TROUBLES, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, AND POOR DRIVEABILITY. CHRYSLER MOTOR CORPORATION PRIDES ITSELF AS REPRESENTING VALUE, QUALITY, DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY, BUT I CANT SEEM TO SEE THAT AS A TRUE STATEMENT WITH ALL OF MY CURRENT PROBLEMS. I COULD NOT BELIEVE ALL THE PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING WITH THIS VEHICLE AT ONE GIVEN TIME SO I DECIDED TO RESEARCH MY DIFFICULTIES ON THE INTERNET AND I FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THESE SAME ISSUES. I FEEL THAT DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR MY REPAIRS DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES CAUSED BY SHODDY PARTS AND QUALITY. SO FAR I HAVE REPLACED THE TIMING BELT, HYDRAULIC TENSIONER, WATER PUMP, ALTERNATOR, ALTERNATOR BELT, ROTORS, BAKE SHOES, REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS, PCV VALVE, DRYER, AC COMPRESSOR, TIRES, ALL FILTERS, AND FLUIDS. I AM IN DYER NEED OF A EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WINDSHIELD, STRUTS, SHOCKS, STEERING WHEEL, HEAD GASKET. ALSO, I AM EXPERIENCING STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATION/VIBRATION ABOVE 50 MPH, ROUGH RIDE ON ROAD WITH IRREGULAR SURFACE & BOTTOMING OUT ON POTHOLE, ERRATIC IDLE, PERFORMANCE LOSS, OVERHEATS IN TRAFFIC &/OR A/C BECOMES INOPERATIVE, WARM-UP SAG, HESITATION & DRIVEWAY DIE OUT, REAR GRID DEFOGGER INDICATOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONS, INSIDE LIGHTS WORK IMPROPERLY, ERRATIC, LATE OR HARSH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS , FREQUENCY RUMBLE OR GEAR NOISE FROM FRONT BETWEEN 50 & 70 MPH , MUSTY ODOR AND DEFROSTER FAILS TO CLEAR GLASS. AS IT APPEARS I NEED A LOT OF WORK AND BEING LOW INCOME I NEED HELP.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10033411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

MY NAME IS [XXX], AND I AM A TWENTY-FOUR YEAR OLD FATHER OF THREE WHO IS CURRENTLY RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY. I AM WRITING THIS LETTER TODAY BECAUSE I AM HAVING SOME PROBLEMS WITH MY 1996 DODGE STRATUS (VIN# [XXX]). THE TYPES OF PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING CONSISTS OF AIR CONDITIONING LEAKS, ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS THAT MALFUNCTION, TRANSMISSION TROUBLES, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, AND POOR DRIVEABILITY. CHRYSLER MOTOR CORPORATION PRIDES ITSELF AS REPRESENTING VALUE, QUALITY, DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY, BUT I CANT SEEM TO SEE THAT AS A TRUE STATEMENT WITH ALL OF MY CURRENT PROBLEMS. I COULD NOT BELIEVE ALL THE PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING WITH THIS VEHICLE AT ONE GIVEN TIME SO I DECIDED TO RESEARCH MY DIFFICULTIES ON THE INTERNET AND I FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THESE SAME ISSUES. I FEEL THAT DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR MY REPAIRS DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES CAUSED BY SHODDY PARTS AND QUALITY. SO FAR I HAVE REPLACED THE TIMING BELT, HYDRAULIC TENSIONER, WATER PUMP, ALTERNATOR, ALTERNATOR BELT, ROTORS, BAKE SHOES, REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS, PCV VALVE, DRYER, AC COMPRESSOR, TIRES, ALL FILTERS, AND FLUIDS. I AM IN DYER NEED OF A EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WINDSHIELD, STRUTS, SHOCKS, STEERING WHEEL, HEAD GASKET. ALSO, I AM EXPERIENCING STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATION/VIBRATION ABOVE 50 MPH, ROUGH RIDE ON ROAD WITH IRREGULAR SURFACE & BOTTOMING OUT ON POTHOLE, ERRATIC IDLE, PERFORMANCE LOSS, OVERHEATS IN TRAFFIC &/OR A/C BECOMES INOPERATIVE, WARM-UP SAG, HESITATION & DRIVEWAY DIE OUT, REAR GRID DEFOGGER INDICATOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONS, INSIDE LIGHTS WORK IMPROPERLY, ERRATIC, LATE OR HARSH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS , FREQUENCY RUMBLE OR GEAR NOISE FROM FRONT BETWEEN 50 & 70 MPH , MUSTY ODOR AND DEFROSTER FAILS TO CLEAR GLASS. AS IT APPEARS I NEED A LOT OF WORK AND BEING LOW INCOME I NEED HELP.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10033411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 1996 Dodge Stratus problems

← Full 1996 Dodge Stratus report