Owners have filed 451 complaints
about the 1997 Dodge Stratus with NHTSA between 1997 and 2020.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 75
Against the median year of the Dodge Stratus. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
22.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 12
7% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
11.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
711.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1830.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
711.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1728.8%
150,000+ miles
915.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 1997peak 19Oct 2020
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Dodge Stratus
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA03011Opened 17 Jul 2003Closed 30 Jan 2004POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHI...
PE02082Opened 6 Nov 2002Closed 23 Apr 2003SEAT BELTS
SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.
EA97016Opened 29 Sep 1997Closed 20 Nov 1997SUSPENSION
LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILURE
BY LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 6, 1997, THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THIS AGENCY OF ITS DECISION TO INITIATE A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO CORRECT THE DEFECT IDENTIFIED IN THIS EA.THE RECALL WILL ALSO COVER 1996 AND 1997 CHRYSLER CIRRUS/DODGE STRATUS VEHICLES, AS WELL AS 1995 THROUGH 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE AND PLYMOUTH BREEZE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH IDENTICAL LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS.AN ESTIMATED TOTAL OF 599,00VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.THE MANUFACTURER'S INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT PROCESS VARIABILITY, TOGETHER WITH THE BALL JOINT HOUSING COVER CRIMPING...
Recalls on the 1997 Dodge Stratus
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2004003277,416 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a floor-mounted shifter, the ignition-park interlock may become defeated 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 removed when the shifter has not been placed in the Park position. This may result in the vehicle rolling away without warning. Correction: Dealer will inspect the function of the ignition-park interlock system. Vehicles found with functional interlock systems will have a load-limiting push rod installed into the floor shifter lever. Vehicles with a non-functional ignition-park interlock system will have the shifter assembly replaced.
Recall 199816561,866 units in Canada
Other
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FLOOR MOUNTED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER. A COMBINATION OF APPLYING A MIS-ADJUSTED SHIFTER RELEASE BUTTON WITH A LOW FORCE ATTEMPT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITH THE KEY IN THE LOCKED POSITION MAY BREAK THE CONNECTING PIN IN THE SHIFTER. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE "IGNITION-PARK" INTERLOCK SYSTEM WILL NOT FUNCTION. CORRECTION: THE CONSOLE SHIFT INTERLOCK MECHANISM WILL BE INSPECTED FOR PROPER FUNCTION. ANY VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL AFTER THE INSPECTION WILL HAVE THE SHIFT MECHANISM AND CABLE REPLACED WITH A CURRENT PRODUCTION "SELF ADJUSTING" DESIGN.
Recall 199720553,134 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the lower control arm ball joint may separate due to loss of lubrication. This separation could result in loss of vehicle control and a crash without prior warning. Correction: Ball joint end housing cover seal will be inspected for leakage and the rubber boot will be inspected for damage. If the cover seal leaks or the boot is damaged, the lower control arm will be replaced.
Recall 199712321,272 units in Canada
Structure
THE PRIMARY/SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING MAY NOT REMAIN IN POSITION DURING HOOD CLOSING, WHICH CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF BOTH THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LATCH FUNCTION. LOSS OF HOOD FUNCTION CAN RESULT IN A HOOD FLY-UP CONDITION. CORRECTION: THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE HAVING A LONGER END HOOK.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 90,000 milesVA Beach, VAFire
STEERING
NOTICE A SMELL FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING OPEN THE HOOD FIRE PUT THE FIRE OUT NOTICE POWER HOSE HAD LEAK IN IT I FEEL DODGE SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS MALFUNCTION
NHTSA complaint #11362702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 171,000 milesNaugatuck, CTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR WAS SITTING FRONT OF MY DAUGHTER'S HOUSE AND IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. CAR WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED.
NHTSA complaint #10343993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesMount Pleasant, MICrash
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NORMAL. SHE NOTICED OIL LEAKING AFTER THE CRASH. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT A NEW HEAD GASKET WAS NEEDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 81,000. UPDATED 03-04-08
NHTSA complaint #10210271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesMount Pleasant, MICrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NORMAL. SHE NOTICED OIL LEAKING AFTER THE CRASH. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT A NEW HEAD GASKET WAS NEEDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 81,000. UPDATED 03-04-08
NHTSA complaint #10210271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcdonough, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
I WAS GOING TO MY COUSINS GRADUATION AND HAD ASKED AN OFFICER ABOUT PARKING WHEN HE DIRECTED ME WHERE TO GO WHEN I TURNED I HEARD A POP AND SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED OUT AND THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO A TOWING YARD, AND THE NEXT DAY TOWED TO MY PROPERTY. EVERYTHING IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT BURNED. I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT IT WAS PROBABLY AN ELECTRICAL FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10200727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesOAK View, CAFire
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
MY DODGE STRATUS HAD AM ENGINE FIRE ON 12-10-2006 AS I WALKED AWAY FROM THE CAR AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 20-25 MILES TO MY DESTINATION . A MAN RAN UP AND ASKED ME IF THAT WAS MY CAR THAT WAS ON FIRE AS I TOOK A LOOK I IMMEDIATEALY CALLED THE FIRE DEPT AND THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT WITH OUT ANY ONE BRING HURT.
NHTSA complaint #10183221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 90,000 milesVA Beach, VAFire
STEERING
NOTICE A SMELL FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING OPEN THE HOOD FIRE PUT THE FIRE OUT NOTICE POWER HOSE HAD LEAK IN IT I FEEL DODGE SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS MALFUNCTION
NHTSA complaint #11362702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontario, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TAKATA RECALL, HORN DON`T WORK, MILLAGE DON`T WORK ,GAS LIGHT COMES ON AND NEDDLE MOVES UP AND DOWN ALOT
NHTSA complaint #11115723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontario, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TAKATA RECALL, HORN DON`T WORK, MILLAGE DON`T WORK ,GAS LIGHT COMES ON AND NEDDLE MOVES UP AND DOWN ALOT
NHTSA complaint #11115723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesKenna, WV
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
EITHER THE OIL LIGHT OR CRUISE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND CAR LOSES ALL POWER. I HAVE TO PULL OFF ROAD AND PUT CAR IN PARK TURN IT OFF AND SOMETIMES IT WILL JUST START RIGHT BACK AND SOMETIMES I HAVE TO WAIT FOR ABOUT 30 MINS FOR IT TO START BACK. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR SINCE MARCH OF 2013 AND IT HAS DONE THIS 10-12 TIMES SINCE THEN. I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED A FEW TIMES CAUSE WITH NO POWER IT IS HARD TO GET CAR OFF THE ROAD. I HAVE CONTACTED DODGE BUT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM YET.
NHTSA complaint #10536772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,559 milesGrand Rapids, MI
TIRES
TIRE HAD A BULGE AT THE BEAD LINE. HAD A SLOW LEAK AND WAS OUT OF BALANCE. I RETURNED THE TIRE TO FIRESTONE. THEY SHOWED ME THAT THE TIRE WAS MISSING RUBBER AT ALONG THE TIRE BEAD AND WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AT NO CHARGE.
NHTSA complaint #10441971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesRockton, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL FILLER HOSE WAS LOOSE AND WOULD NOT KEEP FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #10424243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesHinsdale, IL
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. THE POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE HOSE WAS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. THE 2.4 LITER ENGINE HAD A LEAK DIRECTLY ABOVE THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
NHTSA complaint #10365923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 171,000 milesNaugatuck, CTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR WAS SITTING FRONT OF MY DAUGHTER'S HOUSE AND IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. CAR WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED.
NHTSA complaint #10343993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137 milesScranton, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
LOSS OF POWER AND STALLING. WHILE ON HILLS IT HAS NO POWER ON ME SHUTS OFF ON ME EVERY WEEK. SAID THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR FIXING THAT DODGE DEALER ISN'T RESPONSIBLE FOR CHARGES.
NHTSA complaint #10288854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMoberly, MO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DEACTIVATE. HE MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL MECHANISM, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN; HOWEVER, THE ENGINE REVVED HIGHLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
NHTSA complaint #10256649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesSmithfield, VA
SEAT BELTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT PROPERLY RETRACT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM BOLTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL. HE ATTEMPTED TO LOCATE THE PARTS AT VARIOUS JUNK YARDS AND NOTICED THAT EVERY VEHICLE WITH THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL HAD THE SAME FAILED COMPONENT. AS OF AUGUST 28, 2008, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10240043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Batesville, MS
STRUCTURE
THE CLEAR COAT ON THE PAINT BEGAN COMING OFF. IT STARTED ON THE ROOF AND TRUNK LID AND HAS NOW BEGUN TO SPREAD TO OTHER PARTS OF CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10234708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 670,000 milesAbilene, TX
STEERING
POWER STEERING HOSES DEVELOPED HOLES THROUGH THE WHOLE HOSE MASSIVE FLUID LOSS NOW POWER STEERING PUMP HAS FROZE AND THE CAR ONLY HAS 67 THOUSAND MILES FOR 97 YEAR 95 % OF MILES HIGHWAY ALSO A/C COMPRESSOR AND A/C DASH SWITCH BOTH NON WORKING WITH FULLY CHARGED COMPRESSOR AND ALL RELAYS AND FUSES REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10231968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 670,000 milesAbilene, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
POWER STEERING HOSES DEVELOPED HOLES THROUGH THE WHOLE HOSE MASSIVE FLUID LOSS NOW POWER STEERING PUMP HAS FROZE AND THE CAR ONLY HAS 67 THOUSAND MILES FOR 97 YEAR 95 % OF MILES HIGHWAY ALSO A/C COMPRESSOR AND A/C DASH SWITCH BOTH NON WORKING WITH FULLY CHARGED COMPRESSOR AND ALL RELAYS AND FUSES REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10231968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesMount Pleasant, MICrash
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NORMAL. SHE NOTICED OIL LEAKING AFTER THE CRASH. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT A NEW HEAD GASKET WAS NEEDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 81,000. UPDATED 03-04-08
NHTSA complaint #10210271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesMount Pleasant, MICrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NORMAL. SHE NOTICED OIL LEAKING AFTER THE CRASH. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT A NEW HEAD GASKET WAS NEEDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 81,000. UPDATED 03-04-08
NHTSA complaint #10210271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcdonough, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
I WAS GOING TO MY COUSINS GRADUATION AND HAD ASKED AN OFFICER ABOUT PARKING WHEN HE DIRECTED ME WHERE TO GO WHEN I TURNED I HEARD A POP AND SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED OUT AND THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO A TOWING YARD, AND THE NEXT DAY TOWED TO MY PROPERTY. EVERYTHING IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT BURNED. I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT IT WAS PROBABLY AN ELECTRICAL FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10200727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesHails Corners, WI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO ENGAGE WHEN ACTIVATED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. THE VIN APPEARED TO BE INVALID.
NHTSA complaint #10199273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesOAK View, CAFire
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
MY DODGE STRATUS HAD AM ENGINE FIRE ON 12-10-2006 AS I WALKED AWAY FROM THE CAR AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 20-25 MILES TO MY DESTINATION . A MAN RAN UP AND ASKED ME IF THAT WAS MY CAR THAT WAS ON FIRE AS I TOOK A LOOK I IMMEDIATEALY CALLED THE FIRE DEPT AND THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT WITH OUT ANY ONE BRING HURT.
NHTSA complaint #10183221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesDenver, CO
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
HAVE CONTACTED DODGE/DAIMLER-CHRYSLER SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT TRANSMISSION ON MY 1997 DODGE STRATUS GOING OUT. HESITATION ON SHIFTING INTO GEAR, SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR AND BACK IN ON TURNS, TRANS LEAKS, SLIPPING INTO GEAR SUDDENLY AND JERKING THE CAR, AND SO ON. CAR HAS ONLY 66,000 MILES ON IT NOW AND I GOT IT IN 2001 WHEN MY FATHER PASSED AWAY. IT HAD ONLY 53,000 MILES ON IT THEN. A TRANS SHOULDN'T BE GOING OUT AT 50-60,000 MILES. IF DODGE HAS A BAD PRODUCT THEY SHOULD CORRECT IT THEMSELVES. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY TO REPAIR A PROBLEM DODGE ALREADY KNOWS ABOUT AND ISN'T DOING ANYTHING ABOUT. I NEVER HAUL OR PULL ANYTHING AND I ONLY PUT 13,000 MILES ON IT IN FIVE YEARS. NOT HEAVY DRIVING. I SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL AND DODGE REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING OR PAY FOR REPAIR- JUST SAYING "IT'S PAST WARRANTY". I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPAIR BUT I SHOULD HAVE A VEHICLE COMPANY THAT IS PROUD OF IT'S PRODUCT ENOUGH TO STAND BEHIND IT. I ONLY GET $867 A MONTH RETIREMENT AND I'M 60 YEARS OF AGE. DAIMLER-CHRYSLER SHOULD HAVE MADE REPAIRS WHEN I FIRST CONTACTED THEM A YEAR AGO. THIS IS A DAILY PROBLEM AND GETTING WORSE. HUNDREDS OF FAILURES. I HAVE TO USE THE CAR FOR PET CARE SO JUST CONTINUE TO PUTT ALONG UNTIL IT (THE TRANS) GOES OUT COMPLETELY.
NHTSA complaint #10173208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesHonolulu, HI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTO TRANSMISSION. 1997 DODGE STRATUS 2.5L WITH AUTO STICK. TRANSMISSION LEAKAGE AND FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT ABOVE SECOND GEAR, AND GEAR SLIPS.
NHTSA complaint #10168929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Americus, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL WIRE ACCORDING TO THE FIRE MARSHAL. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND NOT BEING DRIVEN. THE FIRE WAS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE WAS NOTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT THE WAY THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING BEFORE THE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10166171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesConneaut, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE CHANGING THE OIL THE HINGE FOR THE HOOD SEEMED LOOSE. THERE IS NHTSA RECALL # 97V095000 REGARDING THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10154179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesTyler, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NO PARTICULAR SPEED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLS. AFTER STALLING, THE VEHICLE RESTARTS FOLLOWING AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SEEN BY A DEALER AND MULTIPLE REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REMEDY THE STALLING PROBLEM. THE REAR FREEZE PLUG WAS LEAKING. UPDATED 03/09/06.
NHTSA complaint #10148362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesCenterburg, OH1 injured
AIR BAGS
WE HAD FREQUENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE CAR AND TOOK IT TO THE LIBERTY DEALERSHIP IN JOHNSTOWN, OH TO GET THEM FIXED UNTIL WE GOT TO THE POINT THAT IT WAS GOING TO TAKE MORE THAN THE CARE WAS VALUED TO GUARANTEE THE FIX. THESE ITEMS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER OUR WARRANTY. ONE DAY AFTER PULLING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY AFTER WORK, I SHUT THE CAR OFF, OPENED THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WHILE PULLING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, GIVING ME A PRETTY GOOD SHOT IN THE FACE. THE CAR WAS SITTING STILL AND NOT RUNNING. THE KEYS WEREN'T EVEN IN THE IGNITION. I CALLED CHRYSLER'S CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE AND FILED AN INCIDENT. THEY ASSIGNED A.L. GILBERT TO WORK ON THE CASE. A INVESTIGATOR WAS DEPLOYED FROM A PRIVATE COMPANY OUT OF DAYTON, OH. HE TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP IN MT. VERNON, OH AND DETERMINED BY LOOKING AT THE CAR'S COMPUTER THAT IT HAD BEEN WRECKED. OBVIOUSLY, THIS WASN'T THE CASE AS THERE WASN'T A DENT OR SCRATCH ON THE CAR AND I WAS SITTING STILL IN THE DRIVEWAY. HOWEVER, CHRYSLER REFUSED TO CHANGE THEIR DETERMINATION. EVEN THOUGH IT WAS REQUESTED MULTIPLE TIMES, A COPY OF THE REPORT FROM THE INVESTIGATOR FROM DAYTON, OH WAS NEVER PROVIDED ME. A.L. GILBERT BLATANTLY CALLED ME DISHONEST BECAUSE HE SAID THE COMPUTER DIDN'T LIE. I CONVINCED HIM TO LET ME TAKE IT TO THE LIBERTY DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THE SERVICE MANAGER LOOK AT THE CAR WHILE ON THE PHONE WITH HIM. THE LIBERTY SERVICE MANAGER TOLD A.L. GILBERT THAT THERE WAS NO VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF ANY ACCIDENT ON THE CAR. A.L. GILBERT SAID THERE ABSOLUTELY HAD TO BE SOMETHING BECAUSE THE COMPUTER SAID SO. THE LIBERT SERVICE MECHANIC SAID, IN FACT THE ONLY SCRATCH I SEE IS ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND LOOKS LIKE HE'S DRIVEN ON A GRAVEL ROAD. GILBERT RESPONDED AND SAID THAT WAS ALL THE EVIDENCE HE NEEDED AND THAT THE DECISION STOOD. I STILL DRIVE THE CAR TODAY BUT WITHOUT AIR BAGS AND WITH A DASH THAT LIGHTS UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE BECAUSE OF THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10145247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.