Owners have filed 334 complaints
about the 1998 Dodge Stratus with NHTSA between 1998 and 2017.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 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 — 55
Against the median year of the Dodge Stratus. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 17
10% 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
11.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
45.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
11.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
911.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2228.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2532.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1215.4%
150,000+ miles
45.1%
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.
Feb 1998peak 18Jan 2017
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 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.
Recalls on the 1998 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 199917034,613 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the right rear brake tube may contact the exhaust system clamp causing wear. If this happens, the brake tube could develop a leak, reducing the effectiveness of one half of the diagonally split braking system. This could result in longer stopping distances and a possible crash without prior warning. Correction: Brake tubes will be inspected for evidence of contact with the exhaust clamp and replaced if necessary. If no evidence of contact exists, the tube will be secured with a clip.
Recall 1999009165 units in Canada
Emissions
On certain vehicles, incorrect weld wire, in combination with the stainless steel shell of the catalytic converter, will cause rusting at the weld joints and premature failure to the converter assembly. Correction: Dealers will replace the catalytic converter.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 1,000 milesAmarillo, TXCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ABS AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM QUIT WORKING I GOT ON THE FREEWAY AND I HAD BREAKS BY THE TIME I GOT THREE OFF RAMPS LATER TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY I HAD NO BRAKES THEY DIDN'T WORK IN THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR CAUSING AND ACCIDENT
NHTSA complaint #10861912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesLexington, NCFire
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN IT IGNITIED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONCLUDED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V001000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS) DEALT WITH THE 1999-2002 DODGE STRATUS AND NOT THE 1998 EVEN THOUGHT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED FOR THE SAME REASON. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
NHTSA complaint #10408692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleveland, OHCrash
TIRES
1998 DODGE STRATUS RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE PULLING INTO A TOLL BOOTH LANE. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0765-90.
NHTSA complaint #10285371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suisun City, CAFire
STEERING
1998 DODGE STRATUS ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE ASSOCIATED WITH POWER STEERING LEAKS.
NHTSA complaint #10230009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesSpringfield, OHFire
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
CAR WAS LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID SO WE KEPT ON ADDING MORE UNTIL WE COULD SAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED(AROUND $350.00, NO SMALL FEE FOR A WORKING FAMILY!)THEN, THE SMOKING GOT WORSE UNTIL ONE DAY IT JUST CAUGHT ON FIRE! I COULDN'T PUT IT OUT WITH AN EXTINGUISHER, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO PUT IT OUT AND NOW THE CAR IS TOTALED! CAN WE STILL GET A RECALL?
NHTSA complaint #10211184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poland, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1998 DODGE STRATUS CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT.
NHTSA complaint #10201487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
College Park, GA
STRUCTURE:BODY
FIRST HORN WAS BLOWING OUT OF CONTROL, THAN THE ENGINE WE GOT IT FIXED, OR SO WE THOUGHT ,THAN GOT THE STARTER FIX DROVE IT 2 WEEKS AND NOW IT TURNS OVER BUT DOES NOTHING SO IT'S SITTING IN MY YARD NOT WORKING AND AM SICK OF IT SO FAR I HAVE PAID OUT OVER A GRAND AND THIS CAR DON'T WORK JUST WHY,OH GOD JUST WHY.I HAVE PAID SOME OF EVERYTHING YOU THINK OF ONE THAT CAR I HAVE HAD IT TOWARDS SO MUCH STATE FARM WANTED TO CANCEL MY INSURANCE, OKAY LET'S BEGIN.STARTER REPLACED,EG ROAD VALVE SENSER,VALLEY + PIPE, IGNITION COIL,IGNITION RELAY,TEMPERATURE SENSER,IGNITION WIRE, ROTOR, INJECTOR, BRUSH, BEARING BALL, DECEMBER FRAME NOT TO MENTION THE LABOR MY GOD. AND NOW IT SITS IN MY YARD AM TIRED REALLY.
NHTSA complaint #10945788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
College Park, GA
ENGINE
FIRST HORN WAS BLOWING OUT OF CONTROL, THAN THE ENGINE WE GOT IT FIXED, OR SO WE THOUGHT ,THAN GOT THE STARTER FIX DROVE IT 2 WEEKS AND NOW IT TURNS OVER BUT DOES NOTHING SO IT'S SITTING IN MY YARD NOT WORKING AND AM SICK OF IT SO FAR I HAVE PAID OUT OVER A GRAND AND THIS CAR DON'T WORK JUST WHY,OH GOD JUST WHY.I HAVE PAID SOME OF EVERYTHING YOU THINK OF ONE THAT CAR I HAVE HAD IT TOWARDS SO MUCH STATE FARM WANTED TO CANCEL MY INSURANCE, OKAY LET'S BEGIN.STARTER REPLACED,EG ROAD VALVE SENSER,VALLEY + PIPE, IGNITION COIL,IGNITION RELAY,TEMPERATURE SENSER,IGNITION WIRE, ROTOR, INJECTOR, BRUSH, BEARING BALL, DECEMBER FRAME NOT TO MENTION THE LABOR MY GOD. AND NOW IT SITS IN MY YARD AM TIRED REALLY.
NHTSA complaint #10945788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesGreen BAY, WI
SUSPENSION
LEFT FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT BROKE
NHTSA complaint #10911036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesAmarillo, TXCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ABS AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM QUIT WORKING I GOT ON THE FREEWAY AND I HAD BREAKS BY THE TIME I GOT THREE OFF RAMPS LATER TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY I HAD NO BRAKES THEY DIDN'T WORK IN THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR CAUSING AND ACCIDENT
NHTSA complaint #10861912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DES Moines, IA
SUSPENSION
HAVING ISSUES WITH DASH AND HEADLIGHT DIMMING,ALSO RADIO GOES OFF AND LOOSES MEMORY,DOOR LOCKS WON'T WORK WHEN RADIO GOES OFF. BURNT OUT DEFOGGER RELAY AND POWER AMP FUSE WITH NO POWER AMP, ALSO HAD TO REPLACE HORN RELAY YET TAKING ALL THOSE RELAYS OUT AND PROBLEM STILL HAPPENS. ALREADY CHECKED LIGHTER ASSEMBLY, THAT WAS POPPING AMP FUSE. FIXED THAT STILL HAPPENING. ALSO GOES THROUGH 1 QUART OF OIL A MONTH BUT NO LEAKS UNDER THE CAR WHEN MOVED. ?????? HELP!!!!!! THE OIL PROBLEM SHOULD FALL UNDER HAZARDOUS METERIALS ACT IF ALL THESE CARS ARE DUMPING USED OIL ALL OVER THIS COUNTRY.
NHTSA complaint #10787527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DES Moines, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HAVING ISSUES WITH DASH AND HEADLIGHT DIMMING,ALSO RADIO GOES OFF AND LOOSES MEMORY,DOOR LOCKS WON'T WORK WHEN RADIO GOES OFF. BURNT OUT DEFOGGER RELAY AND POWER AMP FUSE WITH NO POWER AMP, ALSO HAD TO REPLACE HORN RELAY YET TAKING ALL THOSE RELAYS OUT AND PROBLEM STILL HAPPENS. ALREADY CHECKED LIGHTER ASSEMBLY, THAT WAS POPPING AMP FUSE. FIXED THAT STILL HAPPENING. ALSO GOES THROUGH 1 QUART OF OIL A MONTH BUT NO LEAKS UNDER THE CAR WHEN MOVED. ?????? HELP!!!!!! THE OIL PROBLEM SHOULD FALL UNDER HAZARDOUS METERIALS ACT IF ALL THESE CARS ARE DUMPING USED OIL ALL OVER THIS COUNTRY.
NHTSA complaint #10787527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DES Moines, IA
ENGINE
HAVING ISSUES WITH DASH AND HEADLIGHT DIMMING,ALSO RADIO GOES OFF AND LOOSES MEMORY,DOOR LOCKS WON'T WORK WHEN RADIO GOES OFF. BURNT OUT DEFOGGER RELAY AND POWER AMP FUSE WITH NO POWER AMP, ALSO HAD TO REPLACE HORN RELAY YET TAKING ALL THOSE RELAYS OUT AND PROBLEM STILL HAPPENS. ALREADY CHECKED LIGHTER ASSEMBLY, THAT WAS POPPING AMP FUSE. FIXED THAT STILL HAPPENING. ALSO GOES THROUGH 1 QUART OF OIL A MONTH BUT NO LEAKS UNDER THE CAR WHEN MOVED. ?????? HELP!!!!!! THE OIL PROBLEM SHOULD FALL UNDER HAZARDOUS METERIALS ACT IF ALL THESE CARS ARE DUMPING USED OIL ALL OVER THIS COUNTRY.
NHTSA complaint #10787527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesNEW Port Rickey, FL
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENACE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT BALL JOINT AND CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER DETERMINED BOTH TIMES THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BOTH TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. SEVERAL YEARS LATER, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 04V021000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 98V183000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #10759378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesNEW Port Rickey, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENACE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT BALL JOINT AND CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER DETERMINED BOTH TIMES THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BOTH TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. SEVERAL YEARS LATER, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 04V021000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 98V183000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #10759378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesNEW Port Rickey, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENACE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT BALL JOINT AND CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER DETERMINED BOTH TIMES THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BOTH TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. SEVERAL YEARS LATER, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 04V021000 (POWER TRAIN) AND 98V183000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #10759378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesSpring Hill, FL
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE PERFORMING AN OIL CHANGE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINT AND CONTROL ARMS WERE RUSTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS AND CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED FOUR MONTHS AGO. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
NHTSA complaint #10692440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 miles2944 MT Mckinley WAY, KY
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTED FROM PARK WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V02100 (POWER TRAIN), HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED AT THE TIME AND NO REPAIRS WERE DONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #10604274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 miles2944 MT Mckinley WAY, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTED FROM PARK WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V02100 (POWER TRAIN), HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED AT THE TIME AND NO REPAIRS WERE DONE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #10604274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesReynoldsburg, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I STARTED THE CAR, PLACED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND IT WENT TO THE FLOOR. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND A LARGE POOL OF FLUID ON THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE CAR. ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. MASTER CYLINDER WAS NEAR EMPTY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE FOUND THAT ALL THE BRAKE LINES (6?) WERE LEAKING AT THE ABS PUMP. THIS IS THE CAR MY WIFE DRIVES. MY WIFE! I AM ANAL WITH REGARD TO MY VEHICLES CONDITION AND MAINTENANCE. TO HAVE A FAILURE LIKE THIS ON A WHAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE A "QUALITY AMERICAN MADE VEHICLE" IS ABSURD AND TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! MY BROTHERS 1999 HONDA, MY STEP SON'S 1991 NISSAN STANZA (RECENTLY SOLD) A 1993 GEO PRIZM (I.E. TOYOTA COROLLA!!!) RECENTLY SOLD HAD ZERO RUST ON ANY BRAKE FITTING, BRAKE LINE OR FUEL LINE. I HAD NO BRAKE ISSUES PREVIOUSLY.
NHTSA complaint #10441989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesLexington, NCFire
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN IT IGNITIED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONCLUDED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V001000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS) DEALT WITH THE 1999-2002 DODGE STRATUS AND NOT THE 1998 EVEN THOUGHT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED FOR THE SAME REASON. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
NHTSA complaint #10408692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleveland, OHCrash
TIRES
1998 DODGE STRATUS RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE PULLING INTO A TOLL BOOTH LANE. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0765-90.
NHTSA complaint #10285371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesCollinsville, IL
STEERING
POWER STEERING PRESSURE LINE LEAKING ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD FIRE RISK.
NHTSA complaint #10280230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,432 milesChicago, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MY NAME IS [XXX] . THIS COMPLAINT IS FOR THE CAR ALLOWANCE REBATE SYSTEM. I FEEL THAT MY CAR IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE CLUNKERS FOR CASH PROGRAM. IT IS A CLUNKER, IT IS 11 YEARS OLD. BUT BECAUSE THE MPG IS 22 I WAS TOLD I DON'T QUALIFY. WHY HAVEN'T IT BEEN MADE A LITTLE EASIER FOR THOSE THAT OWN OLD VEHICLES PERIOD? I FEEL THIS ISN'T DONE FAIRLY AND IT COULD BE CHANGED. THIS WILL BE BREAK FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T AFFORD TO UPGRADE TO BETTER CARS. THOSE THAT ARE LOW INCOME WORKERS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10278135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,800 milesFenton, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
1998 2.7 V-6 ENGINE IN DODGE STRATUS VEHICLE. OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON COST OF REPAIRS, I WAS TOLD BY MANY INDIVIDUALS THAT THIS ENGINE HAS FAILED IN THIS SAME MANNER FOR ALL OF THE VEHICLES. THE OIL WAS CHANGED EVERY 3000-5000 MILES, MORE OFTEN THAT SUGGESTED BY THE OWNERS MANUAL. THE OWNERS MANUAL STATES TO CHANGE IT EVERY 7500 MILES OR 6 MONTHS WHICH EVERY COMES FIRST. MOST OF THE REPAIR PLACES THAT I SPOKE TO SAID THAT THIS ENGINE SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED DUE TO THIS FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10247729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Princeton, MN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WELL I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR ABOUT 6 TIMES ALREADY, IT SEEMS LIKE I REPLACE IT EVER 6 MONTHS OR SO, IT HAS BEEN LEAKING OUT OF THE ELECTRICAL END OF THE SENSOR BUT NEVER LEAKS OUT OF THE THREADED END THAT GOES INTO THE BLOCK, IT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO BLOW UP MY MOTOR THAT LAST TIME IT HAPPENED, IT IS JUST BECOMING A HUGE HASSLE THERE HAS TO BE SOME DEFECT IN THE PART, BECAUSE IT DOESN'T MATTER WHICH PARTS STORE I GO TOO THEY ALL END UP LEAKING.
NHTSA complaint #10244020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suisun City, CAFire
STEERING
1998 DODGE STRATUS ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE ASSOCIATED WITH POWER STEERING LEAKS.
NHTSA complaint #10230009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesSterling Heights, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THROTTLE CABLE FRAYED AND STUCK IN CABLE HOUSING NOT LETTING THE ENGINE TO IDLE DOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10218467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesSpringfield, OHFire
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
CAR WAS LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID SO WE KEPT ON ADDING MORE UNTIL WE COULD SAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED(AROUND $350.00, NO SMALL FEE FOR A WORKING FAMILY!)THEN, THE SMOKING GOT WORSE UNTIL ONE DAY IT JUST CAUGHT ON FIRE! I COULDN'T PUT IT OUT WITH AN EXTINGUISHER, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO PUT IT OUT AND NOW THE CAR IS TOTALED! CAN WE STILL GET A RECALL?
NHTSA complaint #10211184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poland, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1998 DODGE STRATUS CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT.
NHTSA complaint #10201487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonvile, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAS CRACKED. ATTEMPTS TO FIND A REPLACEMENT HAVE BEEN DIFFICULT. ALL SALVAGE YARDS THAT HAD ONE SAYS THAT THEIRS IS ALSO CRACKED.
NHTSA complaint #10198542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.