Owners have filed 344 complaints
about the 1999 Dodge Stratus with NHTSA between 1999 and 2021.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 57
Against the median year of the Dodge Stratus. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
31.1% 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.
Hose, Piping, AND Connections
2921.5%
Engine
2518.5%
Pads
2115.6%
Rotor
1813.3%
Gasoline
139.6%
Automatic Transmission
139.6%
Floor Shift
85.9%
Frontal
85.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
21.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
43.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1310.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2318.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2318.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4133.3%
150,000+ miles
1713.8%
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 1999peak 27Jul 2021
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 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.
EA05019Opened 7 Nov 2005Closed 12 Jan 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
POWER STEERING FLUID FIRES
ODI HAS RECEIVED 29 REPORTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES THAT APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKAGE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 AND 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS, DODGE STRATUS AND PLYMOUTH BREEZE VEHICLES (JA-CARS) EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINES.THESE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE FIRE RESULTED FROM A POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK OR THAT IT OCCURRED AFTER AN EXTENDED DRIVE AND SHORTLY AFTER BEING PARKED - CONDITIONS CONSISTENT WITH IGNITION OF POWER STEERING FLUID ON A HOT ENGINE OR EXHAUST SURFACE DURING THE VEHICLE HOT SOAK PERIOD. ON JANUARY 6, 2006, DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF...
PE05036Opened 29 Jun 2005Closed 7 Nov 2005ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ON JUNE 29, 2005, ODI OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE05-036 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS, DODGE STRATUS AND PLYMOUTH BREEZE PASSENGER CARS (JA CARS). THE JA CARS WERE INTRODUCED IN MY 1995 AND ENDED WITH MY 2000.THEY WERE PRODUCED WITH 2.0L, 2.4L AND 2.5L ENGINES.THE INCIDENT DATA IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY OF THIS RESUME ARE FOR SUBJECT VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES FOR ALL CAUSES. ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYSLER, EVIDENCE COLLECTED FROM FIELD INSPECTIONS OF FIRE INCIDENT VEHICLES INDICATE THAT FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE HI...
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...
THREE OF THE MANFACTURER COMPLAINTS AND TWO OF THE MANUFACTURER CRASHES REPORTED ABOVE WERE DUPLICATES OF ODI REPORTS.THE MAJORITY OF CRASHES OCCURRED AFTER OPERATORS PARKED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ENGAGING PARK GEAR POSITION; A NON-FUNCTIONAL IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK SYSTEM SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED TO PREVENT KEY REMOVAL BEFORE THE OPERATORS EXITED THE VEHICLE.MOST OF THE CRASHES WERE MINOR AND INVOLVED MINOR PROPERTY DAMAGE.FOUR OF THE INJURY INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHEN UNATTENDED CHILDREN MOVED THE GEARSHIFT FROM THE PARK POSITION CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY, ONE INJURY OCCURRED WHEN THE OPERATOR WA...
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 1999 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 200600324,933 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine, the high pressure power steering hose is routed in a high temperature area, which could cause it to age prematurely and develop a leak. Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an under hood fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the high pressure power steering hose with an updated part that has increased temperature capability.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 135,000 milesWichita, KSFire
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING RUBBER ODOR AND SHAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL HUB, WHEEL, TIRE, AND BRAKE DRUM WERE EXTREMELY HOT. THE CONTACT INDEPENDENTLY CHANGED BOTH REAR BRAKE SHOES, SPRINGS, AND DRUMS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT INDEPENDENTLY DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #10743316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ALL DAY AND IT BEGAN TO SMOKE; WHICH HAD BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM UNDER THE HOOD, A LIGHT WHITE SMOKE AS IF SOMETHING WAS DRIPPING AND BURNING OFF THE ENGINE. ONCE I PARKED THE CAR ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATE THE SMOKE BECAME DARK AND BLACK AND FIRE ERUPTED. CAR WAS TOTALED, FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE.
NHTSA complaint #10641640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, VAFire
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ALL DAY AND IT BEGAN TO SMOKE; WHICH HAD BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM UNDER THE HOOD, A LIGHT WHITE SMOKE AS IF SOMETHING WAS DRIPPING AND BURNING OFF THE ENGINE. ONCE I PARKED THE CAR ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATE THE SMOKE BECAME DARK AND BLACK AND FIRE ERUPTED. CAR WAS TOTALED, FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE.
NHTSA complaint #10641640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,932 milesBakersfield, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY GIRL FRIEND CAME HOME AND SAID THE CAR WAS SMOKING SO I WENT TO LOOK AT IT AND YES SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FIREWALL SIDE OF THE MOTOR RIGHT ABOVE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD .I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND A RECALL ON THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP SO I CALLED THE NUMBER GIVEN AND CHRYSLER SET ME UP WITH HADDAD DODGE IN BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIA WE SET AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE REPAIRS TO BE DONE , I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THEM AND THEY KEPT IT FOR 4 DAYS I CALLED THEM ABOUT THE CAR AND THEY SAID IT WAS READY I PICKED IT UP LATER THAT AFTERNOON DROVE APPROX 6 MILES HOME IT WAS SMOKING SLIGHTLY BUT NO WHERE NEAR AS BAD AS BEFORE SO I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT , MAYBE JUST RESIDUAL FROM BEFORE THE REPAIR.THE FOLLOWING MORNING I DROVE FROM REAL RD TO FAIR VIEW AVE AND THE CAR WAS SMOKING HEAVILY I STOPPED IN FRONT OF A FRIENDS HOUSE OPENED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A FIRE BURNING ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE ENGINE LUCKILY THERE WAS A GARDEN HOSE HOOKED UP OUT SIDE THE HOUSE , I GRABBED THAT AND PUT THE FIRE OUT . COULD SMELL FUEL HEAVILY PARKED THE CAR AND HAVE NOT MOVED IT SINCE JUST A WEEK AGO ABOUT A MONTH AFTER ALL THIS HADDAD DODGE LEFT ME A MESSAGE SAYING THAT MY PARTS HAD COME IN AND THEY WOULD LIKE TO SET AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE WORK TO BE DONE . ACCORDING TO THEM THEY HAD ALREADY DONE THE WORK NO BODY TOLD ME THAT THE WORK WAS NOT COMPLETE QUITE THE CON-TRARY I WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED AND READY TO GO THE SERVICE ATTENDANT WAS SO BUSY ON HIS PHONE AND CELL PHONE HE HARDLY SPOKE A WORD TO ME I HAD TO FIND THE CAR IN THERE LOT SO I COULD GO HOME , WHY WOULD ANYBODY IN THERE RIGHT MIND LET SOMEONE DRIVE A CAR THAT COULD CATCH FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10628849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,932 milesBakersfield, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES
MY GIRL FRIEND CAME HOME AND SAID THE CAR WAS SMOKING SO I WENT TO LOOK AT IT AND YES SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FIREWALL SIDE OF THE MOTOR RIGHT ABOVE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD .I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND A RECALL ON THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP SO I CALLED THE NUMBER GIVEN AND CHRYSLER SET ME UP WITH HADDAD DODGE IN BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIA WE SET AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE REPAIRS TO BE DONE , I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THEM AND THEY KEPT IT FOR 4 DAYS I CALLED THEM ABOUT THE CAR AND THEY SAID IT WAS READY I PICKED IT UP LATER THAT AFTERNOON DROVE APPROX 6 MILES HOME IT WAS SMOKING SLIGHTLY BUT NO WHERE NEAR AS BAD AS BEFORE SO I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT , MAYBE JUST RESIDUAL FROM BEFORE THE REPAIR.THE FOLLOWING MORNING I DROVE FROM REAL RD TO FAIR VIEW AVE AND THE CAR WAS SMOKING HEAVILY I STOPPED IN FRONT OF A FRIENDS HOUSE OPENED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A FIRE BURNING ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE ENGINE LUCKILY THERE WAS A GARDEN HOSE HOOKED UP OUT SIDE THE HOUSE , I GRABBED THAT AND PUT THE FIRE OUT . COULD SMELL FUEL HEAVILY PARKED THE CAR AND HAVE NOT MOVED IT SINCE JUST A WEEK AGO ABOUT A MONTH AFTER ALL THIS HADDAD DODGE LEFT ME A MESSAGE SAYING THAT MY PARTS HAD COME IN AND THEY WOULD LIKE TO SET AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE WORK TO BE DONE . ACCORDING TO THEM THEY HAD ALREADY DONE THE WORK NO BODY TOLD ME THAT THE WORK WAS NOT COMPLETE QUITE THE CON-TRARY I WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED AND READY TO GO THE SERVICE ATTENDANT WAS SO BUSY ON HIS PHONE AND CELL PHONE HE HARDLY SPOKE A WORD TO ME I HAD TO FIND THE CAR IN THERE LOT SO I COULD GO HOME , WHY WOULD ANYBODY IN THERE RIGHT MIND LET SOMEONE DRIVE A CAR THAT COULD CATCH FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10628849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,932 milesBakersfield, CAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY GIRL FRIEND CAME HOME AND SAID THE CAR WAS SMOKING SO I WENT TO LOOK AT IT AND YES SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FIREWALL SIDE OF THE MOTOR RIGHT ABOVE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD .I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND A RECALL ON THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP SO I CALLED THE NUMBER GIVEN AND CHRYSLER SET ME UP WITH HADDAD DODGE IN BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIA WE SET AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE REPAIRS TO BE DONE , I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THEM AND THEY KEPT IT FOR 4 DAYS I CALLED THEM ABOUT THE CAR AND THEY SAID IT WAS READY I PICKED IT UP LATER THAT AFTERNOON DROVE APPROX 6 MILES HOME IT WAS SMOKING SLIGHTLY BUT NO WHERE NEAR AS BAD AS BEFORE SO I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT , MAYBE JUST RESIDUAL FROM BEFORE THE REPAIR.THE FOLLOWING MORNING I DROVE FROM REAL RD TO FAIR VIEW AVE AND THE CAR WAS SMOKING HEAVILY I STOPPED IN FRONT OF A FRIENDS HOUSE OPENED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A FIRE BURNING ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE ENGINE LUCKILY THERE WAS A GARDEN HOSE HOOKED UP OUT SIDE THE HOUSE , I GRABBED THAT AND PUT THE FIRE OUT . COULD SMELL FUEL HEAVILY PARKED THE CAR AND HAVE NOT MOVED IT SINCE JUST A WEEK AGO ABOUT A MONTH AFTER ALL THIS HADDAD DODGE LEFT ME A MESSAGE SAYING THAT MY PARTS HAD COME IN AND THEY WOULD LIKE TO SET AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE WORK TO BE DONE . ACCORDING TO THEM THEY HAD ALREADY DONE THE WORK NO BODY TOLD ME THAT THE WORK WAS NOT COMPLETE QUITE THE CON-TRARY I WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED AND READY TO GO THE SERVICE ATTENDANT WAS SO BUSY ON HIS PHONE AND CELL PHONE HE HARDLY SPOKE A WORD TO ME I HAD TO FIND THE CAR IN THERE LOT SO I COULD GO HOME , WHY WOULD ANYBODY IN THERE RIGHT MIND LET SOMEONE DRIVE A CAR THAT COULD CATCH FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10628849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Kennewick, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving the vehicle I came to a stop to make a left hand turn and as I started without warning the vehicle stalled and lost power of steering wheel and brakes I almost hit another car. This wasn't the 1st time car has stalled while driving but the one where is came close to causing an accident
NHTSA complaint #11423869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,520 milesReno, NV
POWER TRAIN
I GOT THIS NEXT SITE TO DO AGAIN EMAIL. CLAIM #11301605 AND FOLLOWING UP AS TO YOUR NEXT STEP. 3 RECALLS THE DODGE CUSTOMER CARE PEOPLE DONT WANT TO DO OR HELP ME FIX OR CONCLUDE.
NHTSA complaint #11302472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,520 milesReno, NV
STEERING
I GOT THIS NEXT SITE TO DO AGAIN EMAIL. CLAIM #11301605 AND FOLLOWING UP AS TO YOUR NEXT STEP. 3 RECALLS THE DODGE CUSTOMER CARE PEOPLE DONT WANT TO DO OR HELP ME FIX OR CONCLUDE.
NHTSA complaint #11302472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,520 milesReno, NV
SERVICE BRAKES
I GOT THIS NEXT SITE TO DO AGAIN EMAIL. CLAIM #11301605 AND FOLLOWING UP AS TO YOUR NEXT STEP. 3 RECALLS THE DODGE CUSTOMER CARE PEOPLE DONT WANT TO DO OR HELP ME FIX OR CONCLUDE.
NHTSA complaint #11302472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
POWER TRAIN
I BOUGHT A CAR IN JAN 2020 WHICH HAS BEEN SITTING A FEW/COUPLE YEARS AND I FOUND 3 RECALLS ON IT. 1999 DODGE STRATUS 2.4. I EMAILED U S CUSTOMER CARE/ DODGE CUSTOMER CARE AND GOT MAIL BACK STATING YES ON 3 RECALLS AND A DEALER IN RENO NV TO CALL. I CALLED AND SERVICE AND PARTS DEPT SAID YES ON RECALLS. BRING IT IN TO CHECK AND ADVISE TO FIX. GOT MUTIL MAILS FROM CUSTOMER CARE STATING THEY HAD CAR UNDER LAST OWNER AND I TOLD THEM I WAS NEW OWNER. NEXT MAIL WAS, CLAIM/S ARE CLOSED. I ASKED WHY NOW 3 TIMES AND NO ANSWER EXCEPT A TAKE SURVEY. NO SERVICE OR REPAIRS HAVE BEEN DONE ON THIS CAR OTHER THEN TO FIND OUT THERE WAS 3 RECALLS AND NOW CUSTOMER CARE DOESNT WANT TO DO ANYTHING TO FIX THIS CAR. I DONT UNDERSTAND HOW ONE DAY THERE IS AND THE NEXT DAY CLAIM CLOSED. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS I AM A NEW OWNER. ONE RECALL IS FOR A FIX POWER STEERING HOSE SO CAR WONT CATCH FIRE. I AM HAVE GOT NOWHERE WITH ALL MY TRIES TO GET CAR RECALLS FIXED. ACCORDING TO WEB SITES THE 3 RECALLS ARE LISTED AS INCOMPLETE STILL TO DATE. MEANING NOT TAKEN CARE OF TO MY UNDERSTANDING.
NHTSA complaint #11301605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
STEERING
I BOUGHT A CAR IN JAN 2020 WHICH HAS BEEN SITTING A FEW/COUPLE YEARS AND I FOUND 3 RECALLS ON IT. 1999 DODGE STRATUS 2.4. I EMAILED U S CUSTOMER CARE/ DODGE CUSTOMER CARE AND GOT MAIL BACK STATING YES ON 3 RECALLS AND A DEALER IN RENO NV TO CALL. I CALLED AND SERVICE AND PARTS DEPT SAID YES ON RECALLS. BRING IT IN TO CHECK AND ADVISE TO FIX. GOT MUTIL MAILS FROM CUSTOMER CARE STATING THEY HAD CAR UNDER LAST OWNER AND I TOLD THEM I WAS NEW OWNER. NEXT MAIL WAS, CLAIM/S ARE CLOSED. I ASKED WHY NOW 3 TIMES AND NO ANSWER EXCEPT A TAKE SURVEY. NO SERVICE OR REPAIRS HAVE BEEN DONE ON THIS CAR OTHER THEN TO FIND OUT THERE WAS 3 RECALLS AND NOW CUSTOMER CARE DOESNT WANT TO DO ANYTHING TO FIX THIS CAR. I DONT UNDERSTAND HOW ONE DAY THERE IS AND THE NEXT DAY CLAIM CLOSED. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS I AM A NEW OWNER. ONE RECALL IS FOR A FIX POWER STEERING HOSE SO CAR WONT CATCH FIRE. I AM HAVE GOT NOWHERE WITH ALL MY TRIES TO GET CAR RECALLS FIXED. ACCORDING TO WEB SITES THE 3 RECALLS ARE LISTED AS INCOMPLETE STILL TO DATE. MEANING NOT TAKEN CARE OF TO MY UNDERSTANDING.
NHTSA complaint #11301605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
SERVICE BRAKES
I BOUGHT A CAR IN JAN 2020 WHICH HAS BEEN SITTING A FEW/COUPLE YEARS AND I FOUND 3 RECALLS ON IT. 1999 DODGE STRATUS 2.4. I EMAILED U S CUSTOMER CARE/ DODGE CUSTOMER CARE AND GOT MAIL BACK STATING YES ON 3 RECALLS AND A DEALER IN RENO NV TO CALL. I CALLED AND SERVICE AND PARTS DEPT SAID YES ON RECALLS. BRING IT IN TO CHECK AND ADVISE TO FIX. GOT MUTIL MAILS FROM CUSTOMER CARE STATING THEY HAD CAR UNDER LAST OWNER AND I TOLD THEM I WAS NEW OWNER. NEXT MAIL WAS, CLAIM/S ARE CLOSED. I ASKED WHY NOW 3 TIMES AND NO ANSWER EXCEPT A TAKE SURVEY. NO SERVICE OR REPAIRS HAVE BEEN DONE ON THIS CAR OTHER THEN TO FIND OUT THERE WAS 3 RECALLS AND NOW CUSTOMER CARE DOESNT WANT TO DO ANYTHING TO FIX THIS CAR. I DONT UNDERSTAND HOW ONE DAY THERE IS AND THE NEXT DAY CLAIM CLOSED. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS I AM A NEW OWNER. ONE RECALL IS FOR A FIX POWER STEERING HOSE SO CAR WONT CATCH FIRE. I AM HAVE GOT NOWHERE WITH ALL MY TRIES TO GET CAR RECALLS FIXED. ACCORDING TO WEB SITES THE 3 RECALLS ARE LISTED AS INCOMPLETE STILL TO DATE. MEANING NOT TAKEN CARE OF TO MY UNDERSTANDING.
NHTSA complaint #11301605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,325 milesBaton Rouge, LA
SUSPENSION
I WAS DRIVING AND HEAR A METAL SCRAPING NOISE FROM MY FRONT RIGHT SIDE BY THE WHEEL WHEN I TURNED LEFT.BEFORE I GOT HOME THE NOISE GOT EXTREMELY LOUD AND CONSTANT.I TOOK THE TIRE OFF WHEN I GOT HOME AND FOUND THE BALL JOINT WAS BROKEN AND WAS OUT OF POSITION CAUSE A RUBBING INSIDE MY TIRE RIM.IT LOOKED LIKE THE ARM OF THE BALL JOINT HAD BEEN BURNED THROUGH CAUSING IT TO BREAK.THERE SEEMS TO BE A RECALL ON SOME 1999 DODGE STRATUS' BALL JOINTS BUT WHEN I ENTERED MY VIN# MINE DID NOT COME UP.THEY SHOULDN'T JUST BREAK FROM NORMAL USE.IT WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED DRIVING NORMALLY THEN THE NOISE STARTED AND I FELT KIND OF A POP AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11062402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,325 milesBoiling Springs, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE I85 IN SC. THE SUNROOF GLASS DISLODGED AND FLEW OFF OF THE ROOF OF MY VEHICLE. THE GLASS SHATTERED ON THE ROADWAY AND FORTUNATELY NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE STRUCK. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION AND INVESTIGATION IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE GLASS HAD SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME OF THE SUNROOF ASSEMBLY. ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURERS LABEL, IT WAS MANUFACTURED BY VERMEULEN - HOLLANDIA SERIAL NUMBER 399915. APPARENTLY THERE IS AN OPEN VOLUNTARY RECALL ON SUNROOFS MANUFACTURED BY THIS COMPANY FOR SEPARATION ISSUES. THE MODEL NUMBERS REFERENCE IN THIS VOLUNTARY RECALL IS MODEL NUMBER 60000000 AND ABOVE AND APPARENTLY DOES NOT INCLUDE THE 3000000 SERIES. SINCE THE ISSUES ARE THE SAME, I.E. SEPARATION OF GLASS AND FRAME, THERE ARE CLEARLY OTHER SAFETY ISSUES STILL OUT THERE. HOLLANDIA'S VOLUNTARY RECALL IS ALLEGED TO BE FOR NON FACTORY INSTALLED PRODUCTS, HOWEVER, MY 1999 DODGE STRATUS WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM THE DEALER WITH THIS SUNROOF INSTALLED.
NHTSA complaint #10808890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesIonia, MI
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO THE DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10808123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesIonia, MI
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO THE DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10808123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesWichita, KSFire
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING RUBBER ODOR AND SHAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL HUB, WHEEL, TIRE, AND BRAKE DRUM WERE EXTREMELY HOT. THE CONTACT INDEPENDENTLY CHANGED BOTH REAR BRAKE SHOES, SPRINGS, AND DRUMS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT INDEPENDENTLY DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #10743316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,000 milesST Francisville, LA
STEERING
HARD TO CONTROL STEERING OF VEHICLE! WHENEVER I PASS OVER A SPEED BUMP FEELS LIKE WHOLE CAR IS GOING TO COME APART.
NHTSA complaint #10713002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,000 milesST Francisville, LA
SUSPENSION
HARD TO CONTROL STEERING OF VEHICLE! WHENEVER I PASS OVER A SPEED BUMP FEELS LIKE WHOLE CAR IS GOING TO COME APART.
NHTSA complaint #10713002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesPort Townsend, WA
SUSPENSION
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED A VERY LOOSE SOUND COMING FROM THE LOWER LEFT WHEEL. ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LES SCHWAB COMPANY FOR A LOOKOVER AND FOUND THAT IT NEEDED UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED, A STEEL ARM REPLACED, AS WELL AS AN ALIGNMENT. WHEN RESEARCHING RECALLS ON MY 1999 DODGE STRATUS I NOTICED THE PROBLEMS I WAS/AM HAVING WITH THE VEHICLE WERE NOTED IN SIMILAR SITUATIONS INVOLVING RECALLS OF OTHER STRATUS'. MY CAR SHOULD BE FIXED AND INCLUDED IN SIMILAR RECALLS. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10706131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesPort Towsend, WA
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO RATTLE AND FELT LOOSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND NOTICED THAT THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY HAD FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING WHICH RESULTED IN THE NOISE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT YET BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:10E059000 (SUSPENSION). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #10704321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesMartin,, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY HORN GOES OFF WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, IT STARTED ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO, HAD THE HORN DISCONNECTED , HAVE A NEW BATTERY AND IT GOES DEAD OVER NIGHT, MY MECHANIC SAID IT MAY BE A SHORT IN THE STEERING WHEEL BY THE AIR BAG. I SEE OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY AIR BAG NOT GOING TO EXPLODE AND INJURY ME. SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10659655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ALL DAY AND IT BEGAN TO SMOKE; WHICH HAD BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM UNDER THE HOOD, A LIGHT WHITE SMOKE AS IF SOMETHING WAS DRIPPING AND BURNING OFF THE ENGINE. ONCE I PARKED THE CAR ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATE THE SMOKE BECAME DARK AND BLACK AND FIRE ERUPTED. CAR WAS TOTALED, FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE.
NHTSA complaint #10641640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, VAFire
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ALL DAY AND IT BEGAN TO SMOKE; WHICH HAD BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM UNDER THE HOOD, A LIGHT WHITE SMOKE AS IF SOMETHING WAS DRIPPING AND BURNING OFF THE ENGINE. ONCE I PARKED THE CAR ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATE THE SMOKE BECAME DARK AND BLACK AND FIRE ERUPTED. CAR WAS TOTALED, FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE.
NHTSA complaint #10641640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,932 milesBakersfield, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY GIRL FRIEND CAME HOME AND SAID THE CAR WAS SMOKING SO I WENT TO LOOK AT IT AND YES SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FIREWALL SIDE OF THE MOTOR RIGHT ABOVE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD .I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND A RECALL ON THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP SO I CALLED THE NUMBER GIVEN AND CHRYSLER SET ME UP WITH HADDAD DODGE IN BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIA WE SET AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE REPAIRS TO BE DONE , I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THEM AND THEY KEPT IT FOR 4 DAYS I CALLED THEM ABOUT THE CAR AND THEY SAID IT WAS READY I PICKED IT UP LATER THAT AFTERNOON DROVE APPROX 6 MILES HOME IT WAS SMOKING SLIGHTLY BUT NO WHERE NEAR AS BAD AS BEFORE SO I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT , MAYBE JUST RESIDUAL FROM BEFORE THE REPAIR.THE FOLLOWING MORNING I DROVE FROM REAL RD TO FAIR VIEW AVE AND THE CAR WAS SMOKING HEAVILY I STOPPED IN FRONT OF A FRIENDS HOUSE OPENED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A FIRE BURNING ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE ENGINE LUCKILY THERE WAS A GARDEN HOSE HOOKED UP OUT SIDE THE HOUSE , I GRABBED THAT AND PUT THE FIRE OUT . COULD SMELL FUEL HEAVILY PARKED THE CAR AND HAVE NOT MOVED IT SINCE JUST A WEEK AGO ABOUT A MONTH AFTER ALL THIS HADDAD DODGE LEFT ME A MESSAGE SAYING THAT MY PARTS HAD COME IN AND THEY WOULD LIKE TO SET AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE WORK TO BE DONE . ACCORDING TO THEM THEY HAD ALREADY DONE THE WORK NO BODY TOLD ME THAT THE WORK WAS NOT COMPLETE QUITE THE CON-TRARY I WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED AND READY TO GO THE SERVICE ATTENDANT WAS SO BUSY ON HIS PHONE AND CELL PHONE HE HARDLY SPOKE A WORD TO ME I HAD TO FIND THE CAR IN THERE LOT SO I COULD GO HOME , WHY WOULD ANYBODY IN THERE RIGHT MIND LET SOMEONE DRIVE A CAR THAT COULD CATCH FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10628849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,932 milesBakersfield, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES
MY GIRL FRIEND CAME HOME AND SAID THE CAR WAS SMOKING SO I WENT TO LOOK AT IT AND YES SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FIREWALL SIDE OF THE MOTOR RIGHT ABOVE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD .I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND A RECALL ON THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP SO I CALLED THE NUMBER GIVEN AND CHRYSLER SET ME UP WITH HADDAD DODGE IN BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIA WE SET AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE REPAIRS TO BE DONE , I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THEM AND THEY KEPT IT FOR 4 DAYS I CALLED THEM ABOUT THE CAR AND THEY SAID IT WAS READY I PICKED IT UP LATER THAT AFTERNOON DROVE APPROX 6 MILES HOME IT WAS SMOKING SLIGHTLY BUT NO WHERE NEAR AS BAD AS BEFORE SO I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT , MAYBE JUST RESIDUAL FROM BEFORE THE REPAIR.THE FOLLOWING MORNING I DROVE FROM REAL RD TO FAIR VIEW AVE AND THE CAR WAS SMOKING HEAVILY I STOPPED IN FRONT OF A FRIENDS HOUSE OPENED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A FIRE BURNING ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE ENGINE LUCKILY THERE WAS A GARDEN HOSE HOOKED UP OUT SIDE THE HOUSE , I GRABBED THAT AND PUT THE FIRE OUT . COULD SMELL FUEL HEAVILY PARKED THE CAR AND HAVE NOT MOVED IT SINCE JUST A WEEK AGO ABOUT A MONTH AFTER ALL THIS HADDAD DODGE LEFT ME A MESSAGE SAYING THAT MY PARTS HAD COME IN AND THEY WOULD LIKE TO SET AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE WORK TO BE DONE . ACCORDING TO THEM THEY HAD ALREADY DONE THE WORK NO BODY TOLD ME THAT THE WORK WAS NOT COMPLETE QUITE THE CON-TRARY I WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED AND READY TO GO THE SERVICE ATTENDANT WAS SO BUSY ON HIS PHONE AND CELL PHONE HE HARDLY SPOKE A WORD TO ME I HAD TO FIND THE CAR IN THERE LOT SO I COULD GO HOME , WHY WOULD ANYBODY IN THERE RIGHT MIND LET SOMEONE DRIVE A CAR THAT COULD CATCH FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10628849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,932 milesBakersfield, CAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY GIRL FRIEND CAME HOME AND SAID THE CAR WAS SMOKING SO I WENT TO LOOK AT IT AND YES SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FIREWALL SIDE OF THE MOTOR RIGHT ABOVE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD .I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND A RECALL ON THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP SO I CALLED THE NUMBER GIVEN AND CHRYSLER SET ME UP WITH HADDAD DODGE IN BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIA WE SET AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE REPAIRS TO BE DONE , I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THEM AND THEY KEPT IT FOR 4 DAYS I CALLED THEM ABOUT THE CAR AND THEY SAID IT WAS READY I PICKED IT UP LATER THAT AFTERNOON DROVE APPROX 6 MILES HOME IT WAS SMOKING SLIGHTLY BUT NO WHERE NEAR AS BAD AS BEFORE SO I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT , MAYBE JUST RESIDUAL FROM BEFORE THE REPAIR.THE FOLLOWING MORNING I DROVE FROM REAL RD TO FAIR VIEW AVE AND THE CAR WAS SMOKING HEAVILY I STOPPED IN FRONT OF A FRIENDS HOUSE OPENED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A FIRE BURNING ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE ENGINE LUCKILY THERE WAS A GARDEN HOSE HOOKED UP OUT SIDE THE HOUSE , I GRABBED THAT AND PUT THE FIRE OUT . COULD SMELL FUEL HEAVILY PARKED THE CAR AND HAVE NOT MOVED IT SINCE JUST A WEEK AGO ABOUT A MONTH AFTER ALL THIS HADDAD DODGE LEFT ME A MESSAGE SAYING THAT MY PARTS HAD COME IN AND THEY WOULD LIKE TO SET AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE WORK TO BE DONE . ACCORDING TO THEM THEY HAD ALREADY DONE THE WORK NO BODY TOLD ME THAT THE WORK WAS NOT COMPLETE QUITE THE CON-TRARY I WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED AND READY TO GO THE SERVICE ATTENDANT WAS SO BUSY ON HIS PHONE AND CELL PHONE HE HARDLY SPOKE A WORD TO ME I HAD TO FIND THE CAR IN THERE LOT SO I COULD GO HOME , WHY WOULD ANYBODY IN THERE RIGHT MIND LET SOMEONE DRIVE A CAR THAT COULD CATCH FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10628849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,275 milesCoopersville, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. LOST ALL INSTRUMENTATION: SPEED,FUEL,RPM,ETC,AT 50MPH. JUST PRIOR TO THIS, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. THE FIRST FIX INCLUDED A NEW BATTERY LAST YEAR, THREE ALTERNATORS UNTIL ONE WORKED (DO NOT THINK THIS WAS THE PROBLEM), AND SOME KIND OF A HARNESS WHICH WAS RUBBING ON THE ENGINE? AND CREATING A SHORT. THIS PROBLEM COULD BE THE REASON FOR ALL THE CAR FIRES. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10554121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,275 milesCoopersville, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. LOST ALL INSTRUMENTATION: SPEED,FUEL,RPM,ETC,AT 50MPH. JUST PRIOR TO THIS, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. THE FIRST FIX INCLUDED A NEW BATTERY LAST YEAR, THREE ALTERNATORS UNTIL ONE WORKED (DO NOT THINK THIS WAS THE PROBLEM), AND SOME KIND OF A HARNESS WHICH WAS RUBBING ON THE ENGINE? AND CREATING A SHORT. THIS PROBLEM COULD BE THE REASON FOR ALL THE CAR FIRES. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10554121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesPortsmouth, VAFire
STEERING
WHILE I WAS PARALLEL PARKING MY PASSENGER SAW HEAVY WHITE SMOKE AFTER I TURNED MY STEERING WHEEL SHARPLY. MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ALSO. MY PASSENGER AND I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND CALLED 911. I BELIEVE I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF BEFORE GETTING OUT. THE SMOKE STARTED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND FLAMES WERE SEEN UNDER THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD WAS BURNED AND THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. AFTERWARDS THE CAR (INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR) SMELLED LIKE BURNT POWER STEERING FLUID. I FILED A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY.
NHTSA complaint #10532906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.