FaultScore

1999 Dodge Stratus steering problems

50 of the 344 complaints about the 1999 Dodge Stratus are about the steering — 15% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 119,953 miles.

F

50

Complaints

1

Crashes

26

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Hose, Piping, AND Connections 29 58.0%
Steering 13 26.0%
Rack AND Pinion 3 6.0%
Steering Wheel/Handle BAR 2 4.0%
Power Steering Fluid 2 4.0%
Hydraulic Power Assist System 1 2.0%

Steering across every Dodge Stratus year

1995 26 9.2%
1996 48 17.0%
1997 21 7.4%
1998 19 6.7%
1999 50 17.7%
2000 66 23.3%
2001 27 9.5%
2004 13 4.6%
2005 13 4.6%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 141,520 miles Reno, 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.

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.

at 200,000 miles Ionia, 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 177,000 miles ST 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 168,000 miles Portsmouth, VA Fire

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.

at 90,000 miles Pinson Fork, KY Fire

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE STRATUS. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE FAILED AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT A RECALL NOTICE WAS SENT TO THE CONTACT, BUT IT WENT UNACKNOWLEDGED. THEREFORE, THEY WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FIRE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 03/23/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/24/09.

NHTSA complaint #10257606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,000 miles Hallandale, FL Fire

STEERING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES LATER, WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. ALL THE PASSENGERS EXITED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INJURIES. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. BOTH A FIRE AND A POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FIRE MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO A RECALL AND WOULD FORWARD THE INFORMATION TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS NOT DUE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V001000 (STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS). THE CONTACT LATER ENTERED HER VIN INTO THE DODGE WEBSITE AND DISCOVERED THAT HER VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 95,000.

NHTSA complaint #10255313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Fort Worth, TX Fire

STEERING

FIRE UNDER HOOD DUE TO LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID HOSE, RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE IN MAIL WEEKS AFTER INCIDENT. WAS FIRE DEPARTMENT DISPATCHED. SOLD CAR TO TOW COMPANY FOR 150.00 ON OCTOBER 9. REPORTED THIS TO CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP TO TRY GET MONEY WE PAID FOR CAR. BUT THEY COULD NOT LOCATE CAR TO DO INSPECTION. WE HAVE SEVERAL PICS OF CAR AFTER IT BURNED. RECALL STATE THAT THE DEFECT IN POWER STEERING HOSE WAS LEAKING ON MOTOR AND IGNITING CAUSING AN UNDER THE HOOD FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10251395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sebastian, FL

STEERING

STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS.

NHTSA complaint #10242239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Bakersfield, CA Fire

STEERING

CAR HAS NOT BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR OVER A YEAR AND 1/2 NON-OP. REALIZED POWER STEERING FAILED. REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP. REALIZED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE POWER STEERING HOSE. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP. THERE THEY NOTICED THERE WAS FIRE DAMAGED. NOW CHRYSLER IS SAYING THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR FIRE DAMAGE BECAUSE IT WAS NOT REPLACED SOONER. AS I STATED THEY CAR HAS NOT RUN FOR OVER 1 1/2 YEARS. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPLACE HOSE WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION FROM CHRYSLER. WE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIRE DAMAGE BUT YOU SHOULD STILL REPLACE HOSE. IT WAS A RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10236909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glendale, AZ

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

1999 DODGE STRATUS HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE RECALL. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE HAD THE REPAIR DONE AND PAID FOR IT. HE WOULD LIKE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. *KB RECALL 06V001000.

NHTSA complaint #10215055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Wilsonville, AL Fire

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE STRATUS. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS SMOKING APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH BEFORE THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND BOTH A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SMOKE WAS DUE TO POWER STEERING FLUID ENTERING THE ENGINE. THERE WERE TWO SAFETY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER'S 04V021000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT), WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AND 06V001000 (STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS), WHICH WAS SCHEDULED TO BE REPAIRED. THE PURCHASE DATE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #10211557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 148,946 miles Chicago, IL Fire

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE STRATUS. ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2007, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE HIGH POWER STEERING HOLE FAILURE THAT HER VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING. SHE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ON APRIL 6, 2005. THE FIRE ORIGINATED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS STILL INSIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKED AND CAUSED THE FIRE. SHE WAS REFERRED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND BROUGHT IN THE VEHICLE FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE REPAIR SHOP NEVER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND SHE HAS THE REPAIR INVOICES. THE VEHICLE IS PRESENTLY NOT IN HER POSSESSION. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 148,946.

NHTSA complaint #10202843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Lima, OH Fire

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE STRATUS. ON JUNE 30, 2007, THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT HER VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE A COUPLE OF MINUTES AFTER BEING PARKED. THE UNDER HOOD FIRE DESTROYED THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FILED A REPORT. ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2007, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V001000 (STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS). THE PURCHASE DATE AND DEALER INFORMATION WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 120,000. UPDATED 12/12/07

NHTSA complaint #10202547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 83,000 miles Detroit, MI Fire

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING BEGAN TO LEAK, HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE BEFORE IT COULD BE REPAIRED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. HE RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL ID NUMBER 06V001000 (STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 83,000.

NHTSA complaint #10202021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 156,000 miles Little Rock, AR Fire

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID

I BOUGHT MY 1999 DODGE STRATUS 2.4L IN SEPTEMBER 2006 FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER WITH 145,000 MILES. IN MAY 2007, I HAD THE VALVE COVERS AND CAM SENSOR WIRING REPLACED DUE TO OIL LEAKAGE AND ROTTED WIRING (UNRELATED TO ONE ANOTHER). THE CAR SEEMED TO SLOWLY LEAK POWER STEERING FLUID BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY A PROBLEM. ON 7/29/2007 AFTER A 50 MILE DRIVE, THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER'S PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AFTER BEING PARKED FOR A SHORT TIME. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS.

NHTSA complaint #10197815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,000 miles Cameron, TX

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING UNDERNEATH THE HOOD , AND THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND HOSE. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND CAUSED THE INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO MALFUNCTION. THIS FAILURE PREVENTED HER FROM DETERMINING HOW FAST SHE WAS DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE GEARS FAILED TO SHIFT FROM SECOND GEAR. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT A SENSOR IN THE TRANSMISSION AND THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM FAILED. ALSO, THE COOLING SYSTEM FAILED, AND THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE FAILURE BEGAN WHEN THE VEHICLE RAN HOT. SHE WILL COLLECT THE WORK REPORTS AND RECEIPTS FROM THE DEALER REGARDING THE OTHER FAILURES THAT OCCURRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 105,000, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.

NHTSA complaint #10188916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 119,953 miles West Palm Beach, FL Fire

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

1999 DODGE STRATUS. CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS TOTALED. *MC THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE POWER STEERING HOSE.

NHTSA complaint #10189012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Axton, VA Crash

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL 06V001000 ,AND BELIEVED IT WAS TO BLAME FOR THE FOLLOWING INCIDENT. WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST. THE VEHICLE LANDED IN A DITCH AND WAS DESTROYED, CAUSING BOTH AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40000.

NHTSA complaint #10185559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Spartanburg, SC Fire

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 35 MPH IN THE 1999 DODGE STRATUS SHE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT AND FAMILY GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND STARTED SMELLING SMOKE ,THEN THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL 06V001000 THIS PAST WEEKEND, BUT WAS OUT OF TOWN. SHE STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS ON 03/04/07, WHICH WAS AFTER SHE JUST RETURNED HOME FROM HER TRIP TO ATLANTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED, AND THEY CAME TO PUT THE FIRE OUT, WHICH TOOK ABOUT ONE HOUR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FIRE DID COME FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT INSURANCE COMPANY DRIVER'S CHOICE WILL BE DOING AN INVESTIGATION SOMETIMES ON OR ABOUT 3/8/07. WHEN SHE RETURNED HOME AFTER THE FIRE AND CHECKED THE MAIL SHE NOTICED THE LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER, STATING THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WILL SUBMIT PICTURES AND BOTH THE INSURANCE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTS.

NHTSA complaint #10184503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Palm Beach, FL Fire

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

1999 DODGE STRATUS CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE BEFORE RECALL WAS DONE. **CC THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE CONSUMER DID NOT INDICATE THE RECALL NUMBER OR RECALLED COMPONENT. THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE WAS RECALLED ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, DUE TO A LEAK WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10182679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 12,000 miles Gosnell, AR

STEERING

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE STRATUS. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE DEALER DIDN'THAVE THE EQUIPMENT TO REPAIR THE FAILURE AND AFTER CALLING ANOTHER DEALER, SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE PARTS HAVE NOT BEEN AVAILABLE SINCE AUGUST 2006. *AK UPDATED 02/22/07.

NHTSA complaint #10179513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Muscle Shoals, AL Fire

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS 1999 DODGE STRATUS CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT DOES NOT KNOW MANY DETAILS REGARDING THE FIRE. HE LEARNED ABOUT THE FIRE APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH AFTER THE INCIDENT, WHICH OCCURRED IN AUGUST. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE ONLY DETAILS THE CONTACT KNOWS IS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, WHEN THE DRIVER SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE DRIVER THEN PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL LETTER E23 & C45 AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.

NHTSA complaint #10178824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tallahassee, FL Fire

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT OBSERVED SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE; WITHIN TEN MINUTES THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT A REPAIR SHOP THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRE AND FOUND THE VEHICLE TO BE OPERATING NORMALLY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE, NUMBER 06V001000) REGARDING THE STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS, AND BELIEVES THAT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF THE CURRENT MILEAGE AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #10178831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cochran, GA Fire

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

REGARDING RECALL NOTICE ON A 1999 DODGE STRATUS HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE**CC THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE BEFORE THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED.

NHTSA complaint #10178537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ventura, CA Fire

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

ON DECEMBER 30, 2006 AT 6:10 A.M. (PST) OUR VEHICLE (1999 DODGE STRATUS, CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED SIGNIFICANTLY. MY WIFE LEFT HOME FOR WORK AROUND 5:18 A.M. AND ARRIVED AROUND 6:00 A.M. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS A CO-WORKER CAME IN AND SAID THERE WAS A VEHICLE ON FIRE IN THE PARKING LOT. AFTER DESCRIBING THE VEHICLE AND ITS LOCATION MY WIFE REALIZED THAT IT WAS HER VEHICLE HER CO-WORKER WAS TALKING ABOUT. SHE WENT DOWNSTAIRS TO FIND THE SANTA BARBARA FIRE DEPARTMENT ON SCENE ATTEMPTING TO EXTINGUISH THE BLAZE. SHE NOTIFIED ME OF THE EVENTS AND I IMMEDIATELY WENT TO HER JOB. UPON MY ARRIVAL I SPOKE WITH THE FIRE CAPTAIN (NAME UNKNOWN) AND HE INFORMED ME THAT IT TOOK THEM CLOSE TO 40 MINUTES TO EXTINGUISH THE BLAZE FIRST USING WATER, THEN UTILIZING FOAM. HE WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. WE FILED A CLAIM WITH OUR AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE PROVIDER, INTERINSURANCE EXCHANGE OF THE AUTOMOBILE CLUB, AND THEY SENT AN INVESTIGATOR OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THIS INDIVIDUAL REPORTS THE VEHICLE AS A TOTAL LOSS. I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT WHEN I CONTACTED OUR INSURANCE PROVIDER TO FILE A CLAIM I WAS ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY OUTSTANDING RECALLS ON OUR VEHICLE AND I INFORMED THEM THAT THERE WERE NONE. HOWEVER, ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2007 WE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE (E23 - HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE) WHICH READS "THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE ON YOUR VEHICLE MAY CRACK AND DEVELOP A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK. POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE." I HAVE CALLED DAIMLERCHRYSLER (888-327-4236) AND LEFT A VOICE MESSAGE INFORMING THEM OF THIS INCIDENT AND OUR RECEIPT OF THEIR SAFETY RECALL NOTICE AND THEM TO RETURN MY CALL. I HAVE ALSO NOTIFIED MY INSURANCE PROVIDER OF THIS SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. PLEASE CONTACT ME TO DISCUSS THIS ISSUE FURTHER.

NHTSA complaint #10178064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Firebaugh, CA

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

TL* -THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE 1999 DODGE STRATUS TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL REPAIRS AND WAS CHARGED FOR THE SERVICE. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS CHARGED FOR THE LABOR. UPDATED 01/29/07.

NHTSA complaint #10177937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 145,000 miles Lexington, KY Fire

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE 1999 DODGE STRATUS WAS SITTING IN A PARKING LOT IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE CATCHING FIRE NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH HER VEHICLE. THE WEATHER WAS FINE, AND THE CAR WAS IMMOBILE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BROKE INTO THE HOOD OF THE CAR TO FIND THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 06V001000. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAS PICTURES ,AND COULD GET A REPORT FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN OFFERED NO RESOLUTION FROM THE DEALERSHIP CONCERNING THIS MATTER.

NHTSA complaint #10177693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 154,000 miles Jacksonville, FL

STEERING

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO A NEARBY INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06E088000, REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 99V244000, REGARDING THE SERVICE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. ALSO, WHILE TURNING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A SQUEAKING NOISE CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. ALTHOUGH THE STEERING NOISE PERSISTED, THE DEALER WAS NOT ALERTED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V001000, REGARDING THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

NHTSA complaint #10173333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 188,699 miles Seneca, SC Fire

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A NHTSA RECALL LETTER # 06V001000 REGARDING THE STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS WAS RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. SOON AFTER, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS TOWED BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WERE IT WAS LATER EXAMINED BY AN INSPECTOR SENT BY THE INSURANCE AGENCY. UPON EXAMINATION THE INSPECTOR DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSE BY A DIRECT RESULT OF A MALFUNCTION IN THE POWER STEERING HOSE THAT ALLOWED STEERING FLUID 2 BE SPRAYED ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. UPDATED 12/15/2006 -

NHTSA complaint #10172490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 1999 Dodge Stratus problems

← Full 1999 Dodge Stratus report