FaultScore

FaultScore report

2000 Dodge Stratus problems

Owners have filed 270 complaints about the 2000 Dodge Stratus with NHTSA between 1999 and 2018. The largest single group is the steering. Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 12 worst.

C

FaultScore 57/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Dodge Stratus.

How this is worked out

The numbers

270

Complaints

21

Crashes reported

70

Fires reported

16

Injuries reported

85,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

13%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 45 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 22 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 45
Against the median year of the Dodge Stratus. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
39.6% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 22
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2000 compares with every other Dodge Stratus

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2000 Dodge Stratus

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Steering 66 24.4%

2 crashes, 34 fires · median 89,000 mi

Brakes 35 13.0%

5 crashes, 1 fires · median 21,853 mi

0 crashes, 18 fires · median 110,000 mi

0 crashes, 4 fires · median 72,000 mi

1 crashes, 10 fires · median 105,500 mi

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 55,870 mi

Suspension 12 4.4%

Median failure at 97,791 miles

Median failure at 39,039 miles

Airbags 9 3.3%

7 crashes, 0 fires · median 80,639 mi

Seat Belts 7 2.6%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 69,900 mi

Body & Structure 7 2.6%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 137,000 mi

Equipment & Accessories 6 2.2%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 89,394 mi

Other & Unspecified 4 1.5%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 113,000 mi

Lights 3 1.1%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 3 1.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Seats 2 0.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Doors, Latches & Locks 1 0.4%

Median failure at 23,706 miles

Exactly what failed

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 47 47.0%
Automatic Transmission 14 14.0%
Engine 8 8.0%
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 8 8.0%
TIE ROD Assembly 7 7.0%
Fuel Pump 6 6.0%
Rear/Other 5 5.0%
Front Underhood 5 5.0%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 7 4.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 3 2.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 8 5.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 14 9.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 27 18.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 28 19.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 34 23.3%
150,000+ miles 25 17.1%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.

Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2000 Dodge Stratus 4-DR

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.

Nov 1999 peak 11 Feb 2018

NHTSA investigations into the 2000 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.

EA05019 Opened 7 Nov 2005 Closed 12 Jan 2006 ENGINE 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...

PE05036 Opened 29 Jun 2005 Closed 7 Nov 2005 ENGINE 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...

PE02082 Opened 6 Nov 2002 Closed 23 Apr 2003 SEAT 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 2000 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 2006003 24,933 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.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 195,000 miles Mays Landing, NJ Fire

STRUCTURE:BODY

DROVE CAR APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES TO STORE. WAS IN PARKING LOT, PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, NOTICED SMOKE FROM UNDER HOOD. WOMAN IN LOT STOPPED AND TOLD ME MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPOT TO CENTER OF AISLE. CAR FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES WITHIN MINUTES. CAUSE OF FIRE NOT YET DETERMINED.

NHTSA complaint #10512284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 195,000 miles Mays Landing, NJ Fire

ENGINE

DROVE CAR APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES TO STORE. WAS IN PARKING LOT, PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, NOTICED SMOKE FROM UNDER HOOD. WOMAN IN LOT STOPPED AND TOLD ME MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPOT TO CENTER OF AISLE. CAR FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES WITHIN MINUTES. CAUSE OF FIRE NOT YET DETERMINED.

NHTSA complaint #10512284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 157,000 miles Columbiana, OH Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

MY SON DROVE MY CAR A SHORT DISTANCE AND PARKED IT AT A RESTAURANT. HE WAS INFORMED WITHIN MINUTES THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AND THE FIRE DEPT. EXTINQUISHED AN ENGINE COMPATMENT FIRE. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. HAPPENED IN AKRON OHIO APPROX. NOV. 2011.

NHTSA complaint #10453891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 178,000 miles Columbus, OH Fire

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOSS IN THE POWER STEERING AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMALL FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AREA AND IMMEDIATELY EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THERE WAS POWER STEERING FLUID VISIBLE ON THE GROUND. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE MALFUNCTION ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V001000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS). THE CONTACT PLANNED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER TO VERIFY WHETHER VIN WAS ELIGIBLE UNDER THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10443428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Henderson, KY Fire

STEERING

AFTER DRIVING MY CAR A FRIEND WENT OUTSIDE AND SEEN SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD.SHE CALLED ME AND I RAN TO THE CAR AND I SEEN FIRE UNDER THE FRONT WHEEL'S. FRIENDS SPRAYED WATER ON THE HOOD AND I OPENED IT UP A LITTLE AND THEY SPRAYED THE FIRE AND PUT IT OUT. BY THIS TIME THE TOP OF THE MOTOR WAS BURNT BAD. EVERYTHING ON TOP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, IT WAS CAUSED BY THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE ON THE POWERSTEERING. I FOUND OUT THAT IT HAD A RECALL ON THE HOSE SO I CALLED DODGE CORP. AND THEY GAVE ME A CASE # AND TO TAKE IT TO MY DEALER SO I DID. THEN THE CORP. OFFICE CALLED ME TODAY AND SAID IT'S BEEN TO LONG THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE BY THE LAST OWNER AND HUNG UP. I BOUGHT THIS CAR OCT.14 OF THIS YEAR AND THIS HAPPENED ON THE 31. HOW AM I TO KNOW THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN IN 18 DAY'S. I PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS CAR AND I THINK. THE COMPUTER CAN TELL YOU THE RECALL AND HOW TO GET IT FIXED; BUT YOU TRY TO FIND SOMEWHERE ON HERE ON WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE IS A RECALL AND IT DONE WHAT IT SAID IT WOULD DO AND YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT IT UNTIL IT DID IT. I NEED HELP I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT. I TOOK OUT A LOAN TO GET IT.

NHTSA complaint #10435993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Henderson, KY Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

AFTER DRIVING MY CAR A FRIEND WENT OUTSIDE AND SEEN SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD.SHE CALLED ME AND I RAN TO THE CAR AND I SEEN FIRE UNDER THE FRONT WHEEL'S. FRIENDS SPRAYED WATER ON THE HOOD AND I OPENED IT UP A LITTLE AND THEY SPRAYED THE FIRE AND PUT IT OUT. BY THIS TIME THE TOP OF THE MOTOR WAS BURNT BAD. EVERYTHING ON TOP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, IT WAS CAUSED BY THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE ON THE POWERSTEERING. I FOUND OUT THAT IT HAD A RECALL ON THE HOSE SO I CALLED DODGE CORP. AND THEY GAVE ME A CASE # AND TO TAKE IT TO MY DEALER SO I DID. THEN THE CORP. OFFICE CALLED ME TODAY AND SAID IT'S BEEN TO LONG THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE BY THE LAST OWNER AND HUNG UP. I BOUGHT THIS CAR OCT.14 OF THIS YEAR AND THIS HAPPENED ON THE 31. HOW AM I TO KNOW THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN IN 18 DAY'S. I PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS CAR AND I THINK. THE COMPUTER CAN TELL YOU THE RECALL AND HOW TO GET IT FIXED; BUT YOU TRY TO FIND SOMEWHERE ON HERE ON WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE IS A RECALL AND IT DONE WHAT IT SAID IT WOULD DO AND YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT IT UNTIL IT DID IT. I NEED HELP I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT. I TOOK OUT A LOAN TO GET IT.

NHTSA complaint #10435993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 106,000 miles Atwater, OH

SUSPENSION

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A SIDE ROAD AT AROUND 25MPG, THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL MADE A POP SOUND AND ABRUPTLY STOPPED. WHEN MY DAUGHTER GOT OUT TO INVESTIGATE SHE SAW THAT THE WHEEL WAS FOLDED UNDER THE CAR. SHE HAD IT TOWED AND WE LEARNED THE TIE-ROD CONTROL ARM FAILED AND BROKE THE SHAFT. THANK GOD SHE WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. WE PAID 1200.00 DOLLARS TO GET HER BACK ON THE ROAD AND 4 MONTHS LATER THE PASSENGER SIDE IS NOW MAKING A LOUD SQUEALING SOUND WHEN YOU TURN THE WHEEL. NOW I LEARN THAT IT SEEMS THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THESE CARS ARE DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS! OH, AND THE HEAT STOPPED WORKING AND WILL COST 500.00 TO FIX.

NHTSA complaint #11074959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 197,000 miles Ceres, CA

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, A LOUD GRINDING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED FLUID COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 197,000.

NHTSA complaint #10895154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 165,753 miles Pickerington, OH

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

VEHICLE STALLED AT HIGH SPEED. HAD FUEL FILTER REPLACED BY DODGE DEALER IN MARIETTA, OHIO. DEALER DID NOT CHECK FUEL PUMP WHILE TANK REMOVED FROM AUTOMOBILE. FUEL PUMP WAS CAUSE OF STALLING. INVOICE # DOCS155552

NHTSA complaint #10894203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 151,000 miles Williston, ND

STEERING

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR WHEN THE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY SNAPPED IN HALF, THE ENTIRE TIRE ALMOST CAME ALL THE WAY OFF.

NHTSA complaint #10810584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 151,000 miles Williston, ND

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR WHEN THE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY SNAPPED IN HALF, THE ENTIRE TIRE ALMOST CAME ALL THE WAY OFF.

NHTSA complaint #10810584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 229,000 miles Charolette, NC

STEERING

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1 MINUTE AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING PROBLEM SUBSIDES. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE DEFECT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 229,000. JFT. REPORT RECEIPT DATE: JAN 05, 2006 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V001000 COMPONENT(S): STEERING

NHTSA complaint #10552895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 15,400 miles Florence, SC

POWER TRAIN

STARTING MARCH I HAD PROBLEMS WITH TURNING THE WHEEL AND I TOOK CAR TO GET OIL AND ASK MECHANIC TO CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID. IM TOLD IT IS FULL AND THAT THEY DO NOT WHY I HAVE TURN THE WHEEL AS IF I HAVE NO POWER STEERING. EACH MONTH I GET SOMEONE CHECK POWER STEERING AND TOLD IT IS FULL. I HAVE TO TURN THEE OPPOSITE WAY WHEN GETTING OUT OF A PARK. SOMETIMES I BACK IN PARK IN ORDER TO GET OUT. THEN I START HAVING PROBLEMS WITH CAR MAKING NOISE AND CAR SOUND WHEEL GOING TO BREAK. ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS..I HAVE NO HORN,INSIDE LIGHTS, AIR AND RADIO DUE TO I TOOK FUSE OUT BECAUSE HORN BLOWING, LIGHTS AND LOCKS GOING UP AND DOWN.

NHTSA complaint #10515774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 154,000 miles Florence, SC

STEERING

MY DODGE STRATUS STARTED BLOWING HORN WITHOUT ME TOUCHING. EVERYTIME I TURN THE WHEEL THE HORN BLOWS. THEN TWO DAYS LATER THE LIGHT CAME IN THE CAR WOULD NOT GO OFF. THEN LOCKS START GOING UP AND DOWN AND DOOR MAKE BEEP AS IF A DOOR HIS OPEN. I HAD TO REMOVE THE FUSES TO STOP HORN FROM BLOWING, CUT INSIDE LIGHTS OFF AND STOP LOCKS FROM GOING UP AND DOWN. THE CAR STILL MAKES BEEP NOISE AS IF DOOR OPEN WHOLE TIME DRIVING AND STOPS AND START BACK WHEN I HIT A BUMP. MY FRONT WHEEL MAKING A NOISE AS IF THE WHEEL IS GOING TO BREAK OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT IS ALSO DRINKING GAS AS IF IT IS LEAKING. I DONT SEE ANY GAS ON THE GROUND BUT I CAN SMELL FUMES OFF AND ONE AND SOMETIMES UNDER THE HOOD. IT IS LIKE I AM LOSING GAS PRESSURE BECAUSE CAR STALLS AND I AM LOSING GAS SOMEWHERE.

NHTSA complaint #10515764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 154,000 miles Florence, SC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY DODGE STRATUS STARTED BLOWING HORN WITHOUT ME TOUCHING. EVERYTIME I TURN THE WHEEL THE HORN BLOWS. THEN TWO DAYS LATER THE LIGHT CAME IN THE CAR WOULD NOT GO OFF. THEN LOCKS START GOING UP AND DOWN AND DOOR MAKE BEEP AS IF A DOOR HIS OPEN. I HAD TO REMOVE THE FUSES TO STOP HORN FROM BLOWING, CUT INSIDE LIGHTS OFF AND STOP LOCKS FROM GOING UP AND DOWN. THE CAR STILL MAKES BEEP NOISE AS IF DOOR OPEN WHOLE TIME DRIVING AND STOPS AND START BACK WHEN I HIT A BUMP. MY FRONT WHEEL MAKING A NOISE AS IF THE WHEEL IS GOING TO BREAK OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT IS ALSO DRINKING GAS AS IF IT IS LEAKING. I DONT SEE ANY GAS ON THE GROUND BUT I CAN SMELL FUMES OFF AND ONE AND SOMETIMES UNDER THE HOOD. IT IS LIKE I AM LOSING GAS PRESSURE BECAUSE CAR STALLS AND I AM LOSING GAS SOMEWHERE.

NHTSA complaint #10515764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 154,000 miles Florence, SC

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

MY DODGE STRATUS STARTED BLOWING HORN WITHOUT ME TOUCHING. EVERYTIME I TURN THE WHEEL THE HORN BLOWS. THEN TWO DAYS LATER THE LIGHT CAME IN THE CAR WOULD NOT GO OFF. THEN LOCKS START GOING UP AND DOWN AND DOOR MAKE BEEP AS IF A DOOR HIS OPEN. I HAD TO REMOVE THE FUSES TO STOP HORN FROM BLOWING, CUT INSIDE LIGHTS OFF AND STOP LOCKS FROM GOING UP AND DOWN. THE CAR STILL MAKES BEEP NOISE AS IF DOOR OPEN WHOLE TIME DRIVING AND STOPS AND START BACK WHEN I HIT A BUMP. MY FRONT WHEEL MAKING A NOISE AS IF THE WHEEL IS GOING TO BREAK OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT IS ALSO DRINKING GAS AS IF IT IS LEAKING. I DONT SEE ANY GAS ON THE GROUND BUT I CAN SMELL FUMES OFF AND ONE AND SOMETIMES UNDER THE HOOD. IT IS LIKE I AM LOSING GAS PRESSURE BECAUSE CAR STALLS AND I AM LOSING GAS SOMEWHERE.

NHTSA complaint #10515764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 195,000 miles Mays Landing, NJ Fire

STRUCTURE:BODY

DROVE CAR APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES TO STORE. WAS IN PARKING LOT, PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, NOTICED SMOKE FROM UNDER HOOD. WOMAN IN LOT STOPPED AND TOLD ME MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPOT TO CENTER OF AISLE. CAR FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES WITHIN MINUTES. CAUSE OF FIRE NOT YET DETERMINED.

NHTSA complaint #10512284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 195,000 miles Mays Landing, NJ Fire

ENGINE

DROVE CAR APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES TO STORE. WAS IN PARKING LOT, PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, NOTICED SMOKE FROM UNDER HOOD. WOMAN IN LOT STOPPED AND TOLD ME MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPOT TO CENTER OF AISLE. CAR FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES WITHIN MINUTES. CAUSE OF FIRE NOT YET DETERMINED.

NHTSA complaint #10512284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 132,000 miles Parris, CA

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN OR WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,100.

NHTSA complaint #10490760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Acoor, GA

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AS THE DRIVER BEGAN TRAVELING 65 MPH. THE DRIVER TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF ON THE EMERGENCY LANE FOR A FEW MINUTES AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THE FUEL FILTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR AND THE CAN SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED BUT THEY STATED THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #10486418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 157,000 miles Columbiana, OH Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

MY SON DROVE MY CAR A SHORT DISTANCE AND PARKED IT AT A RESTAURANT. HE WAS INFORMED WITHIN MINUTES THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AND THE FIRE DEPT. EXTINQUISHED AN ENGINE COMPATMENT FIRE. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. HAPPENED IN AKRON OHIO APPROX. NOV. 2011.

NHTSA complaint #10453891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 178,000 miles Columbus, OH Fire

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOSS IN THE POWER STEERING AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMALL FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AREA AND IMMEDIATELY EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THERE WAS POWER STEERING FLUID VISIBLE ON THE GROUND. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE MALFUNCTION ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V001000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS). THE CONTACT PLANNED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER TO VERIFY WHETHER VIN WAS ELIGIBLE UNDER THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10443428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Nottingham, MD

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS SE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND INSPECTED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #10439716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houtzdale, PA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT WAS DIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A FAILING FUEL PUMP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE VIN QUALIFIED FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:06E088000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP), BUT THE MILEAGE WAS OVER THE LIMIT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #10436567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Henderson, KY Fire

STEERING

AFTER DRIVING MY CAR A FRIEND WENT OUTSIDE AND SEEN SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD.SHE CALLED ME AND I RAN TO THE CAR AND I SEEN FIRE UNDER THE FRONT WHEEL'S. FRIENDS SPRAYED WATER ON THE HOOD AND I OPENED IT UP A LITTLE AND THEY SPRAYED THE FIRE AND PUT IT OUT. BY THIS TIME THE TOP OF THE MOTOR WAS BURNT BAD. EVERYTHING ON TOP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, IT WAS CAUSED BY THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE ON THE POWERSTEERING. I FOUND OUT THAT IT HAD A RECALL ON THE HOSE SO I CALLED DODGE CORP. AND THEY GAVE ME A CASE # AND TO TAKE IT TO MY DEALER SO I DID. THEN THE CORP. OFFICE CALLED ME TODAY AND SAID IT'S BEEN TO LONG THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE BY THE LAST OWNER AND HUNG UP. I BOUGHT THIS CAR OCT.14 OF THIS YEAR AND THIS HAPPENED ON THE 31. HOW AM I TO KNOW THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN IN 18 DAY'S. I PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS CAR AND I THINK. THE COMPUTER CAN TELL YOU THE RECALL AND HOW TO GET IT FIXED; BUT YOU TRY TO FIND SOMEWHERE ON HERE ON WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE IS A RECALL AND IT DONE WHAT IT SAID IT WOULD DO AND YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT IT UNTIL IT DID IT. I NEED HELP I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT. I TOOK OUT A LOAN TO GET IT.

NHTSA complaint #10435993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Henderson, KY Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

AFTER DRIVING MY CAR A FRIEND WENT OUTSIDE AND SEEN SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD.SHE CALLED ME AND I RAN TO THE CAR AND I SEEN FIRE UNDER THE FRONT WHEEL'S. FRIENDS SPRAYED WATER ON THE HOOD AND I OPENED IT UP A LITTLE AND THEY SPRAYED THE FIRE AND PUT IT OUT. BY THIS TIME THE TOP OF THE MOTOR WAS BURNT BAD. EVERYTHING ON TOP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, IT WAS CAUSED BY THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE ON THE POWERSTEERING. I FOUND OUT THAT IT HAD A RECALL ON THE HOSE SO I CALLED DODGE CORP. AND THEY GAVE ME A CASE # AND TO TAKE IT TO MY DEALER SO I DID. THEN THE CORP. OFFICE CALLED ME TODAY AND SAID IT'S BEEN TO LONG THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE BY THE LAST OWNER AND HUNG UP. I BOUGHT THIS CAR OCT.14 OF THIS YEAR AND THIS HAPPENED ON THE 31. HOW AM I TO KNOW THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN IN 18 DAY'S. I PAID A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS CAR AND I THINK. THE COMPUTER CAN TELL YOU THE RECALL AND HOW TO GET IT FIXED; BUT YOU TRY TO FIND SOMEWHERE ON HERE ON WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE IS A RECALL AND IT DONE WHAT IT SAID IT WOULD DO AND YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT IT UNTIL IT DID IT. I NEED HELP I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT. I TOOK OUT A LOAN TO GET IT.

NHTSA complaint #10435993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Fort Worth, TX Fire 1 injured

STEERING

I NEED SOME ONE TO INVESTIGATE A RECALL PART ON A 2000 DODGE STRATUS ON A POWER STEERING LEAK THAT CAUSE A FIRE UNDER THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP. AND THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT TELLING THE TRUTH ON WHAT CAUSE THE FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10407055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles Hickory, NC

SUSPENSION:FRONT

LOWER BALL JOINT/ CONTROL ARM DEFECTIVE. NO EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES OR UNUSUAL WEAR ON THE VEHICLE TO PRECIPITATE THIS PROBLEM. THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART WAS SEEN ON OTHER 2000 DODGE STRATUS VEHICLES WITH APPLICABLE RECALLS. MY VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM BUT BASED ON MY VIN NUMBER THE RECALL DOES NOT YET APPLY. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AT STEVE WHITE DODGE DEALERSHIP IN NEWTON, NC. THE PARTS ARE STILL IN PLACE ON MY VEHICLE AT THIS POINT.

NHTSA complaint #10396810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Decatur, GA Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

2000 DODGE STRATUS ENGINE FIRE. AFTER PARKING THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY, I BEGAN TO SMELL AND SEE SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE OF THE CAR. DETERMINING THAT IT WAS ON FIRE, I BACKED IT OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY (LUCKILY THE DRIVEWAY WAS SLOPED) TO GET IT A WAY FROM THE HOUSE.

NHTSA complaint #10368279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbus, OH

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

MY CAR IS LEAKING GAS, AND THE FUEL NECK HAS RUSTED. APPARENTLY THERE IS A NATIONAL BACK ORDER ON THIS PRODUCT AND I AM UNABLE TO GET IT UNTIL OCTOBER 30TH. WHEN I ASKED THE DEALER WHAT I SHOULD DO ABOUT THIS PROBLEM HE SAID THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WAITING ON THIS SAME PART AND THAT ALL I CAN DO IS WAIT FOR THE PART..MEANWHILE MY CAR IS LEAKING GAS AND UNSAFE FOR MY CHILDREN TO RIDE IN...IF A PART IS VIA THE DEALERSHIP ONLY IT SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR INSTANCES JUST LIKE THIS! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO GET TO WORK? HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO TAKE MY KIDS TO DAY CARE? I DON'T THINK I'LL EVER BUY ANOTHER CHRYSLER BECAUSE OF THIS HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE! I GUESS IF THE CAR BLEW UP BECAUSE OF THE GAS LEAK IT'D BE MORE OF A CONCERN!

NHTSA complaint #10356260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbus, OH

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:TANK VALVE/GAUGE

MY CAR IS LEAKING GAS, AND THE FUEL NECK HAS RUSTED. APPARENTLY THERE IS A NATIONAL BACK ORDER ON THIS PRODUCT AND I AM UNABLE TO GET IT UNTIL OCTOBER 30TH. WHEN I ASKED THE DEALER WHAT I SHOULD DO ABOUT THIS PROBLEM HE SAID THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WAITING ON THIS SAME PART AND THAT ALL I CAN DO IS WAIT FOR THE PART..MEANWHILE MY CAR IS LEAKING GAS AND UNSAFE FOR MY CHILDREN TO RIDE IN...IF A PART IS VIA THE DEALERSHIP ONLY IT SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR INSTANCES JUST LIKE THIS! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO GET TO WORK? HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO TAKE MY KIDS TO DAY CARE? I DON'T THINK I'LL EVER BUY ANOTHER CHRYSLER BECAUSE OF THIS HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE! I GUESS IF THE CAR BLEW UP BECAUSE OF THE GAS LEAK IT'D BE MORE OF A CONCERN!

NHTSA complaint #10356260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.