1996 DODGE Stratus Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
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639
Complaints Reported
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Complaints by Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
294 complaints
I HAVE A 1996 DODGE STRATUS AND THE HEAD GASKET LEAKS LIKE CRAZY. I ASKED THE DEALER TO TAKE A LOOK AT THIS AND THEY SAID IT WAS A DEFAULT IN DESIGN FROM DAIMLER CHRYSLER. I ASKED IF THEY COULD GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION ON A RECALL OR HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO REPAIR IT. THE DEALER QUOTED ME $2500!! UNBELIEVABLE! ESPECIALLY IF IT IS A DEFECT FROM MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN. I NEED MY "ONLY" MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION FIXED! RECALLS NEED TO BE DONE ON THIS CAR FOR THE HEAD GASKET LEAKAGE. *NM
Jan 20, 2007
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUGS NEEDED TO PLUGGED IN OR REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE REPAIRS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER NHTSA RECALL #96V006000 REGARDING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING :ENGINE:GASOLINE DUE TO THE VIN. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN, NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. UPDATED 11/30/2006 - THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER RECALL. *NM
Oct 24, 2006
ONE OF THE OIL GALLEY PLUGS ON THE 2.4L ENGINE OF OUR DAUGHTER'S 1996 DODGE STRATUS CAME OUT, AND THE CAR SPEWED MOST OF ITS OIL OUT INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CHRYSLER HAD A RECALL (#671) ON THESE BACK IN 1995 AS SEVERAL FIRES OCCURRED. OUR VIN FELL WITHIN THE RANGE OF VINS AFFECTED, BUT WE WERE TOLD IT WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE RECALL ENDED WITH CARS MANUFACTURED OCT. 13, 1995 AND OUR CAR (WE WERE TOLD) WAS MANUFACTURED OCT. 14TH. THE FIX AS OF THAT DATE WAS A CHANGE TO THE CYLINDER HEAD MACHINING AND THE PLUG THICKNESS. OBVIOUSLY, EITHER OUR ENGINE IS ONE FROM BEFORE THE CHANGE WAS FULLY IMPLEMENTED, OR THE CHANGE WAS NOT A CURE ALL, AS THE PLUG ON OURS CAME OUT. THEIR SOLUTION FOR AFFECTED ENGINES WAS A BRACKET THAT BOLTS ON TO RETAIN THE PLUGS, BUT NO ONE AT THE 1-800 NUMBER NOR AT THE DEALERSHIP COULD TELL ME IF IT WOULD FIT OR WORK ON OUR ENGINE WITH THE SUPPOSED MACHINING CHANGES. PARTS AND LABOR WILL LIKELY BE ONLY AROUND $100, BUT THEY WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR EVEN WITH THE PROXIMITY OF RECALL DATE TO OUR MANUFACTURE DATE, THE FACT THAT OUR CAR HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS CARS THAT WERE RECALLED, AND THIS BEING A SAFETY ISSUE. HOPE THEY ARE 100% CORRECT THAT OUR CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, SEEMS LIKE A RISK ON THEIR PART TO NOT COVER THIS. *NM
Oct 19, 2006
I OWN A 96 DODGE STRATUS, I PURCHASED IT YEAR OF 97. I RECEIVED NUMEROUS RECALLS ON THIS VECHICLE SINCE THE DAY OF PURCHASED. I FOLLOWED UP ON EACH RECALL THAT I RECEIVED. AS TIME WENT ON I HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. OVER THE YEARS I AWAYS BELIEVE IN CHRYSLER PRODUCTS TO BE SAFE AND SOUND.I FEEL THAT IT'S BEEN TRULY UNFAIR TOO LOYAL CONSUMERS SUCH AS MYSELF MANY OTHERS. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY A COMPANY SUCH AS CHRYSLER AND ENGINEERS WOULD ENGINEERED A PRODUCT LIKE THE DODGE STRATUS WITH SO MANY DEFECTS. ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2005 I WENT TO PAY A BILL ABOUT FIVE TO TEN MILES AWAY FROM HOME. RETURN HOME, PARK THE CAR, LOCK THE DOORS WENT INTO MY APARTMENT. ABOUT TEN MINUTES LATER A NEIGHBORHOOD BOY KNOCK ON MY DOOR AND SAID YOUR GOLD CAR IS ON FIRE. I RAN OUTSIDE TO SEE, YES IT WAS MY CAR ON FIRE! FIRE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, THEY ARRIVE ABOUT TEN MINUTES LATER TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE FIREMAN HAD TO BREAK THE HOOD LATCH TO GET INTO THE ENGINE AREA TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE FIRE DESTROY MY MOTOR AND HOOD. THANK GOD MYSELF OR MY KIDS WASN'T IN THE CAR! I'M TRULY SADDEN THAT THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN TO ME AND MY FAMILY I'M SINGLE PARENT WITH NO TRANSPORTATION. AFTER THE INVESTIGATION OF THE CAUSE OF FIRE IT WAS DETERMINE THAT THE OIL GALLERY PLUG WAS FAULTY. MY INSURANCE COVERAGE WOULDN'T COVERAGE IT. *NM
Nov 11, 2005
RIDING DOWN I 85 MY ENGINE JUST STOPPED DUE TO A TIMING BELT BREAKAGE. *AK
Apr 11, 2005
+ 289 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
48 complaints
BRAKES FAILED ON MY SONS '96 DODGE STRATUS. HE WENT OVER APPROXIMATELY A 20 FOOT EMBANKMENT AND LANDED IN A CREEK. LUCKILY HE ONLY RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. I SEARCHED THE WEB AND FOUND YOUR SITE ON RECALLS AND THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE BRAKES WERE RECALLED FOR THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE, HOWEVER, HIS VIN # WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. IT COST ABOUT $600.00 TO REPLACE THIS. *JB
Sep 29, 2005
CONSUMER STATES BRAKES DO NOT GRAB, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Aug 11, 2003
THE CONSUMER IS CONCERN HE RECEIVE A CAMPAIGN BULLENTIN NUMBER #96V07500 FOR THE MASTER CYLINDER BRAKE. THE WORK WAS DONE THREE TO FOUR YEARS AGO. WHILE THE CONSUMER IS APPLYING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE WILL SWAY TO THE LEFT. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS
Oct 21, 2002
ANT-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE STARTED TO SMOKE WHERE BRAKE PADS WERE LOCATED.*AK
Sep 09, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Apr 23, 2002
+ 43 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
38 complaints
WON'T SHIFT OUT OF SECOND TO THIRD, THE MOTOR JUST REVS UP AND YOU HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO UNDER 30 MPH BEFORE IT STOPS. *TR
Jan 25, 2008
DT: THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ABOUT 3 OR 4 MONTHS AGO. SHE FORGFOT ABOUT IT AND FOUND IT ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. SHE MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRS DONE. TTHEY WERE NOT REPAIRING THE VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER. SHE TALKED TO DEALER ON 7-5-05 AND THEY STILL HAD NOT FIXED IT. SHE HAS NOT TALKED TO THE MANUFACTURER. *AK
Aug 10, 2005
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS HAVING THE RECALL FOR THE TRANSAXLE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK CHECKED OUT ON HER 1996 DODGE STRATUS.*MR THE DEALER EXPLAINED THAT THEY DID NOT MAKE APPOINTMENT FOR RECALL CHECKS. WHEN THE CONSUMER JUST SHOWED UP AT THE DEALER THEY WERE ALWAYS TOO BUSY TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. *NM
Jul 13, 2005
SERIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, 4 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THE MINI VAN IT HAD TO BE SERVICED, WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER THE 24 MONTHS/24000 MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I PURCHASED WITH THE VEHICLE FOR $1495. 2ND VISIT ON 9/24/01 TRANS SLIPPING IN 3RD GEAR. PER MECHANIC THE SNAP RING SNAPPED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AGAIN THE TRANSMISSION WENT ON 8/26/02. IT NEEDED A REBUILT & RECONDITIONED 6710 TRANSMISSION & REBUILT/RECONDITIONED TORQUE CONVERTER ALSO A FILTER TOTALING $1588.99. ON 2/26/03 RETURNED BACK TO THE SHOP FOR A BLEW REAR DIFFERENTIAL & PASSENGER SIDE AXLE TOTALING $609.50. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WOULDN'T BE COVERED UNDER THE LIFETIME WARRANTY THAT I HAVE ON THE VAN BECAUSE THE VAN GOT STUCK IN THE SNOW AND I CAUSED IT TO BLOW, WHICH IS RIDICULES. NOW THE SHOP THAT I GOT THE WORK DONE AT IS OUT OF BUSINESS AND NOW AT A NEW LOCATION UNDER A NEW NAME WITH THE SAME PERSON THERE. I WAS TOLD THAT MY LIFETIME WARRANTY WOULDN'T BE COVERED AT THE NEW LOCATION AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS NEEDED ON THE TRANSMISSION. THE COMPANY THAT DID THE WORK WHERE I RECEIVED THE LIFETIME WARRANTY ON THE TRANSMISSION IS MOJE, INC. GOODEAL MOTORS & TRANSMISSIONS LOCATED AT 1730 MACDADE BLVD., FOLSOM, PA 19033; (610) 583-1101. THE NEW NAME IS MOTORS & TRANSMISSIONS. LOCATION IS AT 2500 WASHINGTON AVE., PHILA. PA 16146; (610) 583-1101. *AK
Dec 27, 2004
RECALL 04V021000 CONCERNING FLOOR SHIFT IGNITION INTERLOCK. CONSUMER WAS WAITING OVER 60 DAYS FOR PARTS THAT WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *AK
Nov 08, 2004
+ 33 more complaints for this component
STEERING
31 complaints
RUPTURE IN POWER STEERING HOSE CAUSED POWER STEERING FLUID TO TO CONTACT HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD, RESULTING IN A FIRE THAT MELTED IGNITION WIRES, DISTRIBUTOR, AND POWER STEERING RETURN FLUID LINE. TS
Jan 03, 2003
WHILE DRIVING FRONT TIRES LOCKED UP. CONTACTED DEALER. TIE ROD CAME UNDONE. THIS WAS COMMON PROBLEM. *AK
Sep 09, 2002
MY WIFE CALLED ME TO REPORT THAT SHE WAS EXPERIENCING SOME BINDING IN THE STEERING AS SHE WAS LEAVING THE PARKING LOT OF A SHOPPING MALL, AND HAD DECIDED TO RETURN TO THE PARKING LOT. I WENT TO THE LOT TO INVESTIGATE THE MATTER AND DROVE THE CAR IN THE LOT, TURNING BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT FREQUENTLY, AND THE STEERING SEEMED TO BE ALRIGHT. I DECIDED TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME, AND THEN NOTICED THAT A SLIGHT CLUNKING NOISE COULD BE HEARD WHEN DRIVING OVER ROUGH SPOTS IN THE PAVEMENT. I DECIDED TO JACK UP THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL TO TRY AND DETERMINE WHAT MIGHT BE LOOSE. WHILE MANUVERING THE CAR INTO POSITION IN MY GARAGE, THE RIGHT TIE ROD END BALL STUD SEPARATED FROM ITS SOCKET, WHICH OF COURSE IS THE CONNECTION TO THE RIGHT SIDE STEERING KNUCKLE. THE SOCKET AND BALL WERE VERY RUSTY AND THERE WAS NO LUBRICATION PRESENT, ALTHOUGH IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SEALED, LUBRICATED FOR LIFE JOINT WHICH DOES NOT HAVE A GREASE FITTING.*AK
Jul 21, 2002
WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT OUTER TIE ROD BROKE AND FELL OFF CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT REFUSED TO DO ANTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM.*AK *NLM
Jul 11, 2002
WHILE DRIVING THE 2 OUTER TIE ROD PINS FELL OUT, ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF STEERING.*AK
Jul 09, 2002
+ 26 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
25 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE, STRUCK THE CURVE AND TRAVELED INTO TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED HER THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS SEPARATED FROM THE SOCKET. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09E056000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 116,000. UPDATED 02/28/13 *BF THE LOWER BALL JOINT AND AXLE WERE REPLACED.
Jan 02, 2013
WHILE DRIVING FORWARD AT ABOUT 25-30 MPH, THE STEERING LOCKED TO THE RIGHT, RIGHT SIDE FELL DOWN AND PULLED CAR SEVERELY TO THE RIGHT. THERE WAS NO STEERING, NO CONTROL. AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, PULLED CAR UP A CURB INTO A FIRE HYDRANT THEN ANOTHER 25 FEET INTO A POLE. CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE FRONT END PARTS ARE ALL IN TACT, ONLY THE LOWER CONTROL ARM IS CRACKED WHICH CAUSED THE WHEEL TO TURN COMPLETELY TO THE RIGHT. EVERYTHING WAS INSPECTED ON VEHICLE AND THERE IS NOT ANY OTHER EXPLANATION OR EVIDENCE PRIOR TO THE CURB THAN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE CAR LOST CONTROL CAUSING FURTHER DAMAGE. *NM
Oct 30, 2005
WHEN DRIVING OVER A BUMP, I NOTICED A NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. I INSPECTED THE AREA AND FOUND THAT THE BRACKET WHICH SECURES THE TRAILING ARM LINK HAD DISINTEGRATED FROM RUST. THE TRAILING ARM LINK WAS "FLOATING" AT THE FRAME END. IT SERVES TO PROVIDE STABILITY FOR THE ENTIRE REAR SUSPENSION. I REPLACED THE BRACKETS ON BOTH SIDES (LEFT AND RIGHT) AS THE OTHER SIDE WAS ALSO NEAR FAILURE. THE REST OF THE FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE ARE NEARLY RUST FREE. THE FAILED AND NEARLY FAILED PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. *NM
Oct 11, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILURE ON 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC REFERRED THE CONSUMER TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE CAR WAS REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE CAR MADE NOISES WHEN THE BRAKE WERE APPLIED, AND IN REVERSE IT POPPED. THE CONSUMER WAS TAKING THE CAR BACK TO MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT BEEN IN CONTACT WITH CHRYSLER AS OF NOW.*AK
Sep 15, 2005
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 97 V 201 000 CONCERNING LOWER CONTROL ARM. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE RIGHT WHEEL COLLAPSED DUE TO LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK
Aug 02, 2004
+ 20 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
22 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES, WHICH ORIGINATED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND REMAINED AT THE RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Mar 26, 2012
NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V021000 CONCERNING FLOOR SHIFT IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK. AFTER HAVING RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED THE PROBLEM RECURRED. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE. *AK
Mar 16, 2005
INTERMITTENTLY WHEN VEHICLE STARTED ODOMETER AND THE RPM READER DID NOT WORK. CONSUMER DETERMINED THAT THE SOLDERED CONNECTIONS BEHIND THE MECHANISMS NEEDED TO BE REDONE. *AK
Apr 23, 2004
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING, THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE.*AK
Jun 12, 2002
THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE IN FRONT PARKING LIGHT WHICH CAUSED A FIRE.*AK
Jun 08, 2001
+ 17 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
17 complaints
DT: 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH HIT A DEER AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. THE PASSENGER FRONT, BY THE HEADLIGHT AND HOOD, ACTUALLY HIT THE DEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THIS OCCURRED ON JULY 24, 2005. A POLICE REPORT TAKEN. *AK
Aug 12, 2005
WHILE CONSUMER' S VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING TOWARDS CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, GOING 100 MPH, LOST CONTROL AND HIT IT HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Oct 15, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEED PULLING INTO AN INTERSECTION INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVING AT 25 MPH. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES. *AK
Jun 10, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT IN A FRONT END COLLISION AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. VEHICLE TOTALLED.*AK
Apr 22, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SYSTEM, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Aug 28, 2001
+ 12 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
13 complaints
THE FLOOR MAT WAS DAMAGED BY STEERING COLUMN BECAUSE THERE IS NO PROTECTIVE COVER FOR THE STEERING COLUMN ON THE FLOOR. YH
Jul 18, 2000
HOOD LATCH FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL, OPENED WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE (97V-095). *MJS
Dec 01, 1999
WATER LEAKAGE ON PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR ONLY WHEN IT RAINS WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF ANYTHING WRONG BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS ALSO AN OIL LEAKAGE ONLY NOTICED AFTER AN OIL CHANGE THEY SAY ITS A PROBLEM WITH AN INFERIOR GASKET AND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THAT PROBLEM IN THE PAST
Oct 22, 1999
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PANEL COMPLETELY FELL OUT DUE TO LOOSE CLIPS. MJS (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
Jul 19, 1999
HOOD DESIGN/SLOPE CREATES POOR VISIBILITY IN PARKING, DRIVER CAN NOT SEE THE FRONT END DUE TO DESIGN.
Feb 09, 1999
+ 8 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
12 complaints
HEATER FAILED. NLM
Oct 05, 2000
DEFROSTER LACKS ADEQUATE POWER TO DEFROST REAR WINDOW. *AK
Mar 21, 1999
WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHEN LIGHTS TURNED ON THE WIPERS WOULD GO ON ALSO.
Feb 09, 1999
WINDSHIELD DESIGN/ANGLE RESULTING IN REFLECTION FROM DASHBOARD CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY.
Feb 09, 1999
WINDSHIELD DIFUSES LIGHT MAKING NIGHT DRIVING DIFFICULT.
Aug 27, 1998
+ 7 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
11 complaints
I'M NOT SURE WHAT LEAD UP TO THE FAILURE. I HAVE A BAD OIL LEAK I WAS TOLD IT WAS A REAR SEAL AND THAT IT SHOULDN'T GO BAD I'M CHECKING WITH YOU BECAUSE I DON'T THESE THINGS I KNOW I LOVE THAT CAR I HAVE A PAID OUT 100'S OF DOLLARS TO GET THE BRAKES FIXED NOW THIS. ARE THERE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS. I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR RIGHT NOW BECAUSE THE OIL LEAKS OUT SO BAD. I'M JUST GUESSING ON A DATE BECAUSE I'M NOT SURE I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFORMATION YOU MIGHT HAVE FOR ME I'M UNSURE OF WHAT THE MILEAGE MAY HAVE BEEN WHEN THE LEAK STARTED THE CAR WAS PARKED WHEN I NOTICED A PUDDLE OF OIL UNDERNEATH. *TR
Oct 13, 2008
INFORMATION REQUEST REGARDING 1996 DODGE STRATUS RECALLS.*MR THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED MANY PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE VEHICLE HAS ANY RECALLS, IF SO WERE THEY COMPLETED. THE CONSUMER WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW IF SHE IS DUE REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY COMPONENTS SHE HAD REPLACED THAT WERE RECALLED. *NM
Jan 06, 2004
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Jun 12, 2001
MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND CHRSYLER NEEDS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND OWN UP TO THIS DEFECT.NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK
Dec 06, 2000
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Sep 12, 2000
+ 6 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
11 complaints
CRUISE CONTROL LOCKED UP. WAS NOT ABLE TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL. DEALER STATED CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS INOPERATIVE. *AK
Nov 17, 2003
I HAD MY CRUISE CONTROL ON WHILE COMING HOME LAST NIGHT AROUND 8:00 PM. WHEN I APPLIED MY BREAKS WHEN I ENTERED A TOWN MY CAR ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK. I TURNED OFF MY CRUISE CONTROL AND I IT WAS STILL STUCK. I TOOK THE COUNTRY ROUTE HOME. WHEN I PULLED INTO MY DRIVE AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK IT MAX OUT THE RPM AND I QUICKLY TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. I DID NOTICE THAT DODGE HAS A BULLETIN ABOUT THE SPEED SENSOR LOSS OF CRUISE CONTROL (4/99) DOES THAT MEANS I HAVE TO PRAY FOR MY LIFE. I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT I WAS BEING A SEMI WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND HE WAS STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT AND I WAS NOT. THANK GOD I HAD ENOUGH COMMON SENSE ON WHAT TO DO. *LA
Nov 14, 2003
SPEEDOMETER, MILEAGE, AND TACHOMETER RARELY WORK. SOMETIMES THE NEEDLE ON THE SPEEDOMETER WILL FLUCUATE BACK AND FORTH,WILDLY, AND OTHER TIMES STICK ON A SPEED. AT TIMES THE TACHOMETER WILL WORK AND SO I CAN JUDGE MY SPEED. THE FUEL GAUGE WAS NOT WORKING, UNTIL THE FUEL FILTER AND PUMP WERE CHANGED IN FEBRUARY, BUT IF ALL THE OTHER GAUGES ARE NOT WORKING, THEN IT ALSO STOPS.*AK
Aug 30, 2003
CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE DOES NOT ACCELERATE, WHEN APPLYING GAS VEHICLE SHUTS OFF. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Aug 11, 2003
CONSUMER PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE TO BACK IN GARAGE, HEARD A HIGH PITCHED SOUND AS ENGINE STARTED, BACKED VEHICLE IN GARAGE, AND PUT IN PARK. THEN, WANTED TO PULL VEHICLE FORWARD. CONSUMER PUT FOOT ON BRAKE, TOOK VEHICLE OUT OF PARK, AND IT SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD/ENGINE REVVED. CONSUMER PRESSED HARDER ON BRAKE PEDAL, THEN THREW VEHICLE IN PARK TO STOP IT. VEHICLE AT DEALER AT THIS TIME, DAMAGE $ 1600.00. *AK
Jun 14, 2001
+ 6 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
10 complaints
WHEN MY FUEL GOES BELOW 3/4 OF A TANK, IT DIES ON ME. IT STARTS TO JERK LIKE ITS SHIFTING HARD, THEN LOOSES POWER. WHEN I TRY TO START IT BACK UP, IT TURNS OVER BUT DOESN'T ACT LIKE ITS GETTING ANY FUEL. THEN THE BATTERY GOES DEAD. IF I GET GAS AND FILL IT BACK UP IT RUNS FINE. I HAVE SPENT MANY HRS BROKE DOWN ON THE HWY. I WAS NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT. *JB
Oct 23, 2007
BOTH SIDES OF FUEL RAIL LEAKING THAT COULD HAVE STARTED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD OR A EXPLOSEN OF MY CAR.*AK
Jan 29, 2005
VEHICLE HAD BEEN LEAKING FUEL. DEALER SAID THAT THIS VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL 96V006000. DEALER GAVE NO OTHER EXPLANATION , BU TINDICATED THAT CONSUMER WAS ON HIS OWN TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.*AK
Aug 23, 2000
GAS LEAKING FROM THE O-RING GASKET ON THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK, FIRE & SAFETY PROBLEM, DEFECTIVE FROM THE FACTORY BUT CHRYSLER REFUSES TO INCLUDE THIS PART UNTER THEIR EXTENDED WARRANTY
Mar 10, 2000
FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT READ CORRECTLY. *AK
Dec 08, 1998
+ 5 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
9 complaints
VISIBILITY PROBLEM. HEAD LAMP COVERS HAVE BECOME FOGGED AND DISCOLORED ,NOT ALLOWING ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF ROAD AT NIGHT. THE HEADLAMP COVERS CAN ONLY BE REPLACED AS AN ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. A MORE DURABLE OR A REPLACABLE COVER WOULD ALLOW THE CONSUMER TO CORRECT THIS HAZARD.*AK
Jul 25, 2003
RIGHT HIGH BEAM HEAD LIGHT CONTINUALLY REQUIRED REPLACEMENT, THE FAILURE UNKNOWN. *MJS
Dec 01, 1999
HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY DIM CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY PROBLEMS. MJS (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
Jul 19, 1999
HEADLIGHTS DO NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT LIGHTING ON THE ROAD.
Aug 27, 1998
REAR BACK LIGHTS FAILED AND BRAKE SWITCH FAILED.
Dec 02, 1997
+ 4 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
8 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A GAS STATION, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. SHE WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SUFFERED A MELT DOWN. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 193,000. UPDATED 8/7/09 *CN THE PCM AND POWER SHIFTER WERE FAULTY. UPDATED 08/11/09.*JB
Jun 19, 2009
OWNER OF 1996 DODGE STRATUS, A CERTIFIED LEMON WITH REPEATED HEAD-GASKET LEAKS/TRANSMISSION LEAKS. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE REPAIRED TWICE FOR HEAD GASKET LEAKAGE AND TWICE FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *AK
Jul 07, 2003
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Jul 30, 2001
THIS CAR WAS SOLD TO ME DEFECTIVE AND NOW NEITHER THE WARRANTY COMPANY OR THE DEALSHIP WANTS TO HANDLE IT.*AK
Mar 23, 2001
VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL, AND CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. MECHANIC STATED THAT HEAD GASKET WAS CRACKED. PROBLEM WAS REMEDIED BY MECHANIC. *AK THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING. *YH
Feb 12, 2001
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
8 complaints
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH ANDWITHOUT WARNING INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION, AND DRIVER'S SAFETY BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN DRIVER, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES.*AK
Jun 10, 2002
IN A FRONT END COLLISION SEAT BELT UNHOOKED, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE THROWN OUT THE VEHICLE.CAR TOTALLED. *AK
Apr 22, 2002
REAR LAP BELT BUCKLE AND REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE PLASTIC COVER KEEP FALLING OFF/APART ON LATCH SIDE. *AK CONSUMER ADDS THAT MIDDLE REAR BELT IS COMING APART ALSO, AND WON'T STAY TOGETHER. *TT
Mar 18, 2002
2 REAR SEATBELTS HAVE A PLASTIC PIECE THATS USED TO TENSION ON SEATBELT HAVE FALLEN OFF. CONSUMER IS NOT ABLE TO TIGHTLY SECURE CHILD SEAT. *AK *SLC
Jun 01, 2001
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT TIGHTENS TOO TIGHT WHEN BRAKE IS PRESSED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. *AK
Mar 07, 2001
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
7 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE MOTOR WAS NOT MOUNTED DOWN AND WAS MISSING TWO SCREWS. THE MOTOR JERKS BACK AND FORTH SO SEVERELY THAT IT SEEMS AS IF THE ENGINE WILL FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE TIMING CHAIN, FUEL PUMP, IGNITION COIL, SERPENTINE BELT, AND MUFFLER ARE FAILING. NEW BRAKES AND STRUTS ARE ALSO NEEDED. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCOVER THESE ISSUES UNTIL AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. TWO DAYS LATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
May 04, 2009
WHILE DRIVING, MY CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROAD. THE TIMING BELT HAD BROKEN N.IT TOOK THE DEALER 3 WEEKS TO FIX IT. WITH THE HEAD GASKET, I BROUGHT THE CAR TO A SERVICE STATION 3 SEPARATE TIMES TO FIND OUT WHY IT WAS RUNNING HOT, BEFORE THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED. THIS HAPPENED ONLY WHEN THE CAR LEAKED OUT ALL OF THE ANTIFREEZE. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKES 4 TIMES AND THE REAR BRAKES 3 TIMES IN THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO DO THIS WITH ANY OTHER CAR THAT I HAVE OWNED. *AK
Aug 28, 2001
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT MADE A LOUD NOISE . ALSO, BRAKES GAVE IN AND ENGINE BLEW UP. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOTALED. *AK
Jul 20, 1999
NO SUMMARY PROVIDED BY CONSUMER
Nov 17, 1998
CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS GETTING RECALL REPAIR FOR ENGINE OIL GALLEY PLUGS AND MASTER CYLINDER PRIM. PISTON IN A TIMELY MANNER. YH
May 30, 1997
+ 2 more complaints for this component
EQUIPMENT
7 complaints
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
Jun 06, 1999
THE AIR CONDITIONING KNOB GETS STUCK AND ALL THE AIR CONDITIONING GETS OUT AT THE WINDSHIELD OUTLET WHICH MAKES IT CLOUDY FROM THE INTERIOR AND REDUCES VISIBILITY TO ALMOST 20%. YOU HAVE TO TURN THE AIR CONDITIONING OFF IN ORDER TO DRIVE. *AK
May 21, 1999
AIR CONDITIONER FAILED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.
Feb 09, 1999
AIR CONDITIONING FAILS TO COOL VEHICLE UNLESS TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS.
Aug 27, 1998
FRONT SPEAKERS ARE TOO WEAK SO BALANCE FOR RADIO CANNOT BE ACHIEVED.
Aug 27, 1998
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SEATS
5 complaints
IN A FRONT END COLLISION SEAT CAME OFF THE ANCHOR AND FLEW OUT VEHICLE WITH DRIVER INSIDE. VEHICLE TOTALLED.*AK
Apr 22, 2002
WHILE TRYING TO MOVE DRIVER'S SEATBACK FORWARD CONSUMER HAS TO PUSH VERY HARD TO MOVE . DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED . PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Apr 11, 2000
HEADREST REPLACED WHEN FULLY EXTENDED UNIT FELL OUT OF SEAT. *MJS
Dec 01, 1999
WHEN DRIVER ENTERED VEHICLE & SAT IN SEAT, DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE FROM THE FRAME & ANCHOR. WILL WOBBLE SEVERELY TO AND FROM. *AK
Dec 23, 1997
VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE REAR AND FRONT SEAT BACKS BROKE. *AK
Apr 04, 1997
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
4 complaints
I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR IN THE SHORT 7 MONTHS THAT I'VE HAD IT. CHRYSLER HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT IT.
Oct 20, 2000
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Nov 11, 1999
RACK & PINION REPLACED ONCE, POWER STEERING NOT WORKING WHEN COLD. ALSO, OIL LEAKING FROM ENGINE
Mar 21, 1999
NO SUMMARY FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
Jan 29, 1999
WHEELS
4 complaints
FRONT WHEEL HUBS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE CRACKING. THIS COULD CAUSE THE WHEEL TO FALL OFF. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Apr 27, 2000
WHEEL BEARING WORN AND OUT OF ROUND.
Jun 03, 1997
METAL ON METAL NOISE HEARD FROM THE WHEELS. YH
May 30, 1997
WHEEL RIM BENT, CAUSING TIRE WEAR.
Feb 20, 1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
MY MECHANIC STATED THAT MY ENGINE IS LEAKING OIL FROM PRETTY MUCH EVERYWERE, I HAVE TO ADD A QUART OF OIL EVERY 4 - 5 DAYS. I HAVE NO INTERIOR LIGHTS, MY ODOMETER AND TACHOMETER DO NOT FUNCTION AND DISPLAY. MY RADIO DOES NOT WORK, AND NOW MY BRAKE LIGHTS AREN'T FUNCTIONING. I CHECKED AND ALL OF MY FUSES ARE FINE. I CAN'T AFFORD THE ENGINE REPAIRS FOR THE OIL. I HAVE TO GET THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM FIXED. CHRYSLER SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THESE PROBLEMS.*AK
May 03, 2004
DURING THE END OF SUMMER MY CAR ENGINE REPEATEDLY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEEDS (USUALLY @20 - 40MPH). I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE MY CAR REPEATEDLY SHUTS OFF WHEN I TURN CORNERS OR DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS OF 30 OR LESS IT WILL JUST SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I HAVE MY 3 CHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH ME MOST OF THE TIME AND WE HAVE FACED MANY CLOSE ACCIDENTS! ONCE THE CAR'S RPM SHUTS DOWN THE CAR SHUTS OFF NO MATTER WHERE I AM. WHEN I DRIVE 50MPH OR MORE MY CAR JERKS. MY CAR ALSO ACCELERATES WHILE DRIVE 40MPH OR LESS ON ITS OWN IN SEVERAL INSTANCES I ALMOST HIT CARS IN FRONT OF ME DURING RED LIGHTS. MY ABS LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHY IT WAS ON AND THAT IT WOULD COST $70.00 AN HOUR FOR A COMPUTERIZED CHECKUP WHICH I CAN NOT AFFORD. ANOTHER TIME I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALER FOR THE ENGINE SHUTOFF PROBLEM THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM AND ASSUMED THE THROTTLE BOTTLE WAS THE CAUSE. WESTMINISTER DODGE CLEANED THE THROTTLE BOTTLE AND MY CAR STILL CONTINUES TO SHUTOFF SINCE SUMMER OF 2001. MY AIR BRAKE FAILED ME IN 9/2001, I ENDED UP UNABLE TO STOP MY CAR FROM KNOCKING OFF A WHEEL COVER OF A MITSUBISHI 4 DOOR. MY CAR SHUTOFF WHEN I TRIED TO STOP THE CAR TO AVOID HITTING THE MITSUBISHI AND MY FRONT END OF MY CAR (LICENSE PLATE NOSE) TOOK OFF HER WHEELCOVER IN WHICH I OFFERED TO REPLACE FOR $40.00. I AM VERY AFRAID OF WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT SINCE THE DEALER CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. MY NEWEST PROBLEM AS OF 1/14/2002 IS MY STEERING WHEEL COLUMM. I DON'T FEEL LIKE I HAVE FULL CONTROL OF MY CAR IT KIND OF RIDES ALL OVER THE RODE. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER IT WILL BE BEFORE I GET IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF UNFIXABLE CAR FAILURE! I CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER CAR OR TRADE IN.
Feb 07, 2002
DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE ENGINE WILL STALL WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED. DEALERSHIP HAS EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT COMPUTER WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TWICE. PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AGAIN, AND DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DETERMINE SOURCE OF PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
Jul 05, 2001
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaints
HEAD GASKET OIL LEAK, TIE RODS BAD, TIRES REPLACED, BRAKES GOING BAD, ENGINE LIGHT ON. *LA
Nov 03, 2003
TIE-ROD FAILED NO STEERING,2 HEADGASKET FAILURES IN PAST 5 YEARS,BRAKE ROTORS FAIL EVERY 2 YEARS....
May 04, 2001
HEADGASKET BLEWOUT SINCE PURCHASE. ALSO, CONSUMER HAS HAD TO REPLACE MASTER CYLINDER, POWER STEERING PUMP, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND VALVE COVER GASKET. *AK *SLC
Feb 06, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH OIL LIGHT ON DASH CAME ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, ENGINE OIL WAS ALL OVER EXHAUST. DEALER DETERMINED OIL GALLEY PLUG CAME OUT. THERE WAS A RECALL BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED DUE TO VIN. *AK
Jun 06, 2002
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY FLOOR MAT BECAME ENTANGLED WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN WHERE IT WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR BECAUSE THIER WAS NO PROTECTIVE COVER TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING. *AK HEAD GASKET AND TIMING BELT FAILED ALSO. *YH
Aug 31, 2000
WHEN CAR WAS CHECKED FOR OIL, OIL WAS LEAKING, OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. OIL WAS CHANGED IN JUNE, DEALER CONTACTED, AND MANUFACTURER WILL ASSIST IN REPAIR WORK FUNDS, ASSUMED THE HEAD GASKETS WER E LEAKING. *AK
Oct 02, 1998
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
3 complaints
THE FUEL INDICATOR IS INOPERATIVE. NLM
Oct 05, 2000
FUEL LEVEL GAUGE DOES NOT READ CORRECTLY IN THE DASHBOARD...
Dec 14, 1998
FUEL GAUGE DOESN'T READ CORRECTLY..FULL TANK OF GAS READS EMPTY (E)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 195/R70/14 )
Dec 08, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
3 complaints
VEHICLE PARKED. LEFT VEHICLE & FEW MINUTES. LATER WAS INFORMED VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. CONTACTED FIRE & POLICE DEPARTMENTS WHO REFUSED TO COME OUT, INDICATING VEHICLE WAS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. PRIOR TO FIRE, VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR LEAKAGE IN "O" RINGS WHICH WAS REPLACED. VEHICLE'S ENGINE WAS CLEANED. OIL PROCEEDED TO LEAK AGAIN. THERE WAS A RECALL #96V006000. *AK
Jan 19, 2000
REAR RATTLE DUE TO BAFFLE IN GAS TANK BEING LOOSE AND MAKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS. ALSO, ENGINE HEAD GASKET LEAKED OIL.
Feb 17, 1999
SEVERE OIL LEAK ON BACKSIDE OF ENGINE NEAR EXHAUST MANIFOLD. WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT THE RECALLED OIL GALLEY PLUG IN THE HEAD BUT THE HEAD GASKET WAS BAD. HAD TO HAVE HEAD GASKET REPLACED, CAM SEALS, CAM SENSOR AND VARIOUS OTHER GASKETS. WAS TOLD BY ANOTHER CHRYSLER DEALER THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT THESE ENGINES DUMP OIL, BUT CHRYSLER DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. ONE DEALER SAID THEY HAVE REPLACED 7 IN THE PAST 2 WEEKS, A GOODYEAR SHOP TOLD US THAT THEY SAW 5 IN ONE WEEK THAT HAD COME IN FOR OTHER REASONS AND THEY HAD TO SEND THEM TO THE DEALER. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS. WE HAD TO PAY TO HAVE THIS REPLACED AND CHRYSLER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE. HEAD GASKETS DO NOT JUST GO BAD ON NEW CARS. TO PUT THE FINAL NAIL IN OUR COFFIN. THE DEALER (JACK CARUSO REGENCY DODGE IN JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA) THAT REPLACED THIS GASKET, PUT OUR ENGINE BACK TOGETHER WRONG. WE WERE DRIVING AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND WE SMELLED FUEL. THE FUEL LINE TO THE ENGINE WAS LOOSE AND SPRAYING OIL EVERYWHERE, THE GROUNDSTRAP WAS ARCHING WITH THE SPARK PLUG WIRE AT THE DISTRIBUTOR. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A DIFFERENT DODGE DEALER AS WE WERE ON VACATION. THE DEALER SAID WE CAME VERY CLOSE TO LOSING OUR LIVES, ANOTHER FEW SECONDS AND THE CAR WOULD HAVE EXPLODED. THEY SAID "WHOEVER PUT THIS ENGINE BACK TOGETHER DID A ?!@#$% JOB AND DID NOT KNOW WHAT THEY WERE DOING" THE FUEL LINE WAS BENT AND THE SEAL CRACKED, THE VACUUM LINES WERE NOT ROUTED CORRECTLY, BRACKETS WERE LOOSE ON HOSES AND PARTS LOOSE ON THE BACK OF THE ENGINE. AFTER WE PAID AGAIN TO HAVE THIS FIXED, WE BROUGHT THE CAR TO OUR DEALER WHO SCREWED UP AND THEY DENY EVERYTHING AND ARE NOT OF ANY HELP. WE ARE OUT A LOT OF MONEY, BUT AT LEAST IT IS ONLY MONEY, WE CAME VERY CLOSE TO LOSING THE LIVES OF 4 PEOPLE. THIS IS UNCALLED FOR! *AK
Jan 07, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
3 complaints
ACCIDENT OCCURRED DUE TO FAILURE OF THE BRAKES. WHILE DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON KNIGHTS ROAD IN BENSALEM, A CAR (2 CARS AHEAD OF ME)SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN. THE MINI-VAN THAT WAS DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME ALSO STOPPED SUDDENLY. AS I APPROACHED, I SLOWED DOWN TO A STOP. THE MINI-VAN STARTED TO PROCEED AROUND THE VEHICLE. I THEN TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE TO ALSO GO AROUND THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE MINI-VAN STOPPED SUDDENLY AGAIN. AT THIS POINT I PLACED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT TO THE FLOOR. MY CAR ROLLED INTO THE MINI-VAN. MY INSURANCE PAID OUT APPROXIMATLY $1500.00 IN DAMAGE TO FIX THEIR BUMPER. I AM NOW HOWEVER GOING THROUGH A LAWSUIT FOR BODILY DAMAGE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED I CONTACTED CHRYSLER. THEY SENT AN INSPECTOR OUT TO CHECK MY BRAKES AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE RESULT WAS THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH MY BRAKES AND THAT I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO DRIVE A CAR WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. THIS INFURIATED ME FOR IT IS NOT THE FIRST CAR I HAVE HAD WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AND I NEVER HAD A PROBLEM BEFORE WITH ANY OTHER CAR. THIS ACCIDENT WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT THE BRAKES FAILED ON THIS CAR. SEVERAL INCIDENTS OCCURRED PREVIOUS WHERE I WOULD TURN INTO A DRIVEWAY OR PARKING LOT AND SUDDENLY LOOSE MY BRAKES FOR A FEW MINUTES. AFTER I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE INSPECTION, I HAVEN'T HAD ANY FURTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. I WAS NEVER INFORMED WHETHER ANY ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE TO FIX THE PROBLEM OR IF IT IS JUST A COINCEDANCE. SINCE I'VE HAD THIS CAR THERE HAS BEEN AT LEAST 4 RECALLS ON VARIOUS THINGS. I LEASE THE VEHICLE AND WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I DIDN'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT, THERE WAS NOTHING THAT I COULD DO EXCEPT OT BUY OUT THE LEASE WHICH I COULDN'T AFFORD.
Nov 13, 1998
FRONT DISC 15" ROTOR WAS REPLACED IN 1997 WITH A 14" ROTOR BECAUSE THE THEY HAVE THE SAME PART NUMBER. #4616935. AFTER THE 14" ROTOR WAS INSTALLED, THE BRAKES WORE OUT QUICKLY.
Sep 25, 1998
BRAKE PADS AND CALIPERS FAILED.
Oct 27, 1997
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WOULD ACTIVATE WITHOUT COMMAND AT ANYTIME AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE LAST TIME, THE DEALER PLACED A HORN BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD. UPDATED 12/05/11
Jul 21, 2011
THE RACK AND PINION HAS FAILED TWICE. I HAVE ALSO COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER OF A BUZZING AND/OR GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN AT LEAST 2 OTHER TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM AND AM GOING TO TAKE IT IN THIS THURSDAY (10/21/99) AGAIN FOR THE SAME BUZZING NOISE. EACH TIME I TAKE IT IN IT IS THERE FOR A MINIMUM OF 2 DAYS IF NOT LONGER. I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY DUE TO THE STEERING COLUMN NOISE. THIS THURSDAY I WILL ALSO TAKE IT IN FOR SOME TYPE OF ELECTRICAL FAILURE - THE CAR WILL SOMETIMES NOT START ON ME. *AK
Oct 19, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
MY CAR HAD THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED AND A FEW OTHER THINGS ON IT. BUT I CAN SMELL BURNING OIL FROM SOME WERE AND THE LIGHT IS ON FOR THE OIL. I ONLY DRIVE SHORT DISTANCES BECAUSE I AM AFRAID OF A FIRE. NOT ONLY THAT IT WELL MAYBE ONLY GO ABOUT 2 MILES BEFORE IT SHUTS DOWN. THEN I HAVE TO WAIT FOR IT TO COOL DOWN TO START IT AND GET IT BACK HOME. *TR
Oct 19, 2009
IT ALL BEGAN WHEN WE PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 1996 DODGE STRATUS IN OCT 1995. THE CAR GAVE US LITTLE IF ANY TROUBLE THE FIRST YEAR. THE SECOND YEAR AND EVERY YEAR SINCE IT HAS BEEN A#1 HEADACHE. THE SECOND YEAR ALONE THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP 17 TIMES. THE REPAIRS WERE MAJOR ONES AS WELL AS MINOR ONES INCLUDING REPLACEMENT OF AIR COMPRESSOR ON AIR CONDITIONER, STARTER, REPLACEMENT OF HEAD GASKET TWICE ONCE AT 11565 MILES SECOND AT 20495 MILES AND GUESS WHAT NOW AT 69000 MILES.THANK GOODNESS THE FIRST TWO WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD WITH THE DEALERSHIP, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AS WELL AS GOOD OLD CHRYSLER. I WAS TOLD BY CHRYSLER I COULD ALWAYS BUY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ANFD THEY WOULD OPEN A COMPLAINT FILE ON ME SO THAT IF ANY OF THE SAME PROBLEMS OCCURED, I COULD CONTACT THEM. WELL I HAVE CONTACTED THEM BUT THEY SAY THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING. TALK ABOUT CUSTOMER SERVICE HUH!!!!! I AM NOT WILLING TO ACCEPT THAT ANSWER. I THINK CHRYSLER HAS TO ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM AND CORRECT THIS AT NO COST. THERE ARE TOO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM I AM
Dec 30, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
THREE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *MR THE CONSUMER HAD EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AFTER ONE YEAR OF PURCHASE. THE CONSUMER HAD BEEN WITHOUT THE VEHICLE EVERY OTHER MONTH. THE VEHICLE HAD A PERPETUAL OIL LEAK AND SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, SHE HAD TO SEEK HELP FROM AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE HAD SO MUCH OIL LEAKING OUT, THE CONSUMER PLACED OIL IN THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF GAS. CHRYSLER WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. THE VEHICLE HAD STARTED TO LEAK TRANSMISSION FLUID, ALSO THE FRONT SEAL BEGAN TO LEAK AS WELL, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON, THEN THE VEHICLE STARTED MISSING OUT, SPUTTERED, AND THE STARTER WAS INTERMITTENT DUE TO A SHORT. THE CONSUMER HAD REQUESTED A REFUND OF REPAIRS. OTHER REPAIRS WERE AS FOLLOWED: THE AIR COMPRESSOR ON THE AIR CONDITIONER, STARTER, REPLACEMENT OF THE HEAD GASKET THREE TIMES, ONCE AT 11565K MILES AND SECOND AT 20495K MILES AND AGAIN AT 69000K MILES. *SCC *JB
Aug 27, 2003
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Feb 24, 2001
INTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
TRUNK LIGHT CONTINUALLY STAYED ON, BURNING ITEM IN TRUNK DUE TO . MJS (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
Jul 19, 1999
TRUNK CARGO LIGHT STAYS ON WHILE DOOR IS CLOSED. LIGHT WAS SO HOT THAT IT BURNED THROUGH A CAMPING BAG. ALSO LIGHT IS WITHOUT PROTECTIVE SHIELD. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. CAN NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER.*AK
Jun 23, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,WHEELS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
R&R FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING FIX, HUB & BEARING ASSEMBLY TOTAL COST $214.55 CLEAN ENGINE TOTAL COST $83.46 ENGINE OIL LEAK, TRIED OIL STOP LEAK & SEEMS TO BE WORKING FOR THE TIME BEING. RADIATOR/ANTIFREEZE LEAK, I'M SPENDING $150 MONTH FOR ANTIFREEZE. PUTTING IN 1-2 BOTTLES A DAY. PROBABLY WILL HAVE RADIATOR FIXED SOON. MUFFLER FELL OFF, CAN'T AFFORD A NEW ONE. NEEDS NEW SPARK PLUGS, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS MANIFOLD GASKET, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS OIL PAN GASKET, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS NEW WIPERS, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. *TR
Feb 04, 2015
TIRES
1 complaint
GENERAL TIRE ALTIMAX RT SIZE 195/70R14 BULGE ON SIDEWALL WHEN INSTALLED A BRAND NEW TIRE. AFTER INSTALLATION OBSERVED ONE OF FOUR TIRES WITH A BULGE ON SIDEWALL OF TIRE. BULGE NOT AN INDENTATION. VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN AND NO OBVIOUS INSTALLATION OR BEAD DAMAGE FROM THE OUTSIDE. INSTALLER SAID SMALL BULGE BUT MAY GROW. SENT PICTURES TO DISCOUNTTIREDIRECT AND THEY SEEMED TO THINK INSTALLATION BEAD DAMAGE. TOOK TIRE OFF, NO DAMAGE FOUND INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OR ANY BEAD IRREGULARITIES. SEEMS LIKE A MANUFACTURER DEFECTIVE BUILD. OTHER 3 TIRES WERE FINE ON ALL SIDES. *TR
Jun 12, 2014
EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I JUST BOUGHT A 1996 DODGE STRATUS AND IT HAS MUTIPLE PROBLEMS. THE MAIN THING IS IT STALLS AND DIES WHILE YOUR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH MORE THAN ONCE. IT HAS RECALLS AND IAM GOING TO TAKE IT TO HAVE IT FIXED. IT ALSO HAS OTHER PROBLEMS LIKE WITH THE DOOR LOCKS,THE HOOD AND THE TRUNK. *TR
Jun 11, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
MY SON DIED IN DEC 12,2002 IN A 1996 DODGE STEALTH TWO DAYS AFTER HE DIED I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE. CAR LOST CONTROL ON FREEWAY AND WENT OFF ROAD AND ROLLED. HE JUST PUT A TRANSMISSION AND REPLACED CLUTCH, AND PUT IN NEW ENGINE THROUGH TRACY DODGE IN TRACY, CA. *TR
Dec 20, 2007
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER INDICATED THIS WAS A USED VEHICLE, AND HAS THIS PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVWAY WHEN THE BACK DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE CAME UNLATCHED AND OPENED. VEHICLE DOORS USUALLY UNLATCH WHEN IT GETS VERY COLD OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE DOORS SOMETIMES DONT LATCH AT ALL AND DOOR JUST OPEN UP ON THEIR OWN. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND ALL THEY FOUND WAS A LITTLE CORROSION. *TC
Nov 03, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
I PURCHASED MY 1996 DODGE STRATUS IN THE SUMMER OF 1996 AND SO FAR I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH THIS VEHICLE, ONE HEAD GASKET REPAIR THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP AT A COST OF $1600, ONE TIMING CHAIN REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF $600 AND NOW AGAIN ANOTHER HEAD GASKET LEAK. IN THE YEAR 2000 THIS CAR SAT IN THE GARAGE FOR A TOTAL OF 11 MONTHS DUE TO NOT HAVING THE MONEY TO FIX THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM WHICH CAUSED A SEVERE FINANCIAL AND A MENTALLY FRUSTRATING TIME DURING THOSE MONTHS WITHOUT A CAR. I WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST CHRYSLER SO PLEASE FORWARD ME ANY INFORMATION NEEDED IN GOING FORWARD WITH THIS LAWSUIT.
Jan 15, 2004
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
2ND REQUEST FAX FWD EMAIL FM BEHALF OF [XXX] (TX) RE NUMEROUS DEFECTS ON A 1996 DODGE STRATUS (VIN#[XXX]). *MR THE A/C LEAKED, ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS MALFUNCTIONED, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, AND POOR DRIVEABILITY. THERE WAS STEERING OSCILLATION WHEN DRIVEN ABOVE 50 MPH, ROUGH RIDE WHEN THERE WAS AN IRREGULAR SURFACE, ERRATIC IDLE, PERFORMANCE LOSS, OVERHEATING IN TRAFFIC AND OR THE A/C WOULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, WARM-UP SAG, HESITATION/DIE OUT, REAR GRID DEFOGGER INDICATOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED, INSIDE LIGHTS WORKED IMPROPERLY, ERRATIC LATE HARSH TRANSMISSION SHIFTS, FREQUENT RUMBLE OR GEAR NOISE FROM THE FRONT BETWEEN 50 AND 70 MPH, MUSTY ODOR AND DEFOGGER FAILED TO CLEAR THE GLASS. *SCC THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO IN NEED OF AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND STRUTS. *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Dec 29, 2003
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TIRES
1 complaint
LTR FM JOVAN MATHEWS (TX) RE PROBLEMS WITH HIS 1996 DODGE STRATUS AND ASKING DAIMLER CHRYSLER TO INITIATE A RECALL. *MR THE A/C LEAKED, ELECTRIC CIRCUITS MALFUNCTIONED, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET, AND POOR DRIVE ABILITY. THE CONSUMER HAD REPLACED THE TIMING BELT, HYDRAULIC TENSIONER, WATER PUMP, ALTERNATOR, ALTERNATOR BELT, ROTORS, BRAKE SHOES, REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS, PCV VALVE, DRYER, A/C COMPRESSOR, TIRES, ALL FILTERS, AND FLUIDS. THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEED OF AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WINDSHIELD, STRUTS, SHOCKS, STEERING WHEEL, AND A HEAD GASKET. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATION/VIBRATION ABOVE 50 MPH, ROUGH RIDE ON ROAD WITH IRREGULAR SURFACE, ERRATIC IDLE, PERFORMANCE LOSS, OVERHEATED,WARM UP SAG, HESITATION, REAR GRID DEFOGGER INDICATOR MALFUNCTION, INSIDE LIGHTS HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE, LATE/HARSH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS, FREQUENCY RUMBLE OR GEAR NOISE FROM THE FRONT BETWEEN 50 AND 70 MPH, MUSTY ODOR, AND THE DEFROSTER FAILED TO CLEAR THE GLASS. *SCC *JB
Sep 16, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES,INTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
MY NAME IS [XXX], AND I AM A TWENTY-FOUR YEAR OLD FATHER OF THREE WHO IS CURRENTLY RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY. I AM WRITING THIS LETTER TODAY BECAUSE I AM HAVING SOME PROBLEMS WITH MY 1996 DODGE STRATUS (VIN# [XXX]). THE TYPES OF PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING CONSISTS OF AIR CONDITIONING LEAKS, ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS THAT MALFUNCTION, TRANSMISSION TROUBLES, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, AND POOR DRIVEABILITY. CHRYSLER MOTOR CORPORATION PRIDES ITSELF AS REPRESENTING VALUE, QUALITY, DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY, BUT I CANT SEEM TO SEE THAT AS A TRUE STATEMENT WITH ALL OF MY CURRENT PROBLEMS. I COULD NOT BELIEVE ALL THE PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING WITH THIS VEHICLE AT ONE GIVEN TIME SO I DECIDED TO RESEARCH MY DIFFICULTIES ON THE INTERNET AND I FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THESE SAME ISSUES. I FEEL THAT DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR MY REPAIRS DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES CAUSED BY SHODDY PARTS AND QUALITY. SO FAR I HAVE REPLACED THE TIMING BELT, HYDRAULIC TENSIONER, WATER PUMP, ALTERNATOR, ALTERNATOR BELT, ROTORS, BAKE SHOES, REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS, PCV VALVE, DRYER, AC COMPRESSOR, TIRES, ALL FILTERS, AND FLUIDS. I AM IN DYER NEED OF A EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WINDSHIELD, STRUTS, SHOCKS, STEERING WHEEL, HEAD GASKET. ALSO, I AM EXPERIENCING STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATION/VIBRATION ABOVE 50 MPH, ROUGH RIDE ON ROAD WITH IRREGULAR SURFACE & BOTTOMING OUT ON POTHOLE, ERRATIC IDLE, PERFORMANCE LOSS, OVERHEATS IN TRAFFIC &/OR A/C BECOMES INOPERATIVE, WARM-UP SAG, HESITATION & DRIVEWAY DIE OUT, REAR GRID DEFOGGER INDICATOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONS, INSIDE LIGHTS WORK IMPROPERLY, ERRATIC, LATE OR HARSH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS , FREQUENCY RUMBLE OR GEAR NOISE FROM FRONT BETWEEN 50 & 70 MPH , MUSTY ODOR AND DEFROSTER FAILS TO CLEAR GLASS. AS IT APPEARS I NEED A LOT OF WORK AND BEING LOW INCOME I NEED HELP.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Aug 25, 2003
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
MY 1996 DODGE STRATUS HAS 37,000 MILES. IN FEBRUARY 2002 I TOOK IT TO SEARS FOR AN OIL CHANGE. ALSO ASKING THEM TO SEE WHERE OIL WAS LEAKING (NOTICED OIL ON CONCRETE IN GARAGE). THEY SAID VALVE COVER GASKET SO I GOT THAT FIXED FOR ABOUT $72.00 ALL ALONG THINKING THAT THERE WERE NOT THAT MANY MILES DRIVEN. AND TO BAD THE WARRANTY HAD JUST EXPIRED. I THINK IT WAS 5 YEARS OR 25,000 MILES. WITHIN THE NEXT 2 MONTHS OIL WAS LEAKING AGAIN. TOOK IT IN AND END UP PAYING $702.00 BECAUSE THE HEAD GASKET WAS BAD. THE MECHANIC SHOWED IT TO ME AND JOKINGLY SAID ISN'T IT FUNNY HOW THIS CAN BE SO CHEAP THAT IT ALMOST WAS DETERIORATED AND THE WARRANTY 5YRS IS UP. EVEN THOUGH I HAD NOT DROVE 25,000 MILES YET. WELL THE FINAL BLOW , ON OCT 10,2002 I KEPT HEARING A CLUNK WHEN I MADE LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. TOOK IT TO THE RHODEN DODGE. WE WERE TOLD THAT RIGHT & LEFT TIE ROD ENDS WERE LOOSE & SWAY BAR LINKS WORN & LOOSE(2 TIE RODS,& 2 BALL JOINTS) I ASKED THEM TO PERFORM AN ALIGNMENT AND TRANSMISSION FLUSH ,TOTALING $779.00 BECAUSE WHAT ELSE WILL BREAK. WELL IN JAN. 2003 THE BRAKES WERE ON MEDAL ANOTHER $190.00. I'M AFRAID TO TAKE IT IN TO THE GARAGE. THERE IS ONLY 37,000 MILES DRIVEN AND I AM HEARING ANOTHER NOISE WHEN I TURN LEFT AND RIGHT. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE FIXED THEY TOLD ME THEY TEST DROVE IT AND HEARD NOTHING . SOME HOW IT SEEMS THAT 5 YRS OR 25,000 MILES IS TELLING ME THAT I SHOULD HAVE SOLD IT BEFORE THAT BECAUSE I THINK THE COMPANY KNEW THINGS WOULD START HAPPENING. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP ME. PLEASE, THIS CAR IS A LEMON WITH ONLY 37,000 MILES.*JB
Mar 01, 2003
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY PULLED OUT AND REBUILT TRANSMISSION. THEN, REINSTALLED IT. NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DRIVER HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE UNDER CAR. DRIVER PULLED OVER AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE.*AK
Feb 26, 2002
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE IT HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP 9 TIMES. SEVERAL OF THESE REPAIRS HAVE BEEN REPEAT REPAIRS. THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION STARTED GIVING US PROBLEMS ON 10/18/1999. IT TOOK THEM UNTIL 08/28/2001 TO REPAIR IT. THEN WE HAD TO BRING IT BACK ON 10/22/2001 BECAUSE A SEAL WAS LEAKING ON THE TRANSMISSION. AT THAT TIME I HAD THEM LISTEN TO THE CAR, BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WAS MAKING THE SAME NOISE IT STARTED WITH IN 10/1999. THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T HEAR ANYTHING, WHICH IS WHAT THEY TOLD US UP UNTIL 08/28/2001. NOW THIS CAR IS GETTING READY TO GO BACK TO THE SHOP FOR THE TRANSMISSION. IN THE 3 YEARS WE HAVE OWNED THIS CAR IT HAS HAD $5201.48 WORHT OF REPAIRS DONE TO IT. IN ADDITION TO THE DEFECTIVE PARTS I HAVE LISTED, IT ALSO HAD AN IGNITION COIL, INJECTORS, BALL JOINTS, AND TIE ROD ENDS REPLACED. ALL REPAIRS WE DONE BY MIDDLETOWN DODGE, RT 17M, MIDDLETOWN, NY, EXCEPT THE FIRST REPAIR. THAT WAS PERFORMED BY THE DEALER. FORTUNATELY WE HAVE A GREAT EXTENDED WARANTY. OTHERWISE WE WOULD HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR ALL THESE REPAIRS OURSELVES. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THIS CAR WILL CONTINUE TO BREAKDOWN AND WE WON'T BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO KEEP IT OR SOMEONE WILL BE INJURED.*AK
Feb 04, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN PULLING OUT FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND REAR ENDED A PICK UP TRUCK. APPROXIMATELY $5000+ DAMAGE DONE TO FRONT END OF VEHICLE. ALSO, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*AK CONSUMER STATES REAR BRAKES DID NOT SEEM TO WORK. *JB
May 07, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AND TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT INTO GEAR PROPERLY. BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THEN, TRANSMISSION FELL OUT OF VEHICLE.*AK
Mar 15, 2001
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
HAVE REPLACED BEARINGS, BALL JOINTS, HEAD GASKETS AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION ON 1996 STRATUS.*AK
Feb 28, 2001
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
COMPUTER CONTROLLER,IDLER ARM AND PULLEY,TIMING BELT,AND BOTTOM CRANK GEAR ALL WENT OUT AT SAME TIME.HEAD GASKET WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE WHILE IN SHOP FOR TIMING BELT REPAIRS.CHRYSLER HAS AGREED TO PAY FOR 500 OF THE 725 DOLLARS IT WOULD COST TO FIX HEAD GASKET,BUT NOTHING ON ALL THE TIMING BELT RELATED PROBLEMS AT 525.00.AUTO WAS 4,000 MILES AND 1 YEAR OUT OF WARRANTY WHEN PROBLEMS OCCURRED.JUST SEEMS ODD THAT THE COMPUTER AND ALL THE TIMING BELT RELATED PROBLEMS HAPPENED AT THE SAME TIME.THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY.AFTER COMPUTER WAS REPLACED THE TIMING BELT PROBLEMS WERE DISCOVERED. *AK
Nov 30, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FRO ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Oct 26, 2000
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY
Sep 18, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
1) TRANSMISSION LEAK DUE TO CRACK IN CASE. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED AS CRACK DUE TO DAMAGED DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER. DESCRIBED AS MOUNTING PIN BROKE OR WORKED LOOSE, ALLOWING PLAY IN DIFFERENTIAL, BANGING AGAINST CASE. 2) FAULTY STARTER MOTOR CAUSED REPEATED FAILURE OF FUSE. FUSE WOULD BLOW IMMEDIATELY UPON IGNITION ATTEMPT. 3) CONSTANT OIL LEAK FROM REAR OF ENGINE. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED AS HEAD GASKET SEAL. 4) TRUNK LID OFTEN WILL NOT LATCH.
Aug 11, 2000
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
4 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THIS CAR, I STARTED HAVING MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH IT. I'VE HAD TO PAY $830 FOR A HEAD GASKET AT 82,000 MILES, $318 FOR SUSPENSION + ALIGNMENT BECAUSE MY TIERODS BUSTED OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 92,000 MILES. I STILL CANNOT GET THE FUEL INJECTION PROBLEM FIXED, BECAUSE I'M OUT OF MONEY. I HAD TAKEN THIS CAR IN TWICE FOR THE STALLING, ENGINE DYING, AND SHAKING PROBLEM, AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN FIXED (STARTED 4 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR). *AK
Jun 21, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
ALL THE ABOVE REPORTS WERE REPORTED AND ATTEMPTS WERE MADE THROUGH THE ORIGINAL DEALER. DUE TO EXTREMELY POOR SERVICE I SWITCH TO DON MEALEY ROYAL CHRYSLER, NOW AUTONATION. THE SERVICE WAS EVEN WORSE. I HAVEN'T HAD MY CAR MORE THAN ONE DAY IN OVER A WEEK.ALL THESE DATES ARE ESTIMATES AS MOST OF THE TIME HOLLER DODGE DID NOT EVEN GIVE ME A RECEIPT. THEY SHOULD HAVE THEM IN THEIR REPAIR RECORDS.SORRY MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS [email protected] NOT VOM. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK
Mar 22, 2000
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 65 MPH CAR STARTED JERKING, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. THEN IT LOCKED UP, AND CONSUMER HAD TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC, MECHANIC SAID CONSUMER NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. *AK
Feb 07, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
CAR IS PRESENTLY AT CROWN DODGE@ PHONE # IS 281-556-6400 ROBERT
Oct 13, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE HEAD GASKET TO BE REPLACED 4 TIMES NOW. I AM TAKING IT IN AGAIN FOR THE 5TH TIME FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. ALL THE DEALER KEEPS DOING IS PUTTING ANOTHER HEAD GASKET ON AND CHARGING ME MY $50 DEDUCTABLE. THIS IS GETTING VERY TIRING. MY BRAKES WENT OUT COMPLETELY IN 1997 AFTER THE FACTORY RE-CALL HAD BEEN PREFORMED. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE MECHANIC HAD PUT THE SEAL IN WRONG. THE LAST TIME I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE HEAD GASKET, NUMBER 4, THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE CV BOOT NEEDED REPLACED. DURRING THE REPAIR THE AXEL JUST FELL APART. SAME TIME THE TRANSMISSION PUMP NEEDED REPLACED THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED REPLACED AND THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED. AND IT STILL LEAKS FROM THE SAME SPOT THE REAR LEFT OF THE ENGINE.
Sep 23, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
AIR CONDITIONER/ BRAKES AND ENGINE ARE NOT WORKING. CONSUMER WII LATER DESCRIBE THE PROBLEMS AND DEFECTS OF VEHICLE. *AK
Sep 08, 1999
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
TRANSMISSION: AUTO WAS PARKED, BUT WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. AUTO WOULD HAVE TO BE STOPPED AND RESTATRED TO PROCEDD A FEW HUNDRED FEET. CALLED FOR TOW. CYL. HEAD: AUTO LEAKED OIL, WENT TO DEALER. DEALER SAID IT WAS CYL. HEAD, BUT I NEVER SAW THE PROBLEM. TIE RODS: NOISE IN FRONT END. TIE RODS WERE READY TO FALL OFF. STILL A NOISE; MAYBE STABILIZER BARS OR BALL JOINT. I HAVE OWNED MANY VEHICLES, BUT THIS WAS MY FIRST CHRYSLER PRODUCT--- AND THE LAST! NUMEROUS OTHER PROBLEMS, BUT DEALER DID RESPOND. *AK
Jul 18, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TIRES
1 complaint
I HAVE HAD OVER 8 DIFFERENT PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR IN THE LAST 2YRS, HAVE BRAKES REPLACED TWICE, TIRES REPLACED TWICE, ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS FIXED AND STILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY, HIGH PITCHED NOISE WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS, MECHANICS COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM, AND I HAVE WRITTEN TO CHRYLSER TO NO AVAIL. HAVE TRIED TO GET RID OF CAR BUT NOONE WANTS IT. OWE MORE THAN WHAT THE CAR IS WORTH. CHRYSLER WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
Feb 14, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THERE WAS A SHUDDER TYPE SOUND AND THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP, THE CAR LOST POWER, BRAKES DID NOT WORK PROPERLY AND LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CAR LOCKED IN DRIVE AND COULD NOT BE PUT INTO ANY OTHER GEAR. THE DRIVER HAD TO PUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. EVENTUALLY THE VEHICLE WAS FORCED INTO GEAR.
Sep 02, 1998
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
TRUNK LID CAME DOWN ON DRIVER'S HEAD, CAUSING A MILD CONCUSSION. ALSO,REPLACED WARPED BRAKE ROTORS/STEERING RACK AND POWER STEERING AND EGR VALVE. IN ADDITION, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. *MJS
Jul 01, 1998
Where to Find VIN for Problems Check
To check for problems and complaints on your 1996 DODGE Stratus, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.
Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports
Each character in your 1996 DODGE Stratus 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.
How to Check 1996 DODGE Stratus Problems in 3 Steps
1
Locate Your VIN
Find the 17-character VIN on your 1996 DODGE Stratus dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.
2
Review by Component
Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.
3
Check Safety Issues
Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your DODGE dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1996 DODGE Stratus have?
The 1996 DODGE Stratus currently has 639 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 1996 DODGE Stratus?
The most common problems reported for the 1996 DODGE Stratus are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 1996 DODGE Stratus problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1996 DODGE Stratus comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
How do I report problems with my 1996 DODGE Stratus?
You can report safety problems with your 1996 DODGE Stratus directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.
Where can I find my VIN to check problems?
Your 1996 DODGE Stratus VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.
Is the 1996 DODGE Stratus reliable?
Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 1996 DODGE Stratus. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.
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