10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 13
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
1,804 miles

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problem #101

Oct 132006

Stratus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 132,232 miles
: 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.

- Kentwood, MI, USA

problem #100

Oct 252003

Stratus 4-cyl

  • miles
Vehicle caught fire while parked with the engine off which belonged to the consumer's son. (mary francis on behalf of alex francis) the fire may have been caused by a faulty engine plug. Recall#96V006000. Other consumer contact info: Alex francis 754-235-8335

- Coral Springs, FL, USA

problem #99

Mar 302004

Stratus 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles
My Dodge Stratus 1996 leaks oil like a siva. I believe this to be a global issue with this vehicle and the V6 engine used in it. I have cared for this care very well and it has been maintained better than recommended by Dodge.

- Vancouver, WA, USA

problem #98

Jul 012003

Stratus 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #97

Apr 182003

Stratus

  • miles
The consumers vehicle experienced symptoms of the recall (96V006000) but the vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. The recall was for the engine cylinder head oil galley plug.

- Anaheim, CA, USA

problem #96

Aug 041998

Stratus

  • miles
From all the people I've read about having so many problems with their Dodge Stratus. I believe something needs to be done. We had the head gasket replaced in 1998 and now it is failing again. The engine smells like it could start on fire from all the oil this car leaks. Chrysler knows about this but refuses to do anything about it. Hopefully you will help us. Thanks

- Hays, KS, USA

problem #95

Nov 102002

Stratus

  • miles
Tried contacting Dodge and even though there is a problem and they know of it they said tough.

- Freeport, MI, USA

problem #94

Oct 012002

Stratus

  • miles
Discovered a severe oil leak at the head gasket during a routine oil change. The coolant was heavily contaminated with oil as well. Everyone I've spoken to about this says everyone knows it's a problem with Dodge Stratus 4cyl's and neon 4cyl's, but no recall has happened for this. It was recommended that I get rid of the car due to the expense of having to re-repair this regularly because of the bad block/head design. Help!!

- Marysville, OH, USA

problem #93

Aug 292002

Stratus

  • miles
Consumer states that while driving at 35 mph vehicle stalled. Dealer notified.

- North Attleboro, MA, USA

problem #92

Jun 272002

(reported on)

Stratus

  • miles
Consumer is requesting reimbursement of services rendered to his vehicle for a defective valve cover on the gaskets. There is a recall (96V006)out for the same make/model and year as consumers vehicle.

- Mount Holly Springs, PA, USA

problem #91

Apr 022002

Stratus

  • miles
Tried to get Dodge of bellevue to fix problem but were no help!!. no safety defect listed.

- Bellevue, WA, USA

problem #90

May 302001

Stratus

  • miles
Oil leaks down engine and when driving onto exhaust system...fire hazard.

- Fort Hood, TX, USA

problem #89

Jun 102000

Stratus

  • miles
Vehicle leaks 1qt/day at start now it has increased to 3qt/day and oil is now leaking into radiator.

- Nacogdoches, TX, USA

problem #88

Aug 172001

Stratus

  • miles
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 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. 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.

- Dorchester, MA, USA

problem #87

Oct 042001

Stratus

  • miles
Failure comparable to recall dated 1/22/96, NHTSA campaign id #96V006000. Per daimler Chrysler, my vehicle's VIN does not apply to this recall. I believe that my car should have been part of this recall as it is same make, model and year as vehicles under this recall. What can I do?

- Temperance, MI, USA

problem #86

Mar 102001

Stratus

  • miles
Two complaints: First - never received a recall notice # 671 issued on 4/1996 of which this vehicle should have been included (built through 10/13/1995) this car was built on 10/13/1995. At state inspection this past March noticed it was starting to leak oil and now is leaking about 2 to 3 qts a week (10/6/2001).went to dealer & asked about recall they contacted crysler and were told to check if galley plugs were the cause. Dealer checked and said the head gasket was leaking badly. Contacted Chrysler today and said they will get back to me. Went to your consumer complaints listing and found that of 287 complaints filed under the engine catagory 217 or 76% were for oil leaks or head gasket blown! under engine gasket covers 124 records all 100% were for oil leaks. Safety hazard of fire is quite possible why isn't the manufacturer required to do a recall? from what I have heard this is quite a problem with all status's through model year 2000. Thank you.

- Sarver, PA, USA

problem #85

Jul 152001

Stratus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Recall 96 V 006 000/engine: Unable to get dealer; sahara motors; delta, ut; phone # 435-864-7756 to honor recall; seeking help from NHTSA in this matter. Vehicle has been at the dealer for 3 months due to problems with the parts.

- Sillmore, UT, USA

problem #84

Jul 302001

(reported on)

Stratus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #83

Jul 092001

Stratus

  • miles
No summary listed for abov evehicle.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #82

Jun 012001

Stratus

  • miles
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.

- Dallas, TX, USA

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