While the vehicle was parked consumer noticed fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. It was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. Recall campaign; NHTSA campaign id number : 96V006000. The consumer took the vehicle to have the recall service done and the problem became worse.

- Dedham, MA, USA

2nd request fax fwd email fm behalf of [xxx] (tx) re numerous defects on a 1996 Dodge Stratus (VIN#[xxx]). 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. The vehicle was also in need of an exhaust manifold and struts. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Houston, TX, USA

I have a 1996 Dodge Stratus (71,000 miles) with a severe oil leak from the head gasket. It is a 2.4L engine and like all others if has failed. Chrystler knows they have a poor product and a failure of a design, but they do not want to take any responsibility for their mistake. This car has been driven very little, mostly to school to drop off the kids and to the local stores. A car with less than 9,000 miles a year on it should not have a $1000 repair to such a major part. The chrystler corporation should repair all 2.4L engines at their cost because it is terrible engine. I will never buy another chrystler product and I will attempt to ersuade everyone I know from making the mistake I made !

- Orlando, FL, USA

Ltr fm jovan mathews (tx) re problems with his 1996 Dodge Stratus and asking daimler Chrysler to initiate a recall. 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.

- Houston, TX, USA

Consumer states manifold has cracked, causing fumes to seep into the vehicle.

- Supply, NC, USA

Consumer states vehicle was serviced by dealer, technician noticed engine manifold needed to be replaced, but parts were not available.

- Holden Beach, NC, USA

Front exhaust pipe has cracked. Dealer has inspected vehicle. Consumer states crack is on flexible part of exhaust pipe, mechanic advised consumer that cracked should have never occured, and the original pipe was probably defective.

- Conway, SC, USA

The car exibits the same problems described in the recal 671 for the 1996 Dodge Stratus oil leaking on exhaust manifold emitting a horrible smell could cause under hood fire.

- Corning, IA, USA

Exhaust manifold cracked.

- San Diego, CA, USA

Oil has leaked since Feb '99. It cannot be found where oil leakage is coming from. Also manifold gasket is not functioning-loud noise coming from engine from speed of 5mph or more. Manifold gasket needs to be replaced.

- Greenville, SC, USA