The contact owns a 1997 Dodge Stratus. While driving 30 mph, the contact rear ended another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. A police report was filed. The road conditions were normal. She noticed oil leaking after the crash. The repair shop stated that a new head gasket was needed. The current and failure mileages were 81,000. Updated 03-04-08

- Mount Pleasant, MI, USA

The vehicle is a 1997 Dodge Stratus. At 27,000 the oil light came on while the consumer was driving and the vehicle cut off. When the consumer had it towed to the dealership they replaced the timing belt and pulleys. At 39,000 the engine would not start. When it was towed to the dealership again, they found that one coil was shorted, the PCM was bad, the timing belt had to be replaced again, they had to replace the module, the relay, and the plug wire. The whole electrical system had to be replaced. Later at 62,000 miles it was leaking oil and would not start. It was towed to the dealer were the timing belt had to be replaced a third time, the head gasket and package, the plug and plug wires, and the spark plugs were also replaced. Currently at 89,000 the timing belt and head gasket need replacing. The vehicle is over heating and will not start. This caused the heater core to go out. The cluster has gone out; the whole lighting system comes on and goes off without warning. These current problems have not been repaired as of now. There are other issues that are included in a recall for the lower ball joints and for the floor shifter. The vehicle was immobile so the consumer can not take it to the dealership to have the recalls repaired. The manufacturer told the consumer there was nothing they could do because the vehicle was out of warranty.

- Salisbury, MD, USA

While having the heater core repaired dealership indicated that head gasket was leaking oil into the cooling system and onto the ground. This was a common failure with this vehicle, and there were numerous complaints listed on this issue.

- Middletown, NJ, USA

Head gasket leaking oil into engine. All normal maintenance has been conducted regularly. At only 80K miles, this problem should not be occurring!! this is a very costly repair. Chrysler has offered only minimal assistance. This needs to be an official recall! please contact me with a response.

- Washington, DC, USA

While driving oil leaked from the head gasket without warning. The consumer had to refill the vehicle with oil often.

- Naperville, IL, USA

Consumer noticed that vehicle was using an exorbitant amount of oil, and was losing pressure in the motor. A independent mechanic found that the head gasket blew out. Consumer replaced the motor once, and the head gaskets once.

- Alma, AR, USA

Head gasket blew and had to be replaced about around 70,000 miles. Now the car is overheating again and there appears to be oil in the coolant, leading me to believe that similar problems have resurfaced again. Given the tremendous number of similar complaints logged by consumers on this website and others, the company should take immediate action.

- Austin, TX, USA

Engine exploded while parked in shopping center parking lot.

- Yucaipa, CA, USA

Oil leaks from head gasket in 97 Dodge Stratus 2.4 - seems to be a common problem! when will Chrysler own up to it? paid $700 for repair.

- North Augusta, SC, USA

Head gasket replaced at 65K miles. Chrysler paid for part.

- Sanford, NC, USA

Engine will continuously overheat. Also, oil and transmission fluid was leaking.. contacted dealer, and the dealer could not find cause of problem.

- Pikesville, MD, USA

Vehicle has a massive oil leak and devolping a loud knocking sound. The vehicle is loosing approximately 1-2 quarts a day. The vehicle is overheating within 5-10 minutes into driving and the oil is burning off the motor. The independent mechanic stated the head gasket is faulty possibly due to the style or the material; affecting the surrounding parts. The dealer was notified of the problem.

- Chicago, IL, USA

Vehicle was going 50mph when the oil light illuminated and vehicle stalled. Imternittently vehicle will restart. This was second time that vehicle has stalled. Also, vehicle is leaking oil caused by time belt problems. Please probide more information.

- Salisbury, MD, USA

While driving oil light came on and vehicle stalled losing all power. Took vehicleto dealer, and dealer replaced timing belt and pulley. Timing belt has been replaced twice. Also had computer replaced.

- Salisbury, MD, USA

Head gasket failed.

- Akron, OH, USA

Vehicle is leaking oil. Consumer has to fill vehicle with oil 3 times a week to keep vehicle going. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.

- Apache Junction, AZ, USA

While starting vehicle it started to smoke and lose oil. Vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop and was informed of a blown head gasket. Dealer/manufacturer was not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Gallitolis, OH, USA

Head gasket blew at 70,000 miles. Cost $750 to repair. After researching, I have found many other people have had the same problem and Chrysler knows of the problem but does not want to acknowledge it. Is there any way to get any compensation from Chrysler for this?

- Cleveland, OH, USA

I had to fill my oil every week, my oil stick wasnt even reading the oil, thats how bad my leak was I then took it to an independent technician and told it was a head gasket problem. I then took it to another guy and was told there was a "silent recall" on head gaskets. My timing belt broke going 70mph on I-40 in the middle of nowhere at dusk in the Tennessee/nc border. And B4 I left for the trip they told me it was ok to drive. Had to pay 300$ towing bill cause it was "ok" to drive! I will never buy another Dodge again...I understand there can be problems with any car...but when they charge us the consumer to fix there mistakes makes no sense at all.

- Salisbury, NC, USA

Headgasket has oil leakage. Upon driving vehicle must use four quarts of oil to function. Also, vehicle smokes, and engine light illuminates on dash. Took vehicle to dealer. The serpentine belt was cracked.

- Damascus, MD, USA