This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
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).
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Houston, TX, USA