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.
Leaking head gasket. The engine leaks oil profusely and has for at least a year. This week I found the dipstick dry. My service station says the problem is common with the Dodge Stratus.
Vehicle was leaking oil from underneath vehicle. Leak was coming from oil plug. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership, and the dealership was waiting for the part.
- Walterbro, SC, USA
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Vehicle experienced two head gasket failures; first occurred at 37,000 miles. Both replacements were done by two different dealers, and head gaskets still leaking. Please feel free to provide any further details.
I bought a 1996 Dodge Stratus in February 1997. It had 16,000miles on it and is considered used. Due to numerous electrical problems I purchased an extended warranty through my credit union to protect myself from ongoing repairs. Since that warranty has taken effect, they have spent approximately $3,500 on repairing my vehicle. A majority of this repair was a continous oil leak. I have taken my car to kernersville Dodge at least 6 times since may, 1999 to have this oil leak repaired, with no luck. They have reportedly replaced the gaskets twice, the cylinder head once(which they told me was faulty from the beginning), and the seals twice to stop this leak. Unfortunately they were not successful. Although most of these repairs were paid for by my extended warranty, I still had expense of my own, not to mention the inconvenience of them keeping my car for a week at a time only to not repair my car. I feel they have not made adequate effort and have a begun a letter to the Chrysler company. However, I do not expect much success or cooperation from them. My car is now at a private shop who have told me the head gaskets will need to be replaced. I was told by the mechanic that they were patching the leak instead of repairing however I was being charged for the replacement of parts. Why does it cost $3500 to patch a leak? I hope that by writing to you, I will get some solution to this very frustrating and ongoing dilemna. I have all paperwork from repairs done on my car if copies are needed. Thank you for your time.
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. Head gasket and timing belt failed also.
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).
This is the second time that my 1996 Dodge Stratus has experienced head gasket failure and a cam seal leak. The first time, my vehicle was still under warranty. For this to happen twice on a car that not even five years old and with less than 50,000 miles on it is odd. I wondered if other consumers had the same problem and therefore decide to contact you in case this is a widespread problem so that there may be a recall. I would hope that I am the only one. I have all my repair receits if that will aid in the investigation, if there is any. Thank you for your time.
Vehicle had started to leak oil onto the engine. Took to mechanic & informed vehicle needed to go to dealership for repairs. Mechanic at dealer's indicated the engine cylinder head was leaking oil from the galley plug. It caused a little smoke to appear. Vehicle not on recall.
I am also told that I have a bad head gasket and I dont know if the recall for it was done on the vehicle. How do I check to make sure I'm not being lied to. The recall I beleive for an oil plug.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Duluth, MN, USA