10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 8
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
4,384 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

1996 Dodge Stratus engine problems

engine problem

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1996 Dodge Stratus Owner Comments (Page 6 of 12)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #124

Dec 221999

Stratus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Chrysler refuses to acknowlege their faulty head gasket problem and expects consumer to pay for new engine.

- Mansfield, OH, USA

problem #123

Mar 262000

Stratus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Engine head gaskets had developed a crack & was leaking fluids. Took vehicle to mechanic & the head gasket was removed and replaced. Checked exhaust manifold which was next to firewall. The fumes would enter the vents & the heater. The oil leaking from head gasket blew onto the exhaust pipe, causing fumes. Chrysler contacted & shipped new head gaskets.

- Iuka, IL, USA

problem #122

Apr 202000

Stratus

  • miles
Engine head gasket failed causing oil to leak on engine. Leak was severe and could have caused fire. Mechanic said this is not an unusual failure with these engines. Cost to repair is $500+.

- Vestal, NY, USA

problem #121

Apr 272000

Stratus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine head gasket is leaking oil without prior warning.

- Montpelier, VT, USA

problem #120

Jan 012000

Stratus

  • miles
While driving noticed oil leaks. Taken to independent repair shop, and was informed of a blown head gasket. Dealer notified.

- Kalamazoo, MI, USA

problem #119

Oct 021999

Stratus

  • miles
While driving at 55 mph through lassen county park in California, the head gasket blew internally and I lost all power, ultimately the vehicle seized. The check engine light failed to give me any notice that there was a problem with the vehicle, my first notice was the vechile actually losing all power. During the initial seize up, a full size Chevy pick up was behind me and quickly came up on me as I quickly lost power and slowed down. I attempted to pull the vehicle to the side of the road and the Chevy was inches from hitting my left rear quarter panel. (at this moment I was terrified, I've never had this type of vehicle problem!). after I had the vehicle towed to a mechanic shop, I was told that due to the head gasket blowing interally it caused the rodbearings to spin. I ultimately had to have the rods, rodbearings, headgasket, oil filter, oil pan pickup, timing belts, injection seals, oil pan, air filter, PCV valve, thermostate, egr valve gasket, egr tube, cv shaft, sparkplugs, fuel filter replaced for a total of $925.38. I also had to have machine work done on the bottom end of motor for a total of $1,000. A grand total of almost $2,000!

- Carson City, NV, USA

problem #118

Apr 062000

Stratus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Had problem with timing belt when first purchased. Now having problem with head gasket leakage and stalling of vehicle in operation. Just paid $790.42 for head gasket repair on April 11, 2000 nad work is still not solving problem. It stalled on me 3 times in traffic and still leaks oil. A recall needs to be placed or vehicle replaced. Im sick to my stomach over this and will never buy another Chrysler or Dodge automobile again.

- Jonesboro, GA, USA

problem #117

Oct 011999

Stratus

  • miles
This engine leaks 2 to 3 quarts of oil a week at head gasket, and has since last October (1999).

- St. Joseph, MO, USA

problem #116

Mar 282000

Stratus

  • miles
The valve cover gasket has developed a severe leak. My research indicates that a number of other vehicle owners have reported this problem as well.

- Aurora, IL, USA

problem #115

Feb 212000

Stratus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have only had this car for one year and I cannot believe that for a 1996 Dodge Stratus I have already had a head gasket ($600) and a transmission replaced. Need help with any recalls on these. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

- Leavenworth, KS, USA

problem #114

Jan 012000

Stratus

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The car was leaking oil so I had it checked out and was told the head gasket was 'pumping oil' and the estimate to fix it was $600. The mechanic told me to check with Chrysler to see if they would do anything for me, even though the car is not under warranty anymore. I decided to search the internet for similar problems and found numerous examples for the same type of car. I feel that Chrysler should be held accountable for this type of mass problems with their automobiles.

- West Bend, WI, USA

problem #113

Mar 232000

Stratus

  • miles
Engine head gaskets blew out, causing coolant to leak onto the engine. Dealer has repaired vehicle.

- Milkw, WI, USA

problem #112

Feb 152000

Stratus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Head gasket problem

- Prescott, WI, USA

problem #111

Mar 192000

Stratus

  • miles
Overhead gasket failed again, I was told that this problem and been fixed, but while checking my oil level noticed that the dip stick was bone dry, and that oil had been leaking from the head gasket, this is the second time so I contacted Chrysler and they told me that the problem had been fixed, well I'm here to let you know that the problem still exists.

- Apo, NY, USA

problem #110

Feb 151999

Stratus

  • miles
The engine head gasket has failed twice within 44,000 miles. Leaked oil represented a major fire hazard. Potential fatal hazard if oil/water is gone and the vehicle is traveling at any rate of speed.

- Hampton, VA, USA

problem #109

Dec 011999

(reported on)

Stratus

  • miles
Timing belt tensioner and idler pulley failed.

- Crestview, FL, USA

problem #108

Feb 162000

Stratus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer was traveling at 35mph and heard a knocking noise. Pulled over, checked oil, nothing showed on the dip stick, and it was only enough for the oil filter. Took it to the dealer who indicated that consumer was responsible for the charges. Consumer picked it up the next day. Dealer told her there was a knocking in the vehicle. Had to replace head gaskets, and put new motor in. Manufacturer agreed to go half & half on motor.

- Uniontown, OH, USA

problem #107

Mar 072000

Stratus

  • miles
Recall 96V006, engine head gasket. While driving vehicle caught on fire in engine compartment due to an oil leak. There was a recall, and dealer did fix the problem at manssas Chrysler Jeep, 8100 centerville road, manssas, va 703-368-5300, but the problem has reoccurred.

- Manasses, VA, USA

problem #106

Mar 022000

(reported on)

Stratus

  • miles
Consumer noticed vehicle leaking oil while traveling. Has to replace 1-2 quarts of oil a week. Dealer has been notified.

- Wellsbro, PA, USA

problem #105

Dec 151999

Stratus

  • miles
After seeing oil under the vehicle, vehicle was brought to a mechanic. Mechanic stated that the leakage was due to the engine head gasketfailure. Engine head gasket has been replaced at owner's expense.

- Twin Falls, ID, USA

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