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 8 of 12)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #84

Oct 011999

Stratus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Defective engine head gasket at 58,000 mile, causing engine to ove heat due to water/coolant leakages.

- Keokuk, IA, USA

problem #83

Nov 011999

Stratus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle has undergone every recall, consumer paid cost of failed engine head gasket, engine seized due to improper timing belt installation. Car was being driven at 50mph on interstate, transmission shifted to neutral, pulled off to shoulder, transmission shifted to park transmission blew up and car locked up. Pregnant passsenger suffered wiplash etc. Dodge conducted investigation (# 5804935) stated this was impossible. Note: Incident occured days before notification of shifter recall. Letter sent by Dodge stating they found no problems, refuses to release full report claiming propriatory info. Consumer again had to pay for full cost of repair, new trans. $ 1,700.

- East Arlington, VT, USA

problem #82

Jun 011999

Stratus

  • miles
We contacted Chrysler last month regarding the leaking engine head gasket on our 1996 Dodge Stratus with 57003 miles. We were told there were no problems reported about leaking head gaskets. But, take it to a dealership and they may or may not cover the replacement. The dealership told us it would cost $100 or so to just check it out. Even though they knew it was the head gasket. Because of our finanicial status, we chose to apply the $100 to our mechanic to actually fix the problem. It took the mehcanic 3 weeks to get the part because it was on back order. Imagine that, no problems reported and still the part was on back order. It took 3 days to fix. Our mechanic told us that he talked to another mechanic at the Chrysler dealership. He said they were replacing about 2 a week. Also that Chrysler was paying for either all of it or parts. I called Chrysler back and tried to talk with them. I even got more irate than I should have. They told me they would not help us because we chose not to get it fixed at the dealership. This leaky head gasket was not a recall. Were we required to pay an extra $100 just so they could say "yes" it is the head gasket in order for them to then say "no" we are not covering it" understand my position, all I want reembursed for is the head gasket itself which was $136.30. Because it was not a recall, why couldn't I take it to my mechanic? my mechanic charges $24/hr labor compared to the $54/hr the dealership charges. Does it matter who installs it when it is not a recall? also, my mechanic said the replacement part was the same identical one that was taken out. In conclusion, why should I be penalized for saving extra money when it is chrsyler fault for the defected part" all I ask for is the price of the head gasket $136.30. Thank you.

- Cambridge, OH, USA

problem #81

Jun 211999

Stratus

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Head gasket failed causing engine oil leakage. Mjs

- Joliet, IL, USA

problem #80

Aug 301999

Stratus

  • miles
Engine sends out light smoke due to a light smoke. This smoke has radiator fluid in it, could be dangerous if inhaled too long. Dealer charged consumer to look at engine. Then they said it was a common problem.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #79

Nov 241999

Stratus

  • miles
The head gasket on lots of Stratus/cirrus/breeze has been leaking. I was told by 4 mechanics that they have had lots of problems with this. I hope by teling you this it will make Chrysler pay for my repair and also others with the same problem. I hope your intent is to make sure people are safe and happy with there major purchases. The second largest investment for most people. Thank you.

- Bringhurst, IN, USA

problem #78

Nov 111999

Stratus

  • miles

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

Parked in garage noticed massive oil leaks. Took vehicle to local mechanic. He diagnosed that there was an engine head gasket problem. Contacted dealer, and dealer stated that the material the gasket was made from warped and it popped the head gasket.

- Litchfield, OH, USA

problem #77

Nov 051999

(reported on)

Stratus

  • miles
The vehicle was leaking oil due to a blown out head gasket. Dealer said engine head gasket needs to be replaced.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #76

Dec 011998

Stratus

  • miles
Dealer was contacted multiple times during warranty of oil usage, even though they were aware of head gasket problem with these 2.4L engines they did not fix the problem. Head gasket is now leaking oil all over the place. This should be covered under a recall with the number of problems they are having including the fire potential and environmental impact.

- Norwich, CT, USA

problem #75

Apr 121999

Stratus

  • miles
There is an oil leak coming from the engine head gasket. Also, engine block is leaking onto the ground. When driving the oil is blowing all over the place.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #74

Jan 011999

Stratus

  • miles

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

There was a recall on the timing belt/tensioner, my car was built outside of the build date for recall. Chrysler has changed the parts for the gaskets several times, they know this problem exists, but they will not provide any assistance with it. Sounds like a class action suit is in order!

- Wyoming, MI, USA

problem #73

Oct 261999

(reported on)

Stratus

  • miles
Oil leakage from head gasket.

- Hanover, MD, USA

problem #72

Sep 111999

Stratus

  • miles
Was driving vehicle & it started leaking oil. Took vehicle to dealer & was informed by mechanic leak came from top of engine to wires. Had it repaired. Started leaking again. Took vehicle back to dealership when engine blew out. At dealership, mechanic informed owner that engine head galley plug blew out, causing loss of oil. Needed to replace engine head galley plugs & head gaskets.

- Amarillo, TX, USA

problem #71

Mar 011998

Stratus

  • miles
Head gasket leaking oil in engine compartment creating fire hazard.

- Mahopac, NY, USA

problem #70

Jun 121997

Stratus

  • miles
I have taken my vehicle in for the head gasket to be replaced 4 times now. I am taking it in again for the 5th time for the same problem. All the dealer keeps doing is putting another head gasket on and charging me my $50 deductable. This is getting very tiring. My brakes went out completely in 1997 after the factory re-call had been preformed. I was informed that the mechanic had put the seal in wrong. The last time I took my vehicle in for the head gasket, number 4, the dealer found that the cv boot needed replaced. Durring the repair the axel just fell apart. Same time the transmission pump needed replaced the fuel sending unit needed replaced and the head gasket was replaced. And it still leaks from the same spot the rear left of the engine.

- Oceanside, CA, USA

problem #69

Aug 181999

Stratus

  • miles
Oil pump failed resulting in extensive damage to the engine. Mjs

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #68

Aug 261999

(reported on)

Stratus

  • miles
While driving the engine rod blew, cracking the cylinder wall, and resulting in a fire. Dealer and manufacurer have been notified.

- Methuen, MA, USA

problem #67

Nov 271998

Stratus

  • miles
Timing belt and idler pulley tensioner failed. Mjs (attorney for consumer).

- Manchester, TN, USA

problem #66

May 011999

Stratus

  • miles
Engine gasket failure - massive loss of engine oil.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #65

Jul 211999

(reported on)

Stratus

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Engine head gasket is leaking oil, causing a fire hazard.

- Smithton, IL, USA

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