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.
The car caught fire while parked. The temperature gauge never went up, nor did the check engine light come on. My mechanic said that there was an oil leak in the engine. It was supposed to go to the shop on Monday, September 25 to have the engine looked at. The car caught fire the Saturday before.
1) transmission leak due to crack in case. Mechanic diagnosed as crack due to damaged differential carrier. Described as mounting pin broke or worked loose, allowing play in differential, banging against case. 2) faulty starter motor caused repeated failure of fuse. Fuse would blow immediately upon ignition attempt. 3) constant oil leak from rear of engine. Mechanic diagnosed as head gasket seal. 4) trunk lid often will not latch.
We were driving on I-69 in tulsa, ok on September 5, 1999, travelling about 75 mph in the left lane of traffic when the car suddenly and without warning downshifted into second gear. Fortunately, the traffic was light on the highway and we were able to get off without incident. At that time, we had no idea what it had done and were perplexed - was it the transmission" tire blow out" the car continued to run however but would not let us shift out of second gear. We read our owner's manual and learned that what happened was a "safety feature" when the computer detects something wrong, the car will automatically "downshift" so no additional damage, etc. Will be caused! we also noted to shut off the car and restart it and it would re-set but hte check engine light would stay on. We took it first to the dealership the next business day (Tuesday) and they started mumbling about the transmission needing replaced without even a diagnostic check! we then took it to tuneup masters who did a check and found no codes, nothing wrong. Another year has passed and my check engine light came on again but not while travelling at high speed. A code was noted this time for the transmission. I am getting rid of this car. Bad things are getting ready to happen and I can't afford it. My concern, however, is this "safety feature" of downshifting at high speeds. I will not sell it privately as I am concerned a family will buy it and something awful may happen. I know, "buyer beware" but it seems dangerous to me. I just wondered if anyone else has encountered this problem with the computer and/or engine? I have kept up on my oil changes, etc., new brakes, new tires, but it just seems to do this randomly and without warning and then the car runs fine after it is re-set. Thank you for your attention to this report.
- Tulsa, OK, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
Consumer took vehicle into repair shop for oil leak, and found out from mechanic that vehicle was recalled. However, Chrysler confirmed that consumer's vehicle was not affected by recall 96V006000/ engine due to VIN although it had the same defective part.
The vehicle has a history of stalling while driving, and more frequently of not starting on occasion regardless as to whether it sat overnight or only a few minutes. Three visits to either jay Chevrolet or al serra Dodge, has resulted in only the timing chain being fixed. However this solved only the original stall, but has not solved the problem completely, and no other solution has been offered. On second trip to dealer, the car would not start while on the tow truck, but did start later when service tried it. They just kept sending the car back with no solution to the problem. I have two children driving this car, and do not appreciate them being stranded. This is a potentially dangerous sitution for my children to be in and no one seems to care.
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.
While driving at about 65 mph car started jerking, and engine check light came on. Then it locked up, and consumer had to make a sudden stop on the side of the road. Consumer had to have car towed to a mechanic, mechanic said consumer needed a new engine.
The consumer stated that vehicle had a minor oil leak when she purchased vehicle a couple of months ago. Engine had to be replaced. Consumer searched for a place to to find an engine. She found an engine, and it had the same defect, an oil leak.
I took my car into the dealer after immediately finding out what the problem is. I am financing this car and have an extended warranty. They stated that it is covered, but that they won't fix it do to me not keeping oil in the car. I have had regular maintenance/oil changes on this car and this is a crock of S---. I have been on the web and find that this is a common defect with Dodge neons and stratuses. My mechanic has even offered to vouch for this problem. I refuse to pay for damages incurred by faulty construction of the car by the Chrysler company, especially when it is a *covered* part. I will never again buy a Dodge car. I have had to replace the brake pads/ rotors twice and seem to continuously need "belts and tune ups". I am thoroughly upset that my first car purchase turned out to be a piece of crap and nothing but trouble. If they will not fix this "covered" repair, they will see me in court. No safety defect listed in summary.
Vehicle leaked approximately 1 quart per 1,000 miles from defective head gasket. Repair shop indicated that this is a known common problem with both the 2.0 and 2.4L engines, but chrylser corporation has refused to acknowledge and issue recall.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Midlothian, VA, USA