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.
Consumer experiencing problems having the recall for the transaxle floor shifter ignition park interlock checked out on her 1996 Dodge Stratus. The dealer explained that they did not make appointment for recall checks. When the consumer just showed up at the dealer they were always too busy to look at the vehicle.
Ltr fm jovan mathews (tx) re problems with his 1996 Dodge Stratus and asking daimler Chrysler to initiate a recall. The A/C leaked, electric circuits malfunctioned, transmission problems, premature brake wear, head gasket, and poor drive ability. The consumer had replaced the timing belt, hydraulic tensioner, water pump, alternator, alternator belt, rotors, brake shoes, rear wheel cylinders, PCV valve, dryer, A/C compressor, tires, all filters, and fluids. The vehicle was in need of an exhaust manifold, windshield, struts, shocks, steering wheel, and a head gasket. The vehicle experienced steering wheel oscillation/vibration above 50 mph, rough ride on road with irregular surface, erratic idle, performance loss, overheated, warm up sag, hesitation, rear grid defogger indicator malfunction, inside lights had become inoperative, late/harsh automatic transmission shifts, frequency rumble or gear noise from the front between 50 and 70 mph, musty odor, and the defroster failed to clear the glass.
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).
Owner of 1996 Dodge Stratus, a certified lemon with repeated head-gasket leaks/transmission leaks. I have had this vehicle repaired twice for head gasket leakage and twice for transmission problems.
Transmission was slipping. Took vehicle to dealer, and they pulled out and rebuilt transmission. Then, reinstalled it. Next day while driving at highway speeds driver heard a loud banging noise under car. Driver pulled over and vehicle caught on fire.
- Shrewsbury, MA, USA
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I own two Dodge Stratus. One transmission just failed. The transmission shop daid it was because of the transmission lines to the radiator had loosened up. The car had been involved in a minor accident. Now my other Stratus has developed a transmission leak. Same problem!! I have to believe there is a manufacter defect!!
Consumer heard noise from front of vehicle when slowing down. Mechanic found transmission needed to be replaced. Consumer states differential pin broke, Chrysler agreed to pay 2/3 of cost..
Vehicle was leaking oil, and consumer took vehicle to an independent mechanic. Mechanic stated that head gasket was cracked. Problem was remedied by mechanic. The transmission was leaking.
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.
Car made nocking noise when brought into the mechanic said that it was nothing. Spoke to the owner and he said he would not look at the engine or take it out in fear that it would be the transmission. He wrote a note and said that if the car was not driveable that he would repair the car if it was the same problem as before. Now the car feels as if it is in to low of a gear. Also I have lost a lot of power.
Car jerks when putting in park and steering column makes a popping sound. Consumer stated it has been two years, and dealer has not received part for vehicle.
While driving down route 80 heard a loud breaking noise, car was smoking. Pulled over, went to put vehicle in park, and vehicle won't hold in park. Had vehicle towed to the dealer, and was told that the differential broke. Told that this was a common problem for this vehicle. Transmission has been repaired and is functioning, but does not "feel" the way it should.
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Tampa , FL, USA