'head gasket' - we bought a new 1997 Dodge Stratus in March of 1997. At 20,718 miles the head gasket failed badly. It took several weeks to get it fixed (under warranty) while the part was redesigned. The head gasket was fine until 72,000 miles - at that point it failed again. I do not feel I should have to pay for an obvious design defect. I know the problem is widespread and the part has been redesigned several times. 'headrests' - on our 1997 Dodge Stratus the adjustable headrests have broken - the padded headrest breaks free from the metal posts holding it to the chair. We had the passenger headrest replaced - it is now broken again as well as the driver's side. They break from the pressure of adjusting the height of the headrest. This seems unsafe to me - they break quite easily.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

The moving steering shaft between the steering wheel and floor of the passenger compartment is exposed. A clamp on the steering shaft caught the floor mat and made it almost impossible to steer the car. I talked to the dealer and was told all Stratus are made this way. The steering shaft needs a shield. If Chrysler doesn't fix this, I may sell the car. I have had numerous other problems, including timing belts/iginition key/ head rests/body, electric mirrors, etc.. this may be the last straw. I am a mechanical engineer with 20 years experience and I have worked on cars since grade school. A design flaw like this borders on criminal!!! if there is an accident caused by this design, I would be glad to testify. It would be an open and shut case!!! I would appreciate a reply to this message if possible.

- Newton, IA, USA