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.
Head gasket failed at 53,000 miles causing a loss of coolant which subsequently led to the engine overheating. Had the vehicle towed home and filled cooling system with coolant/water. Took to nearest dealer for repair; waiting for estimate of cost as of 10/5/00. Idler pully failed causing loss of drivability at 43,000 miles. I had it repaired at a private shop for $350. Seems too early for these componants to be failing.
Timing belt tensioner broke while driving, causing problems including rough idle, idle RPM cycling, surging, bucking, higher than normal rpms on deceleration, problems persist after three visits to dealer.
- Indianapolis, IN, USA
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I took my Stratus to a friend mechanic for what I thought to be a simple oil leak, he advised it was the head gasket. Also advised me that this was a problem with the neons and Stratus. Should Chrysler pay for this repair if it is a manufacturer defect? I do think so.
The head gasket began leaking profusely at 31,000 miles. My warrenty is over and want information on how to gain a replacement from the dealership. I have searched the web and have found numerous complaints about this part in the Stratus. Is anything being done?
Exhaust manifold - upon dealer replacing defective cylinder head gasket, was notified by dealer that the exhaust manifold has a crack and should be replaced. Prior to taking to dealer another garage had determined the cause for overheating to be from a defective head gasket. They did not mention anything about crack in exhaust manifold during their inspection of the vehicle. Owner feels damage was caused by the dealer upon removal of the cylinder head or due to excessive heat caused by overheating from the defective head gasket. Dealer refused to acknowledge responsiblity and refused to contact Dodge factory representative. They said it was safe to re-install the cracked exhaust manifold and drive the vehicle. We are concerned about exhaust fumes coming into the vehicle and feel it is unsafe. Steering rack - the power steering failed and caused vehicle to be virtually undriveable. When we contacted the manufacturer, we were told it was out of the warranty period. We therefore paid to have it replaced at a cost of almost $800. We feel that the rack and pinion steering rack assembly should not have failed with only 52,000 miles on the vehicle.
My head gasket blew out with 84,000 miles. Car is only 3 years old. I owned it for 2 years. I took it to a mechanic and 2 Dodge dealerships. The first Dodge dealership had my car for over 6 weeks they could not fix it after the headgasket was replaced. Basically the head gasket was replaced along with timing belt. After that the car would not start. The dealership could not fix it. Plus I had to pay for a computer, which did not fix the problem. The money was non refundable. The car was taken to a second Dodge dealership in which they had it for about 5 weeks. They fixed the problem saying it was electrical. I had to pay over 450 dollars for that. The total I paid was over 1200 dollars. I think its pretty bad that the dealership coulnd not even fix it! it seems to run all right now. Ive read how a lot of theses Dodge models I.e. 2.4 liter engines have a major corrosion problem that the Dodge company fails to tell anybody about or even try to fix it. I had to pay out of my own pocket.
The engine is leaking oil around the gasket. Appointment has been set at the dealer. Also, the vehicle is losing anti-freeze. There appears to be no leakage from the radiator. Will have an inspections performed at engine appointment.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Chicago, IL, USA