RoadVitals

1996 Dodge Stratus Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
554
Latest Feb 4, 2015
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
72

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1996 Dodge Stratus, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

335
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

R&R FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING FIX, HUB & BEARING ASSEMBLY TOTAL COST $214.55 CLEAN ENGINE TOTAL COST $83.46 ENGINE OIL LEAK, TRIED OIL STOP LEAK & SEEMS TO BE WORKING FOR THE TIME BEING. RADIATOR/ANTIFREEZE LEAK, I'M SPENDING $150 MONTH FOR ANTIFREEZE. PUTTING IN 1-2 BOTTLES A DAY. PROBABLY WILL HAVE RADIATOR FIXED SOON. MUFFLER FELL OFF, CAN'T AFFORD A NEW ONE. NEEDS NEW SPARK PLUGS, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS MANIFOLD GASKET, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS OIL PAN GASKET, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS NEW WIPERS, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10681330 · filed Feb 4, 2015

MY CAR HAD THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED AND A FEW OTHER THINGS ON IT. BUT I CAN SMELL BURNING OIL FROM SOME WERE AND THE LIGHT IS ON FOR THE OIL. I ONLY DRIVE SHORT DISTANCES BECAUSE I AM AFRAID OF A FIRE. NOT ONLY THAT IT WELL MAYBE ONLY GO ABOUT 2 MILES BEFORE IT SHUTS DOWN. THEN I HAVE TO WAIT FOR IT TO COOL DOWN TO START IT AND GET IT BACK HOME. *TR

NHTSA ID 10288908 · filed Oct 19, 2009
All 335 reports naming engine

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

65
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE MOTOR WAS NOT MOUNTED DOWN AND WAS MISSING TWO SCREWS. THE MOTOR JERKS BACK AND FORTH SO SEVERELY THAT IT SEEMS AS IF THE ENGINE WILL FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE TIMING CHAIN, FUEL PUMP, IGNITION COIL, SERPENTINE BELT, AND MUFFLER ARE FAILING. NEW BRAKES AND STRUTS ARE ALSO NEEDED. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCOVER THESE ISSUES UNTIL AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. TWO DAYS LATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID 10267700 · filed May 4, 2009

BRAKES FAILED ON MY SONS '96 DODGE STRATUS. HE WENT OVER APPROXIMATELY A 20 FOOT EMBANKMENT AND LANDED IN A CREEK. LUCKILY HE ONLY RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. I SEARCHED THE WEB AND FOUND YOUR SITE ON RECALLS AND THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE BRAKES WERE RECALLED FOR THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE, HOWEVER, HIS VIN # WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. IT COST ABOUT $600.00 TO REPLACE THIS. *JB

NHTSA ID 10138168 · filed Sep 29, 2005
All 65 reports naming brakes

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

54
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A GAS STATION, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. SHE WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SUFFERED A MELT DOWN. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 193,000. UPDATED 8/7/09 *CN THE PCM AND POWER SHIFTER WERE FAULTY. UPDATED 08/11/09.*JB

NHTSA ID 10274355 · filed Jun 19, 2009

WON'T SHIFT OUT OF SECOND TO THIRD, THE MOTOR JUST REVS UP AND YOU HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO UNDER 30 MPH BEFORE IT STOPS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10216033 · filed Jan 25, 2008
All 54 reports naming transmission

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

42
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WOULD ACTIVATE WITHOUT COMMAND AT ANYTIME AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE LAST TIME, THE DEALER PLACED A HORN BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD. UPDATED 12/05/11

NHTSA ID 10414004 · filed Jul 21, 2011

2ND REQUEST FAX FWD EMAIL FM BEHALF OF [XXX] (TX) RE NUMEROUS DEFECTS ON A 1996 DODGE STRATUS (VIN#[XXX]). *MR THE A/C LEAKED, ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS MALFUNCTIONED, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, AND POOR DRIVEABILITY. THERE WAS STEERING OSCILLATION WHEN DRIVEN ABOVE 50 MPH, ROUGH RIDE WHEN THERE WAS AN IRREGULAR SURFACE, ERRATIC IDLE, PERFORMANCE LOSS, OVERHEATING IN TRAFFIC AND OR THE A/C WOULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, WARM-UP SAG, HESITATION/DIE OUT, REAR GRID DEFOGGER INDICATOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED, INSIDE LIGHTS WORKED IMPROPERLY, ERRATIC LATE HARSH TRANSMISSION SHIFTS, FREQUENT RUMBLE OR GEAR NOISE FROM THE FRONT BETWEEN 50 AND 70 MPH, MUSTY ODOR AND DEFOGGER FAILED TO CLEAR THE GLASS. *SCC THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO IN NEED OF AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND STRUTS. *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10052043 · filed Dec 29, 2003
All 42 reports naming steering

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

36
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES, WHICH ORIGINATED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND REMAINED AT THE RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ID 10453099 · filed Mar 26, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WOULD ACTIVATE WITHOUT COMMAND AT ANYTIME AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE LAST TIME, THE DEALER PLACED A HORN BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD. UPDATED 12/05/11

NHTSA ID 10414004 · filed Jul 21, 2011
All 36 reports naming electrical

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

32
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE, STRUCK THE CURVE AND TRAVELED INTO TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED HER THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS SEPARATED FROM THE SOCKET. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09E056000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 116,000. UPDATED 02/28/13 *BF THE LOWER BALL JOINT AND AXLE WERE REPLACED.

NHTSA ID 10490741 · filed Jan 2, 2013

WHILE DRIVING FORWARD AT ABOUT 25-30 MPH, THE STEERING LOCKED TO THE RIGHT, RIGHT SIDE FELL DOWN AND PULLED CAR SEVERELY TO THE RIGHT. THERE WAS NO STEERING, NO CONTROL. AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, PULLED CAR UP A CURB INTO A FIRE HYDRANT THEN ANOTHER 25 FEET INTO A POLE. CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE FRONT END PARTS ARE ALL IN TACT, ONLY THE LOWER CONTROL ARM IS CRACKED WHICH CAUSED THE WHEEL TO TURN COMPLETELY TO THE RIGHT. EVERYTHING WAS INSPECTED ON VEHICLE AND THERE IS NOT ANY OTHER EXPLANATION OR EVIDENCE PRIOR TO THE CURB THAN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE CAR LOST CONTROL CAUSING FURTHER DAMAGE. *NM

NHTSA ID 10141244 · filed Oct 30, 2005
All 32 reports naming suspension

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT: 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH HIT A DEER AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. THE PASSENGER FRONT, BY THE HEADLIGHT AND HOOD, ACTUALLY HIT THE DEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THIS OCCURRED ON JULY 24, 2005. A POLICE REPORT TAKEN. *AK

NHTSA ID 10132601 · filed Aug 12, 2005

WHILE CONSUMER' S VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING TOWARDS CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, GOING 100 MPH, LOST CONTROL AND HIT IT HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

NHTSA ID 10043941 · filed Oct 15, 2003
All 18 reports naming airbags

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN MY FUEL GOES BELOW 3/4 OF A TANK, IT DIES ON ME. IT STARTS TO JERK LIKE ITS SHIFTING HARD, THEN LOOSES POWER. WHEN I TRY TO START IT BACK UP, IT TURNS OVER BUT DOESN'T ACT LIKE ITS GETTING ANY FUEL. THEN THE BATTERY GOES DEAD. IF I GET GAS AND FILL IT BACK UP IT RUNS FINE. I HAVE SPENT MANY HRS BROKE DOWN ON THE HWY. I WAS NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT. *JB

NHTSA ID 10206713 · filed Oct 23, 2007

POWER STEERING FAILED. NLM

NHTSA ID 558284 · filed Oct 5, 2000
All 16 reports naming fuel system

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

R&R FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING FIX, HUB & BEARING ASSEMBLY TOTAL COST $214.55 CLEAN ENGINE TOTAL COST $83.46 ENGINE OIL LEAK, TRIED OIL STOP LEAK & SEEMS TO BE WORKING FOR THE TIME BEING. RADIATOR/ANTIFREEZE LEAK, I'M SPENDING $150 MONTH FOR ANTIFREEZE. PUTTING IN 1-2 BOTTLES A DAY. PROBABLY WILL HAVE RADIATOR FIXED SOON. MUFFLER FELL OFF, CAN'T AFFORD A NEW ONE. NEEDS NEW SPARK PLUGS, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS MANIFOLD GASKET, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS OIL PAN GASKET, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS NEW WIPERS, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10681330 · filed Feb 4, 2015

I PURCHASED MY 1996 DODGE STRATUS IN THE SUMMER OF 1996 AND SO FAR I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH THIS VEHICLE, ONE HEAD GASKET REPAIR THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP AT A COST OF $1600, ONE TIMING CHAIN REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF $600 AND NOW AGAIN ANOTHER HEAD GASKET LEAK. IN THE YEAR 2000 THIS CAR SAT IN THE GARAGE FOR A TOTAL OF 11 MONTHS DUE TO NOT HAVING THE MONEY TO FIX THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM WHICH CAUSED A SEVERE FINANCIAL AND A MENTALLY FRUSTRATING TIME DURING THOSE MONTHS WITHOUT A CAR. I WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST CHRYSLER SO PLEASE FORWARD ME ANY INFORMATION NEEDED IN GOING FORWARD WITH THIS LAWSUIT.

NHTSA ID 10070551 · filed Jan 15, 2004
All 13 reports naming visibility

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 727639 · filed Aug 11, 2000

HEAD GASKET FAILED. YH

NHTSA ID 553087 · filed Jul 18, 2000
All 13 reports naming body & structure

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CRUISE CONTROL LOCKED UP. WAS NOT ABLE TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL. DEALER STATED CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS INOPERATIVE. *AK

NHTSA ID 10048026 · filed Nov 17, 2003

I HAD MY CRUISE CONTROL ON WHILE COMING HOME LAST NIGHT AROUND 8:00 PM. WHEN I APPLIED MY BREAKS WHEN I ENTERED A TOWN MY CAR ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK. I TURNED OFF MY CRUISE CONTROL AND I IT WAS STILL STUCK. I TOOK THE COUNTRY ROUTE HOME. WHEN I PULLED INTO MY DRIVE AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK IT MAX OUT THE RPM AND I QUICKLY TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. I DID NOTICE THAT DODGE HAS A BULLETIN ABOUT THE SPEED SENSOR LOSS OF CRUISE CONTROL (4/99) DOES THAT MEANS I HAVE TO PRAY FOR MY LIFE. I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT I WAS BEING A SEMI WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND HE WAS STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT AND I WAS NOT. THANK GOD I HAD ENOUGH COMMON SENSE ON WHAT TO DO. *LA

NHTSA ID 10046910 · filed Nov 14, 2003
All 12 reports naming driver assistance

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2ND REQUEST FAX FWD EMAIL FM BEHALF OF [XXX] (TX) RE NUMEROUS DEFECTS ON A 1996 DODGE STRATUS (VIN#[XXX]). *MR THE A/C LEAKED, ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS MALFUNCTIONED, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, AND POOR DRIVEABILITY. THERE WAS STEERING OSCILLATION WHEN DRIVEN ABOVE 50 MPH, ROUGH RIDE WHEN THERE WAS AN IRREGULAR SURFACE, ERRATIC IDLE, PERFORMANCE LOSS, OVERHEATING IN TRAFFIC AND OR THE A/C WOULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, WARM-UP SAG, HESITATION/DIE OUT, REAR GRID DEFOGGER INDICATOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED, INSIDE LIGHTS WORKED IMPROPERLY, ERRATIC LATE HARSH TRANSMISSION SHIFTS, FREQUENT RUMBLE OR GEAR NOISE FROM THE FRONT BETWEEN 50 AND 70 MPH, MUSTY ODOR AND DEFOGGER FAILED TO CLEAR THE GLASS. *SCC THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO IN NEED OF AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND STRUTS. *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10052043 · filed Dec 29, 2003

THREE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *MR THE CONSUMER HAD EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AFTER ONE YEAR OF PURCHASE. THE CONSUMER HAD BEEN WITHOUT THE VEHICLE EVERY OTHER MONTH. THE VEHICLE HAD A PERPETUAL OIL LEAK AND SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, SHE HAD TO SEEK HELP FROM AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE HAD SO MUCH OIL LEAKING OUT, THE CONSUMER PLACED OIL IN THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF GAS. CHRYSLER WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. THE VEHICLE HAD STARTED TO LEAK TRANSMISSION FLUID, ALSO THE FRONT SEAL BEGAN TO LEAK AS WELL, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON, THEN THE VEHICLE STARTED MISSING OUT, SPUTTERED, AND THE STARTER WAS INTERMITTENT DUE TO A SHORT. THE CONSUMER HAD REQUESTED A REFUND OF REPAIRS. OTHER REPAIRS WERE AS FOLLOWED: THE AIR COMPRESSOR ON THE AIR CONDITIONER, STARTER, REPLACEMENT OF THE HEAD GASKET THREE TIMES, ONCE AT 11565K MILES AND SECOND AT 20495K MILES AND AGAIN AT 69000K MILES. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ID 10037844 · filed Aug 27, 2003
All 12 reports naming heating & air conditioning

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER INDICATED THIS WAS A USED VEHICLE, AND HAS THIS PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVWAY WHEN THE BACK DOOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE CAME UNLATCHED AND OPENED. VEHICLE DOORS USUALLY UNLATCH WHEN IT GETS VERY COLD OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE DOORS SOMETIMES DONT LATCH AT ALL AND DOOR JUST OPEN UP ON THEIR OWN. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND ALL THEY FOUND WAS A LITTLE CORROSION. *TC

NHTSA ID 10092938 · filed Nov 3, 2004

MY MECHANIC STATED THAT MY ENGINE IS LEAKING OIL FROM PRETTY MUCH EVERYWERE, I HAVE TO ADD A QUART OF OIL EVERY 4 - 5 DAYS. I HAVE NO INTERIOR LIGHTS, MY ODOMETER AND TACHOMETER DO NOT FUNCTION AND DISPLAY. MY RADIO DOES NOT WORK, AND NOW MY BRAKE LIGHTS AREN'T FUNCTIONING. I CHECKED AND ALL OF MY FUSES ARE FINE. I CAN'T AFFORD THE ENGINE REPAIRS FOR THE OIL. I HAVE TO GET THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM FIXED. CHRYSLER SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THESE PROBLEMS.*AK

NHTSA ID 10068189 · filed May 3, 2004
All 11 reports naming interior & seats

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I PURCHASED MY 1996 DODGE STRATUS IN THE SUMMER OF 1996 AND SO FAR I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH THIS VEHICLE, ONE HEAD GASKET REPAIR THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP AT A COST OF $1600, ONE TIMING CHAIN REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF $600 AND NOW AGAIN ANOTHER HEAD GASKET LEAK. IN THE YEAR 2000 THIS CAR SAT IN THE GARAGE FOR A TOTAL OF 11 MONTHS DUE TO NOT HAVING THE MONEY TO FIX THE HEAD GASKET PROBLEM WHICH CAUSED A SEVERE FINANCIAL AND A MENTALLY FRUSTRATING TIME DURING THOSE MONTHS WITHOUT A CAR. I WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST CHRYSLER SO PLEASE FORWARD ME ANY INFORMATION NEEDED IN GOING FORWARD WITH THIS LAWSUIT.

NHTSA ID 10070551 · filed Jan 15, 2004

2ND REQUEST FAX FWD EMAIL FM BEHALF OF [XXX] (TX) RE NUMEROUS DEFECTS ON A 1996 DODGE STRATUS (VIN#[XXX]). *MR THE A/C LEAKED, ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS MALFUNCTIONED, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, AND POOR DRIVEABILITY. THERE WAS STEERING OSCILLATION WHEN DRIVEN ABOVE 50 MPH, ROUGH RIDE WHEN THERE WAS AN IRREGULAR SURFACE, ERRATIC IDLE, PERFORMANCE LOSS, OVERHEATING IN TRAFFIC AND OR THE A/C WOULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, WARM-UP SAG, HESITATION/DIE OUT, REAR GRID DEFOGGER INDICATOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED, INSIDE LIGHTS WORKED IMPROPERLY, ERRATIC LATE HARSH TRANSMISSION SHIFTS, FREQUENT RUMBLE OR GEAR NOISE FROM THE FRONT BETWEEN 50 AND 70 MPH, MUSTY ODOR AND DEFOGGER FAILED TO CLEAR THE GLASS. *SCC THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO IN NEED OF AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND STRUTS. *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10052043 · filed Dec 29, 2003
All 10 reports naming powertrain (other)

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH ANDWITHOUT WARNING INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION, AND DRIVER'S SAFETY BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN DRIVER, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES.*AK

NHTSA ID 8011382 · filed Jun 10, 2002

IN A FRONT END COLLISION SEAT BELT UNHOOKED, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE THROWN OUT THE VEHICLE.CAR TOTALLED. *AK

NHTSA ID 8008268 · filed Apr 22, 2002
All 9 reports naming seat belts

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VISIBILITY PROBLEM. HEAD LAMP COVERS HAVE BECOME FOGGED AND DISCOLORED ,NOT ALLOWING ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF ROAD AT NIGHT. THE HEADLAMP COVERS CAN ONLY BE REPLACED AS AN ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. A MORE DURABLE OR A REPLACABLE COVER WOULD ALLOW THE CONSUMER TO CORRECT THIS HAZARD.*AK

NHTSA ID 10029206 · filed Jul 25, 2003

RIGHT HIGH BEAM HEAD LIGHT CONTINUALLY REQUIRED REPLACEMENT, THE FAILURE UNKNOWN. *MJS

NHTSA ID 549774 · filed Dec 1, 1999
All 8 reports naming exterior lighting

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

R&R FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING FIX, HUB & BEARING ASSEMBLY TOTAL COST $214.55 CLEAN ENGINE TOTAL COST $83.46 ENGINE OIL LEAK, TRIED OIL STOP LEAK & SEEMS TO BE WORKING FOR THE TIME BEING. RADIATOR/ANTIFREEZE LEAK, I'M SPENDING $150 MONTH FOR ANTIFREEZE. PUTTING IN 1-2 BOTTLES A DAY. PROBABLY WILL HAVE RADIATOR FIXED SOON. MUFFLER FELL OFF, CAN'T AFFORD A NEW ONE. NEEDS NEW SPARK PLUGS, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS MANIFOLD GASKET, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS OIL PAN GASKET, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS NEW WIPERS, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10681330 · filed Feb 4, 2015

I JUST BOUGHT A 1996 DODGE STRATUS AND IT HAS MUTIPLE PROBLEMS. THE MAIN THING IS IT STALLS AND DIES WHILE YOUR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH MORE THAN ONCE. IT HAS RECALLS AND IAM GOING TO TAKE IT TO HAVE IT FIXED. IT ALSO HAS OTHER PROBLEMS LIKE WITH THE DOOR LOCKS,THE HOOD AND THE TRUNK. *TR

NHTSA ID 10405993 · filed Jun 11, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

GENERAL TIRE ALTIMAX RT SIZE 195/70R14 BULGE ON SIDEWALL WHEN INSTALLED A BRAND NEW TIRE. AFTER INSTALLATION OBSERVED ONE OF FOUR TIRES WITH A BULGE ON SIDEWALL OF TIRE. BULGE NOT AN INDENTATION. VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN AND NO OBVIOUS INSTALLATION OR BEAD DAMAGE FROM THE OUTSIDE. INSTALLER SAID SMALL BULGE BUT MAY GROW. SENT PICTURES TO DISCOUNTTIREDIRECT AND THEY SEEMED TO THINK INSTALLATION BEAD DAMAGE. TOOK TIRE OFF, NO DAMAGE FOUND INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OR ANY BEAD IRREGULARITIES. SEEMS LIKE A MANUFACTURER DEFECTIVE BUILD. OTHER 3 TIRES WERE FINE ON ALL SIDES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10597827 · filed Jun 12, 2014

LTR FM JOVAN MATHEWS (TX) RE PROBLEMS WITH HIS 1996 DODGE STRATUS AND ASKING DAIMLER CHRYSLER TO INITIATE A RECALL. *MR 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. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ID 10040045 · filed Sep 16, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .