1996 Dodge Stratus: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Mar 26, 2012 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · AL · fire

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.

Filed Oct 19, 2009 · Engine · OK

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.

Filed Nov 11, 2005 · Engine · 167,000 miles · VA · fire

I own a 96 dodge stratus, I purchased it year of 97. I received numerous recalls on this vechicle since the day of purchased. I followed up on each recall that I received. As time went on I had numerous problems with this vehicle. Over the years I aways believe in chrysler products to be safe and sound.I feel that it's been truly unfair too loyal consumers such as myself many others. I don't understand why a company such as chrysler and engineers would engineered a product like the dodge stratus with so many defects. On saturday november 5, 2005 I went to pay a bill about five to ten miles away from home. Return home, park the car, lock the doors went into my apartment. About ten minutes later a neighborhood boy knock on my door and said your gold car is on fire. I ran outside to see, yes it was my car on fire! Fire was coming from underneath the hood. I called the fire department, they arrive about ten minutes later to put the fire out. The fireman had to break the hood latch to get into the engine area to put out the fire. The fire destroy my motor and hood. Thank god myself or my kids wasn't in the car! I'm truly sadden that this have to happen to me and my family I'm single parent with no transportation. After the investigation of the cause of fire it was determine that the oil gallery plug was faulty. My insurance coverage wouldn't coverage it.

Filed Apr 27, 2004 · Engine · FL · fire

Vehicle caught fire while parked with the engine off which belonged to the consumer's son. *ph (mary francis on behalf of alex francis) the fire may have been caused by a faulty engine plug. Recall#96v006000. Other consumer contact info: alex francis 754‑235‑8335 *sc

Filed Jan 2, 2003 · Engine · 96,908 miles · KY · fire

Consumer states vehicle caught fire while driving. Dealer diagnosed fire was result of the engine cylinder head plug being loose. This caused oil to leak which resulted in engine fire. Related recall 96v006000, consumer's v.I.n. Not included. Ts

Filed Dec 6, 2002 · Engine · KS

From all the people I've read about having so many problems with their dodge stratus. I believe something needs to be done. We had the head gasket replaced in 1998 and now it is failing again. The engine smells like it could start on fire from all the oil this car leaks. Chrysler knows about this but refuses to do anything about it. Hopefully you will help us. Thanks dt

Filed Jun 12, 2002 · Electrical · CA · fire

While driving vehicle started smoking, then caught on fire.

Filed Apr 24, 2002 · Engine · IN

Vehicle was leaking oil profusely out of the pressure galley hole where oil is delivered to the cylinder head, the oil continued to drip onto the transaxle and exhaust causing a burning smell. Consumer was advised that the gasket has a design flaw, but was redesigned due to so many failures to the gasket.

Filed Apr 23, 2001 · Engine · FL

Consumer had found coolant all over engine. Then, had taken vehicle to dealer, where they found out that engine head gasket had cracked, causing vehicle to stall, but did not catch on fire.

Filed Mar 26, 2001 · Engine · TX · fire · 1 injury

Recall 96 v 006 000. Vehicle is leaking oil from galley plug. This vehicle is not included in recall due to VIN. Manufacturer notified.*ak engine had massive amount of oil leaking, engine caught fire and consumer burned her hand, there was $2800 worth of damage, mecahnic replaced gully plug and head gaskets along with burned hoses and belts, mechanic stated head gasket was leaking very large amounts of oil, also stated that fire was probably related to gulley plug oil leak.

Filed Feb 5, 2001 · Electrical · AL · fire

While driving about 50 MPH vehicle was smoking. Then, stopped on side, opened hood, and saw flames coming from engine. After extinguishing fire saw that all wires were burned.

Filed Jan 31, 2001 · Electrical · WV · fire

While traveling noticed smoke coming from vehicle. Consumer pulled vehicle over and noticed vehicle was on fire. Fire department put fire out. Vehicle was totaled. Please provide further information.