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1996 Dodge Stratus electrical complaints

Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 36 of 36, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1996 Dodge Stratus electrical problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Feb 26, 2002 · Electrical, Transmission · MA · fire

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.

Filed Feb 7, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · MA · crash

During the end of summer my car engine repeatedly shut off while driving at normal speeds (usually @20 - 40mph). I brought my car to the dealer because my car repeatedly shuts off when I turn corners or driving at low speeds of 30 or less it will just shut off in the middle of traffic. I have my 3 children in the car with me most of the time and we have faced many close accidents! Once the car's RPM shuts down the car shuts off no matter where I am. When I drive 50mph or more my car jerks. My car also accelerates while drive 40mph or less on its own in several instances I almost hit cars in front of me during red lights. My ABS light stays on all the time. I brought it to the dealer and they told me they didn't know why it was on and that it would cost $70.00 an hour for a computerized checkup which I can not afford. Another time I brought my car to the dealer for the engine shutoff problem they told me they couldn't find the problem and assumed the throttle bottle was the cause. Westminister dodge cleaned the throttle bottle and my car still continues to shutoff since summer of 2001. My air brake failed me in 9/2001, I ended up unable to stop my car from knocking off a wheel cover of a mitsubishi 4 door. My car shutoff when I tried to stop the car to avoid hitting the mitsubishi and my front end of my car (license plate nose) took off her wheelcover in which I offered to replace for $40.00. I am very afraid of what will happen next since the dealer can't find the problem. My newest problem as of 1/14/2002 is my steering wheel columm. I don't feel like I have full control of my car it kind of rides all over the rode. I don't know how much longer it will be before I get in a major accident because of unfixable car failure! I can't afford another car or trade in.

Filed Jul 5, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · TX

During normal operation of vehicle engine will stall while traveling at any speed. Dealership has examined vehicle and determined that computer was faulty and needed to be replaced twice. Problem has occurred again, and dealership could not determine source of problem. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

Filed Jun 8, 2001 · Electrical · IL

There was an electrical failure in front parking light which caused a fire.

Filed Mar 13, 2001 · Electrical · TN · fire

Vehicle experienced an under hood fire while traveling at highway speed of 65-70 MPH. Dealer / manufacturer notified.

Filed Feb 24, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · FL

No summary listed for above vehicle.

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.

Filed Nov 30, 2000 · Electrical, Engine · KY

Computer controller,idler arm and pulley,timing belt,and bottom crank gear all went out at same time.head gasket was found to be defective while in shop for timing belt repairs.chrysler has agreed to pay for 500 of the 725 dollars it would cost to fix head gasket,but nothing on all the timing belt related problems at 525.00.auto was 4,000 miles and 1 year out of warranty when problems occurred.just seems odd that the computer and all the timing belt related problems happened at the same time.the computer was replaced under warranty.after computer was replaced the timing belt problems were discovered.

Filed Oct 26, 2000 · Electrical, Engine · NM

No summary listed fro above vehicle.

Filed Aug 11, 2000 · Body, Electrical · NC

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.

Filed Jul 6, 2000 · Electrical · IL

Engine control module reprogrammed in may 1999. Since then the vehicle is slow to decellerate.. Dealer inspected vehicle and says it operates normally.

Filed Mar 9, 2000 · Electrical · CA

Spark plug treads aren't there. Dealer will not fix it under a recall.

Filed Feb 28, 2000 · Electrical · TN · fire

Vehicle was parked when consumer tried to get into the vehicle she saw smoke. Then when opened the hood, engine was on fire, vehicle was not totaled.

Filed Nov 14, 1999 · Electrical · OR

On week of 10/18/99 called to make an appointment to have a tune-up done on vehicle. I was informed that they do not do tune-ups on vehicles with as low mileage as mine. But they would replace the fuel filter, change the oil, replace the throttle body, flushed the radiator and did a 26 point check. The charge came to $272.55. The following week my husband and I both experienced problems with the vehicle chugging and acting like it was going to die. Sometimes, while driving it would quit for a few seconds and then start back up again. So, my husband called roberson motors back and reported the problem to them. Candy bull quoted that it could cost from $200 to $450 to repair. I took the car to them on 11/9/1999 with a quarter of a tank of gas. They called me back at the end of the day to tell me the gas tank was empty and that this made them miss the allotted time for my car. They would need to schedule another appointment. We left the car there overnight. The next day candy called to tell me that the car had been over-fueling. I asked what causes this? Her statement was that it just happens. After I got frustrated and told her that I could probably understand if she would explain in detail to me because I am familiar with how cars operate, she finally explained that the tubes for the spark plugs were too large allowing oil and fuel to mix up around the spark plugs. She stated that the spark plugs were soaked with oil. I asked if this was a manufacturers defect and she said "no, it just happens, we have noticed it in the dodge caravans but not in the stratus'". I told her this appears to be a very dangerous situation. I have a two-year old daughter that quite frequently rides in my car. What if it had caught on fire? I also asked if it was because of the age of the vehicle or how we were driving it. Her answer was "no". She stated that "it just happens". On 11/10/99, I went to pick the vehicle up and was charged $355.

Filed Oct 19, 1999 · Electrical, Steering · CA

The rack and pinion has failed twice. I have also complained to the dealer of a buzzing and/or grinding noise coming from the steering column. I have taken the car in at least 2 other times for this problem and am going to take it in this thursday (10/21/99) again for the same buzzing noise. Each time I take it in it is there for a minimum of 2 days if not longer. I am concerned for the safety of my family due to the steering column noise. This thursday I will also take it in for some type of electrical failure - the car will sometimes not start on me.

Filed Jul 12, 1999 · Electrical · VA

They have tried to fix the recall item two times now with no success. The ignition locks up numerous times, the gear shifter is able to be moved when the car is turned off into gear, neutral, etc. It has caused a couple near serious accidents. I am wondering what kind of help your orginization can offer??????? I have no clue where to go from here. I am getting no response from daimlerchrysler and no support or direction from manassas dodge service center.

Filed Jun 22, 1999 · Electrical · VA · fire

Consumer was sitting inside his home when vehicle caught on fire.

Filed May 28, 1999 · Electrical · VA · fire

A fire in the engine, caused total loss of vehicle. The fire department suspected an electrical problem.

Filed Aug 27, 1998 · Acceleration, Body · IL

Dashboard assembly loose, first repair failed and was replaced again.

Filed Dec 2, 1997 · Brakes, Electrical · PR

Air conditioner failed.

Filed Nov 20, 1997 · Electrical · PR

Alternator failed and burned.

Filed Nov 12, 1997 · Electrical · SC

Ecan insert key into ignition to start vehicle, key would work okay; but when vehicle is shut off, key cannot be removed from ignition.

Filed Feb 20, 1997 · Electrical · GA

Main computer failed 7 times.

Filed Jun 10, 1996 · Electrical · PA

While driving, or idling engine shuts down, check engine light stays on, dlrs replaced body control module, after repair problem reoccurred 10 miles later.

Filed May 8, 1996 · Electrical · CA · fire · 2 injuries

Driving on hwy 80, vehicle started to smoke, pulled over, went to next exit, checked under hood, flames engulfed vehicle.

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