1996 Dodge Stratus: engine knocking or ticking

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 Jun 7, 2004 · Engine · WI

Driving the car and hearing knocking coming from the engine and vibration coming from the right front tire.

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 Jan 2, 2001 · Engine · IL

My car stopped on me on the highway, 12/21/00, the car constantly leaks oil, and I put oil in it every three weeks. The cars motor is knocking, now it starts up but stops anywhere on the street. It just cuts off, I called crysler and they said it was not on recall for the engine. But I found out it was on your recall database, the engine recall 96v006000.

Filed Mar 17, 2000 · Engine · OH

Consumer was traveling at 35mph and heard a knocking noise. Pulled over, checked oil, nothing showed on the dip stick, and it was only enough for the oil filter. Took it to the dealer who indicated that consumer was responsible for the charges. Consumer picked it up the next day. Dealer told her there was a knocking in the vehicle. Had to replace head gaskets, and put new motor in. Manufacturer agreed to go half & half on motor.

Filed Feb 29, 2000 · Suspension · MI

Car had been taken in last year at van andel dealership in grand rapids michigan for recall work. The left front tire has had a knock or creek in it for about a year to year and a half. I had asked them about this when the car was being fixed for recall work. They told me there was nothing wrong with it. Yesterday my wife and children went to go to the store. They stopped at an intersection and proceeded to go when the car kept going straight instead of turning. There was no warning of a problem until this happened except for the creeking. K and m northfield dodoge of grand rapids called me today with the estimate of thecar. They told me the car has a broken tie rod. The car is only 4 years old with about 55000 miles on it. He said it was nmot uncommon due to the cab-0forward design puts too much stress on the tie rods. I am concerned someone could die in an accident. Should there be stronger tie rods put in these cars. Thank you please e-mail or call with any questions. I am very concerned about my family and others driving these vehicles when there is a sudden loss of steering and the wheel separated from the ball joint.

Filed Oct 7, 1998 · Engine · MI

When trying to start up the vehicle, there is loud knocking noise coming from the engine, and the vehicle uses alot of oil. The engine cylinder head oil is not adequately retained. Took the vehicle to the dealer, and they could'nt find the problem.