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1996 Dodge Stratus engine complaints

Page 6 of 12: complaints 131 to 160 of 335, newest first, as owners wrote them.

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

Filed Nov 13, 2000 · Engine · IN

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Filed Nov 3, 2000 · Engine · IA

The car exibits the same problems described in the recal 671 for the 1996 dodge stratus oil leaking on exhaust manifold emitting a horrible smell could cause under hood fire.

Filed Oct 26, 2000 · Engine · AZ · fire

No summary listed for abov evehicle.

Filed Oct 26, 2000 · Electrical, Engine · NM

No summary listed fro above vehicle.

Filed Oct 20, 2000 · Engine, Steering · MI

I have had nothing but major problems with this car in the short 7 months that I've had it. Chrysler has done nothing about it.

Filed Oct 13, 2000 · Engine · VA

No summary listed for abov evehicle.

Filed Oct 12, 2000 · Engine · MN

Have heard other reports of head gaskets failing on this model, apparantly is a big problem.

Filed Oct 9, 2000 · Engine · OH

Rear engine oil leak,dealership found blown engine head gasket,cost 679.00 to repair, is there a recall on this that I'm unaware of????

Filed Oct 8, 2000 · Engine · CO

Sudden massive oil leak detected at 3000 mi oil chg. Gasket replaced approx $800 at carlin dodge, colo spgs co inv docs229243

Filed Oct 6, 2000 · Engine · MD

Leaking head gasket. The engine leaks oil profusely and has for at least a year. This week I found the dipstick dry. My service station says the problem is common with the dodge stratus.

Filed Oct 4, 2000 · Engine · SC

Vehicle was leaking oil from underneath vehicle. Leak was coming from oil plug. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership, and the dealership was waiting for the part.

Filed Oct 2, 2000 · Engine · NJ · fire

The car caught fire while parked. The temperature gauge never went up, nor did the check engine light come on. My mechanic said that there was an oil leak in the engine. It was supposed to go to the shop on monday, september 25 to have the engine looked at. The car caught fire the saturday before.

Filed Sep 27, 2000 · Engine · FL

Vehicle experienced two head gasket failures; first occurred at 37,000 miles. Both replacements were done by two different dealers, and head gaskets still leaking. Please feel free to provide any further details.

Filed Sep 24, 2000 · Engine · CA

Complete head gasket failure- engine siezed- chryler denies any prob

Filed Sep 18, 2000 · Brakes, Engine · VA

No summary

Filed Aug 31, 2000 · Engine · AR

While driving down the driveway floor mat became entangled within the steering column where it went down to the floor because thier was no protective cover to prevent this from happening. *ak head gasket and timing belt failed also.

Filed Aug 22, 2000 · Engine · NC

I bought a 1996 dodge stratus in february 1997. It had 16,000miles on it and is considered used. Due to numerous electrical problems I purchased an extended warranty through my credit union to protect myself from ongoing repairs. Since that warranty has taken effect, they have spent approximately $3,500.00 on repairing my vehicle. A majority of this repair was a continous oil leak. I have taken my car to kernersville dodge at least 6 times since may, 1999 to have this oil leak repaired, with no luck. They have reportedly replaced the gaskets twice, the cylinder head once(which they told me was faulty from the beginning), and the seals twice to stop this leak. Unfortunately they were not successful. Although most of these repairs were paid for by my extended warranty, I still had expense of my own, not to mention the inconvenience of them keeping my car for a week at a time only to not repair my car. I feel they have not made adequate effort and have a begun a letter to the chrysler company. However, I do not expect much success or cooperation from them. My car is now at a private shop who have told me the head gaskets will need to be replaced. I was told by the mechanic that they were patching the leak instead of repairing however I was being charged for the replacement of parts. Why does it cost $3500.00 to patch a leak? I hope that by writing to you, I will get some solution to this very frustrating and ongoing dilemna. I have all paperwork from repairs done on my car if copies are needed. Thank you for your time.

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 Aug 9, 2000 · Engine · OK

We were driving on I-69 in tulsa, ok on september 5, 1999, travelling about 75 MPH in the left lane of traffic when the car suddenly and without warning downshifted into second gear. Fortunately, the traffic was light on the highway and we were able to get off without incident. At that time, we had no idea what it had done and were perplexed - was it the transmission? Tire blow out? The car continued to run however but would not let us shift out of second gear. We read our owner's manual and learned that what happened was a "safety feature" when the computer detects something wrong, the car will automatically "downshift" so no additional damage, etc. Will be caused! We also noted to shut off the car and restart it and it would re-set but hte check engine light would stay on. We took it first to the dealership the next business day (tuesday) and they started mumbling about the transmission needing replaced without even a diagnostic check! We then took it to tuneup masters who did a check and found no codes, nothing wrong. Another year has passed and my check engine light came on again but not while travelling at high speed. A code was noted this time for the transmission. I am getting rid of this car. Bad things are getting ready to happen and I can't afford it. My concern, however, is this "safety feature" of downshifting at high speeds. I will not sell it privately as I am concerned a family will buy it and something awful may happen. I know, "buyer beware" but it seems dangerous to me. I just wondered if anyone else has encountered this problem with the computer and/or engine? I have kept up on my oil changes, etc., new brakes, new tires, but it just seems to do this randomly and without warning and then the car runs fine after it is re-set. Thank you for your attention to this report.

Filed Jul 18, 2000 · Body, Engine · AR

Head gasket failed. Yh

Filed Jul 12, 2000 · Engine · WA

Engine head gasket is leaking. Gasket has been leaking for about a year and a half. Problem has not been corrected. Please provide any further information.

Filed Jul 6, 2000 · Engine · PA

While driving down the highway and all of sudden vehicle loses power and shuts off. This has happened several times. Contacted the dealer no warranty.

Filed Jul 6, 2000 · Engine · MI

Engine leaking oil. Defective head gasket suspected as problem.

Filed Jun 21, 2000 · Engine, Steering · WI

4 months after I purchased this car, I started having major problems with it. I've had to pay $830 for a head gasket at 82,000 miles, $318 for suspension + alignment because my tierods busted off while I was driving at 92,000 miles. I still cannot get the fuel injection problem fixed, because I'm out of money. I had taken this car in twice for the stalling, engine dying, and shaking problem, and it has never been fixed (started 4 months after I purchased the car).

Filed Jun 19, 2000 · Engine · WA

Vehicle had started to leak oil onto the engine. Took to mechanic & informed vehicle needed to go to dealership for repairs. Mechanic at dealer's indicated the engine cylinder head was leaking oil from the galley plug. It caused a little smoke to appear. Vehicle not on recall.

Filed Jun 16, 2000 · Engine · OK

Engine is leaking oil. Consumer has to put two to three quarts of oil inside of vehicle.

Filed Jun 15, 2000 · Engine · MI

This is the second time that my 1996 dodge stratus has experienced head gasket failure and a cam seal leak. The first time, my vehicle was still under warranty. For this to happen twice on a car that not even five years old and with less than 50,000 miles on it is odd. I wondered if other consumers had the same problem and therefore decide to contact you in case this is a widespread problem so that there may be a recall. I would hope that I am the only one. I have all my repair receits if that will aid in the investigation, if there is any. Thank you for your time.

Filed May 25, 2000 · Engine · IL

Engine head gaskets had developed a crack & was leaking fluids. Took vehicle to mechanic & the head gasket was removed and replaced. Checked exhaust manifold which was next to firewall. The fumes would enter the vents & the heater. The oil leaking from head gasket blew onto the exhaust pipe, causing fumes. Chrysler contacted & shipped new head gaskets. *ak

Filed May 25, 2000 · Engine · CA

Engine head gasket leak, oil went into coolent system causes defects in system.

Filed May 24, 2000 · Engine · MI

I am also told that I have a bad head gasket and I dont know if the recall for it was done on the vehicle. How do I check to make sure I'm not being lied to. The recall I beleive for an oil plug.

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