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.
1996 Dodge Stratus transmission problems
60 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 60
- of this car's complaints
- 11%
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission38
- Manual transmission5
- Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch3
- Driveline: differential unit2
- Axle assembly: axle shaft2
- Automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines2
- Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)2
- Manual transmission: floor shift assembly1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Dodge Stratus transmission problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Dodge Stratus transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the floor shifter ignition-park interlock may fail and allow the shifter to be moved out of the park position with the key removed. An inoperative interlock may also allow the key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the park position.
- Risk
- Either circumstance may result in the vehicle rolling away without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new load-limiting push rod into the floor shifter lever of the affected vehicles. Owner notification began on june 14, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 04V021000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The adjustment of the cable connecting the console shifter mechanism to the ignition key can cause a trapped key condition which can result in a low force required to depress the shift button. A combination of applying a mis-adjusted release button with a low force attempt to shift out of park with the key in the locked position, can break the connecting pin in the shifter.
- Risk
- If this happens, the "ignition-park" interlock system will be nonfunctional.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect for proper operation of the system. Any vehicles that are not functional after the inspection will have the shift mechanism and cable replaced with a "self-adjusting" design.
Recall number 98V183000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Auto trans ignition-park interlock
The manufacturer reports above are based on daimlerchrysler?s (dc) analysis of model year (my) 1998 (population = 356,384) and 1999 (population = 486,948) ja, jx and lh family subject vehicle data (earlier mys excluded).the population number includes all mys.the precise number of duplicates between odi and dc reports cannot be determined due to missing or incomplete information.the fatality incident involved an elderly person who attempted to stop a roll away vehicle and received fatal injuries.odi also gathered information on my 1997-99 prowler vehicles in this investigation. The prowler vehicles were manufactured with a different design shifter mechanism (the shift lever is shorter).there are no complaints of prowler interlock failure in odi?s database, and dc has received no reports either.the prowler is excluded from the recall scope.the investigation involved a condition where the interlock system could fail (or be made inoperative by the operator) during vehicle use, possibly inadvertently.the interlock system is required under fmvss 114.with the transmission in the park position and the ignition key off, the combined action of pressing the shift button and pulling the shift lever rearward may result in the operator overcoming the interlock system and cause the mechanical linkage of the system to disconnect.when this occurs, there is no overt indication to an operator that the system is defeated, and an increased risk of vehicle roll-away exists.under recall 04v021, dc will replace damaged shift mechanisms, and will install on all vehicles a device which inhibits the operator?s ability to overcome the interlock and defeat the system.beginning with my 2000, dc incorporated a brake and transmission shifter interlock (btsi) system into the subject vehicles.introduction of btsi involved design changes to the shift mechanism, one of which resulted in reduced mechanical advantage (rma) of the shift button.the rma shifter requires increased forces to overcome the interlock system, making the shifter less susceptible to damage.
EA03011
What 1996 Dodge Stratus owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
Dt: the contact received a recall letter about 3 or 4 months ago. She forgfot about it and found it about 2 weeks ago. She made arrangements to have the recall repairs done. Tthey were not repairing the vehicle in a timely manner. She talked to dealer on 7-5-05 and they still had not fixed it. She has not talked to the manufacturer.
Consumer experiencing problems having the recall for the transaxle floor shifter ignition park interlock checked out on her 1996 dodge stratus.*mr the dealer explained that they did not make appointment for recall checks. When the consumer just showed up at the dealer they were always too busy to look at the vehicle.
Recall 04v021000 concerning floor shift ignition interlock. Consumer was waiting over 60 days for parts that were not available.
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.
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).
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
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
My name is [xxx], and I am a twenty-four year old father of three who is currently receiving social security. I am writing this letter today because I am having some problems with my 1996 dodge stratus (VIN# [xxx]). The types of problems that I am having consists of air conditioning leaks, electrical circuits that malfunction, transmission troubles, premature brake wear, head gasket problems, and poor driveability. Chrysler motor corporation prides itself as representing value, quality, durability and reliability, but I cant seem to see that as a true statement with all of my current problems. I could not believe all the problems that I am having with this vehicle at one given time so I decided to research my difficulties on the internet and I found that I am not the only one with these same issues. I feel that daimlerchrysler corp should be held responsible for my repairs due to circumstances caused by shoddy parts and quality. So far I have replaced the timing belt, hydraulic tensioner, water pump, alternator, alternator belt, rotors, bake shoes, rear wheel cylinders, pcv valve, dryer, AC compressor, tires, all filters, and fluids. I am in dyer need of a exhaust manifold, windshield, struts, shocks, steering wheel, head gasket. Also, I am experiencing steering wheel oscillation/vibration above 50 MPH, rough ride on road with irregular surface & bottoming out on pothole, erratic idle, performance loss, overheats in traffic &/or A/C becomes inoperative, warm-up sag, hesitation & driveway die out, rear grid defogger indicator light malfunctions, inside lights work improperly, erratic, late or harsh automatic transmission shifts , frequency rumble or gear noise from front between 50 & 70 MPH , musty odor and defroster fails to clear glass. As it appears I need a lot of work and being low income I need help.*ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Questions about the 1996 Dodge Stratus transmission
Does the 1996 Dodge Stratus have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 60 complaints about the transmission of the 1996 Dodge Stratus, 11% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Stratus transmission problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Dodge Stratus transmission?
Yes, 2 recalls: 04V021000, 98V183000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Dodge Stratus have bad transmission?
The Dodge Stratus model years with the most transmission complaints are 1996 (60 complaints), 1995 (56 complaints) and 1997 (36 complaints).
Other 1996 Dodge Stratus problems
Engine 335Brakes 64Steering 42Electrical 36Suspension 32Airbags 18Fuel system 16Body 13Visibility 13Acceleration 12Lights 11Seat belts 8Seats 5Wheels 5Tires 4Locks 2
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