Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge stratus. While driving 30 MPH, the contact rear ended another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. A police report was filed. The road conditions were normal. She noticed oil leaking after the crash. The repair shop stated that a new head gasket was needed. The current and failure mileages were 81,000. Updated 03-04-08
1997 Dodge Stratus engine problems
158 complaints (45% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 70,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 158
- of this car's complaints
- 45%
- typical mileage
- 70,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Engine113
- Engine: gasoline31
- Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe4
- Exhaust system3
- Cooling system3
- Exhaust system: emission control2
- Exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)1
- Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Dodge Stratus engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Dodge Stratus engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 1997 Dodge Stratus owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at no particular speed, the check engine light illuminates and the vehicle completely stalls. After stalling, the vehicle restarts following an extended period of time. Although the vehicle has been seen by a dealer and multiple repairs have been made, the dealer was unable to remedy the stalling problem. The rear freeze plug was leaking. Updated 03/09/06.
Dt: the vehicle is a 1997 dodge stratus. At 27,000 the oil light came on while the consumer was driving and the vehicle cut off. When the consumer had it towed to the dealership they replaced the timing belt and pulleys. At 39,000 the engine would not start. When it was towed to the dealership again, they found that one coil was shorted, the PCM was bad, the timing belt had to be replaced again, they had to replace the module, the relay, and the plug wire. The whole electrical system had to be replaced. Later at 62,000 miles it was leaking oil and would not start. It was towed to the dealer were the timing belt had to be replaced a third time, the head gasket and package, the plug and plug wires, and the spark plugs were also replaced. Currently at 89,000 the timing belt and head gasket need replacing. The vehicle is over heating and will not start. This caused the heater core to go out. The cluster has gone out; the whole lighting system comes on and goes off without warning. These current problems have not been repaired as of now. There are other issues that are included in a recall for the lower ball joints and for the floor shifter. The vehicle was immobile so the consumer can not take it to the dealership to have the recalls repaired. The manufacturer told the consumer there was nothing they could do because the vehicle was out of warranty.
While having the heater core repaired dealership indicated that head gasket was leaking oil into the cooling system and onto the ground. This was a common failure with this vehicle, and there were numerous complaints listed on this issue.
The vehicle caught on fire . The fire was emitting from the engine compartment and wheel well areas. *nm
While driving vehicle stalled. Consumer was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer fore inspection. Mechanic determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. Consumer informed the mechanic this problem occurred more than once and had not been resolved.
White smoke and water coming out of tailpipe. More than likely blown head gasket.seems to be a known problems for these cars.dodge says its not on recall but I think it should be!!!!!!
A very small "drip...drip...drip" of oil started around 47k miles. Drip became a gush by 50k miles. Oil was flowing out of the head gasket as fast as I could put it in. (yeah, big surprise, huh?!) thanks, chrysler, for standing behind your product and making good on your screw-ups. Typical american big biz attitude! You can bet my next vehicle will be a toyota! Oh gee! I almost forgot - yes, I'll be sure to tell everyone I know to "steer clear of anything chrysler". No pun intended I assure you... Especially since your crappy engineers just cost me $1000.
Head gasket failed at 31,000 miles on 1997 dodge stratus.
Head gasket leaking oil into engine. All normal maintenance has been conducted regularly. At only 80k miles, this problem should not be occurring!! This is a very costly repair. Chrysler has offered only minimal assistance. This needs to be an official recall! Please contact me with a response.
Questions about the 1997 Dodge Stratus engine
Does the 1997 Dodge Stratus have engine problems?
Owners have filed 158 complaints about the engine of the 1997 Dodge Stratus, 45% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Stratus engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 70,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 1997 Dodge Stratus engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
Other 1997 Dodge Stratus problems
Brakes 44Transmission 36Electrical 31Airbags 24Steering 21Suspension 19Acceleration 18Fuel system 11Body 9Lights 7Seat belts 6Seats 5Visibility 4Tires 2Wheels 2Driver assistance 1Locks 1
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