Headgasket failure and chrysler will not commit to repair and wants to charge me for a diagnostic check of $100
1997 Dodge Stratus engine complaints
Page 5 of 6: complaints 101 to 130 of 158, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The head gasket began leaking profusely at 31,000 miles. My warrenty is over and want information on how to gain a replacement from the dealership. I have searched the web and have found numerous complaints about this part in the stratus. Is anything being done?
Eingine head gasket is leaking. Gasket is being replaced by dealership. Please provide any further information.
Exhaust manifold - upon dealer replacing defective cylinder head gasket, was notified by dealer that the exhaust manifold has a crack and should be replaced. Prior to taking to dealer another garage had determined the cause for overheating to be from a defective head gasket. They did not mention anything about crack in exhaust manifold during their inspection of the vehicle. Owner feels damage was caused by the dealer upon removal of the cylinder head or due to excessive heat caused by overheating from the defective head gasket. Dealer refused to acknowledge responsiblity and refused to contact dodge factory representative. They said it was safe to re-install the cracked exhaust manifold and drive the vehicle. We are concerned about exhaust fumes coming into the vehicle and feel it is unsafe. Steering rack - the power steering failed and caused vehicle to be virtually undriveable. When we contacted the manufacturer, we were told it was out of the warranty period. We therefore paid to have it replaced at a cost of almost $800. We feel that the rack and pinion steering rack assembly should not have failed with only 52,000 miles on the vehicle.
At 61,000 miles oil started leaking from engine head gasket. This caused vehicle to use more fuel/ stall, and engine to blow out. Please provide any further information.
Engine head gasket blew out and spilled oil.
Engine head gasket blew out, causing total engine failure . The consumer stated that he will add mor information.
The head gasket failed resulting in oil leakage, the oil indicator never worked properly.
Head gasket failed 3 times, consume believes this is excessive and is seeking reimbursement. Nlm
My head gasket blew out with 84,000 miles. Car is only 3 years old. I owned it for 2 years. I took it to a mechanic and 2 dodge dealerships. The first dodge dealership had my car for over 6 weeks they could not fix it after the headgasket was replaced. Basically the head gasket was replaced along with timing belt. After that the car would not start. The dealership could not fix it. Plus I had to pay for a computer,which did not fix the problem. The money was non refundable. The car was taken to a second dodge dealership in which they had it for about 5 weeks. They fixed the problem saying it was electrical. I had to pay over 450 dollars for that. The total I paid was over 1200 dollars. I think its pretty bad that the dealership coulnd not even fix it! It seems to run all right now. Ive read how a lot of theses dodge models I.e. 2.4 liter engines have a major corrosion problem that the dodge company fails to tell anybody about or even try to fix it. I had to pay out of my own pocket.
Blown head gasket, leaking oil from the rear part of the head
The engine is leaking oil around the gasket. Appointment has been set at the dealer. Also, the vehicle is losing anti-freeze. There appears to be no leakage from the radiator. Will have an inspections performed at engine appointment.
Head gasket leaking oil at rate of 1 quart per 3,000 miles. Daimlerchrysler contacted but kept details regarding scope of failures a secret. They offered to split repair costs 50-50 with me (my portion to exceed $300). Contacted a number of dealers and independent repair facilities, all of which confirmed large numbers of head gasket failures across several model and engine lines. After seeing the number of complaints on this same subject on this site, I have to believe it is a major defect in either gasket design or material and warrants a recall to repair at no cost to the original owner. Vehicle costs too much ($20,000) to allow this type of a failure to continue. I currently own 2 chrysler built vehicles, but will not buy another daimlerchrysler product, ever.
Head gasket leaking oil. Was told that there has been allot of problems with this part. Chrysler gave me the run around on the phone. The dealership said the new head gasket is a new design meaning that the original is defective. I realize that I have allot of mileage on my vehicle, but considering that we have kept up with the required maintenance, there should not be a problem with the head gasket.
Consumer noticed an oil leak. Took vehicle to dealer, and they said it was the engine head gasket. If head gasket were to fail completely, oil could get onto catalytic converter and start a fire. *ak
Head gasket blew at 30,000 miles still under warranty but going out of warranty soon and noticed people with simular problems and would like to know how to protect myself from it happening when the warrenty is up.
Premature head gasket failure and ongoing body idle vibration
Timing bel/ pulley bearing failed, causing pulley to break
Vehicle experienced head gasket failure for the second time within 17,000 miles of first replacement. Dealer notified, and informed consumer vehicle was out of warranty and not under a manufacturer's recall. *ak
Engine head gasket was leaking oil at 51,000 miles. Spoke to mechanic this is a defect in the gasket. I have the gasket if the federal safety agency wishes to inspect. Spoke to dodge they said it was a common problem with the stratus but it was not cover under the warranty.
Consumer purchased car used and engine head gasket was replaced at 44,000 miles. Now at 61,000 miles it has blown out again. Dealer isn't going to replace it, but manufacturer wants the consumer to get the car to dealer, and they have a representative to look at it. *ak
Engine head gasket was leaking oil at 43000 miles. This has to be a defect.
Had two mechanics look at the engine, and both said that this is a common problem with this car. Then we took it to the dealer and they said our warranty is up and there's nothing they can do. They did offer us trade in. How ironic? Upon looking at your complaints database I can see that I'm not the only one with a head gasket failure. Why can't something be done about this, I'll never, never buy another [xxx] dodge again. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Cylinder head gasket leaks prematurely... Will contact chrysler.
I found out yesterday my head gasket needs replacing after doing alot of research I have found this seems to be a problem with alot of stratus vehicles, and neon's and hope dodge will be forced to back there problems.
Head gasket failed, causing severe oil leak. This appears to be a common problem with this engine due to a design or manufacturing defect.
Oil is leaking around the seal, and head gaskets. I called around to get estimates on getting the car fixed, and was told that hundreds of dodge stratus has had that same problem. And it would cost between $900.00, to $1000.00 to be fixed.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Bad oil leak from head gasket. $600 quoted price. Many others have experienced the same problem.
Engine head gasket has failed, causing engine to be replaced ($5200), as per dealer service center in redlands, ca.
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