1997 Dodge Stratus: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jul 25, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · 27,133 miles · MD

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.

Filed Sep 21, 2004 · Suspension · 66,622 miles · NY

Consumer's vehicle experienced the same problem as mentioned in recall 97v201000 concerning left control arm. Consumer heard a clicking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. Took vehicle to the dealer. However, the dealer did not want to do the repairs at their expense.

Filed Dec 19, 2003 · Suspension · NY

When turning the tires make a noise due to premature wear of the upper ball joints.

Filed Nov 25, 2003 · Suspension · 123,960 miles · MA

The dealership is providing incorrect information about the recall for the lower control arm 97 v 201 000. The dealership is indicating that if they repair the control arm as stated in the recall, it will cause damage to the sway bar. There also some discrepancy about whether or not the VIN is part within the remedy scope. *ph the vehicle's ball joints were replaced at the consumer's expense. The consumer request reimbursement.

Filed Sep 2, 2003 · Steering · MI

Consumer states that the front right tie rod snapped. *ak the vehicle was driven all that day. It was parked in the garage until later on. Consumer's husband attempted to back up but didn't have no control of the front end. Vehicle was towed for repairs the following morning.

Filed May 20, 2003 · Suspension · CT

After the recall regarding the lower ball joint was repaired, it then failed. Recall # 97 v 201 000.

Filed Jan 15, 2003 · Engine · MD

Head gasket oil leak lower control arms ball joints tie rods

Filed May 29, 2002 · Steering · OH

While backing out tie rod end fell apart, and consumer lost control of vehicle.

Filed Jan 15, 2002 · Engine · WI

The oil leak has been ongoing since I purchased the car and I took it several times to the dealer as well as other mechanics to determine the problem. I was told that it was just the oil pan leaking and not to worry about it. Now I find out that the head gasket needs to be replaced at a cost of over $600.00. The vehicle isn't even paid for yet. I also had to replace the alternator this past fall. I also had a clunking noise in the front end whenever I turned and after searching the web I find that there was a recall on the ball joint for this year and model. I don't remember getting a notice about that and shouldn't the dealer have thought about that recall notice when I had my car in repeatedly for this problem and they couldn't seem to find out what was wrong? Instead they replaced the bearings and tierod ends. I am getting really frustrated with daimler chrysler over this vehicle. After all the reported complaints just on this website and you know there are more out there, chrysler should stand behind their products and at a minimum do a 50-50 for replacement of these defective parts. You can bet I won't be buying another chyrsler product.

Filed Nov 30, 2001 · Engine · MN

I have a 1997 dodge stratus that I took in for overheating they replaced the thermostat, flushed the radiator, and replaced a belt. Then three days later my car was still overheating so I brought it in again and this time the head gasket was blown due to oil leaking and the exhaust manifold was cracked. This was not cheap to fix all of this and prior to this happening I had to pay $650 to get brakes in front and back, roters, and replace the hydraulics in the rear brakes. Both tie rods have broke also in the past two years. So overall I have had to stick a lot of money in to a fairly new vehicle. I don't expect to replace this much stuff on vehicle unless it is 10 years or older. I would like to contact chrysler to see if they would provide any help. I see by the other complaints listed that the head gasket seems to be a common problem.

Filed Sep 12, 2001 · Suspension · NY

The lower control arms and ball joints were replaced due to corrosion, however upon leaving dealership, consumer was informed by a service manager that part was under recall(#750) the service manage advised consumer to request reimbursement from chrysler, consumer contacted chrysler and was informed that the part was know to be defective and to send in all documentation, consumer then received a letter stating that he had not met the required conditions of the recall, consumer states he complied the with control arms inspection per recall on dec 15, 1998 but at that time there was no immediate problem.

Filed Aug 23, 2001 · Steering, Suspension · NY

Both the right and left side lower control arm and ball joint assemblies had to be replaced. This problem was addressed by recall #750. The repair work was performed at the dealer and paid for before consumer was advised of the recall. I have attempted to obtain reimbursement for the $633.00 cost and the $49.95 plus 8% sales tax with no luck. Request was denied for the reason that "although the recalled parts failed they didn't fail for the recall reason." consumer was also not given the old parts for an independent inspection. *ak daimler chrysler denied reimbursement stating that this case fell into general maintenance.