First horn was blowing out of control, than the engine we got it fixed, or so we thought ,than got the starter fix drove it 2 weeks and now it turns over but does nothing so it's sitting in my yard not working and am sick of it so far I have paid out over a grand and this car don't work just why,oh god just why.I have paid some of everything you think of one that car I have had it towards so much state farm wanted to cancel my insurance, okay let's begin.starter replaced,eg road valve senser,valley + pipe, ignition coil,ignition relay,temperature senser,ignition wire, rotor, injector, brush, bearing ball, december frame not to mention the labor my god. And now it sits in my yard am tired really.
The worst 1998 Dodge Stratus problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine123
- Brakes43
- Transmission24
- Steering19
- Airbags17
- Suspension17
- Electrical11
- Seat belts11
- Acceleration9
- Visibility7
- Fuel system5
- Locks3
- Body2
- Lights2
- Seats2
- Wheels2
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Dodge Stratus
Fire or smoke 16Ball joint 15No deployment 11Brake failure 8Grinding brakes 7Oil consumption 7Seat belt 5Stalling 5
Recalls 3
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
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The right rear brake tube can contact the exhaust system clamp and wear a hole in it.
- Risk
- Daimlerchrysler recall no. 843. If this happens, the tube could leak, reducing the effectiveness of one-half of the diagonally split braking system, and resulting in longer stopping distances.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the brake tubes for visible evidence of contact with the exhaust system clamp. If the tube shows evidence of contact, it will be replaced. If no evidence of contact exists, the tube will be fastened with a clip.
Recall number 99V244000 · 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
See all 3 recalls for the 1998 Dodge Stratus
Defect 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
Safety belt cinching latch plate
There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, odi found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations. Additionally, the report rate is low (1.60/100k).the information available fails to establish the existence of a defect trend at this time.further allocation of agency resources to this issue is unwarranted and the preliminary evaluation is being closed.
PE02082
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Dodge Stratus 79
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number
- Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the...
- Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard...
- Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to...
- Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision...
- Service
- Valve Body
- Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether...
- Air conditioner and heater performance. tt
- Seat belt cinch bar service for various models including 2004 models. tt
1998 Dodge Stratus fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 23 | 33 | 27 |
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 28 | 22 |
| 2.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 26 | 20 |
What 1998 Dodge Stratus owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Left front upper ball joint broke
The ABS and the braking system quit working I got on the freeway and I had breaks by the time I got three off ramps later to get off the freeway I had no brakes they didn't work in the pedal went all the way to the floor causing and accident
Having issues with dash and headlight dimming,also radio goes off and looses memory,door locks won't work when radio goes off. Burnt out defogger relay and power amp fuse with no power amp, also had to replace horn relay yet taking all those relays out and problem still happens. Already checked lighter assembly, that was popping amp fuse. Fixed that still happening. Also goes through 1 quart of oil a month but no leaks under the car when moved. ?????? Help!!!!!! The oil problem should fall under hazardous meterials act if all these cars are dumping used oil all over this country.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge stratus. While the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenace, it was discovered that the front ball joint and control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. On two separate occasions, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The dealer determined both times that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired both times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Several years later, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition switch. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 04v021000 (power train) and 98v183000 (power train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 5,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge stratus. While performing an oil change, the contact noticed that the lower ball joint and control arms were rusted. The contact stated that the lower ball joints and control arms were replaced four months ago. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge stratus. The contact stated that the gear shifted from park without the key in the ignition. The contact also stated that the key became stuck in the ignition. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v02100 (power train), however, the vehicle was not affected at the time and no repairs were done. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
I started the car, placed my foot on the brake and it went to the floor. I exited the vehicle and found a large pool of fluid on the right front of the car. Abs and brake light came on. Master cylinder was near empty. I had the car towed to my local mechanic and he found that all the brake lines (6?) were leaking at the ABS pump. This is the car my wife drives. My wife! I am anal with regard to my vehicles condition and maintenance. To have a failure like this on a what is supposed to be a "quality american made vehicle" is absurd and totally unacceptable! My brothers 1999 honda, my step son's 1991 nissan stanza (recently sold) a 1993 geo prizm (I.e. Toyota corolla!!!) recently sold had zero rust on any brake fitting, brake line or fuel line. I had no brake issues previously.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge stratus. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when it ignitied into flames. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire and a fire report was filed. The fire department concluded that the fire originated from the high pressure power steering hose. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was advised that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency recall campaign id number: 06v001000 (steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections) dealt with the 1999-2002 dodge stratus and not the 1998 even thought the failure was caused for the same reason. The failure mileage was 175,000.
1998 dodge stratus right front tire blew out while pulling into a toll booth lane. *kb ohio traffic crash report # 10-0765-90.
Compare the 1998 Dodge Stratus
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Questions about the 1998 Dodge Stratus
Is the 1998 Dodge Stratus reliable?
Owners have filed 272 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Stratus, 3.6 times a typical Stratus model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Dodge Stratus?
Engine and cooling, with 123 complaints, typically around 65,000 miles. Next is brakes (43).
How many recalls does the 1998 Dodge Stratus have?
3 recalls, covering power train and service brakes, hydraulic.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Dodge Stratus get?
Official estimates for the 1998 Dodge Stratus range from 20 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 23 city and 33 highway.
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