1998 Dodge Stratus: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Jun 23, 2011 · Steering · 175,000 miles · NC · fire

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.

Filed Dec 7, 2007 · Steering · 112,000 miles · OH · fire

Car was leaking power steering fluid so we kept on adding more until we could save enough money to get the problem fixed(around $350.00, no small fee for a working family!)then, the smoking got worse until one day it just caught on fire! I couldn't put it out with an extinguisher, the fire department had to put it out and now the car is totaled! Can we still get a recall?

Filed Aug 28, 2007 · Engine · OH · fire

1998 dodge stratus caught fire under the hood. *kb ohio traffic crash report.

Filed Jun 4, 2007 · Fuel system · 124,000 miles · LA · fire

I am filing this complaint to have on record this incident and seeking questions already posed to daimler chrysler. I informed daimler chrysler by email, that my 1998 dodge stratus caught on fire with my daughter. On may 23, 07 on peoples court a 1997 dodge stratus was burnt to a crisp because of the power steering hose. A porter hill @ 248‑944‑7134, from daimler chrysler contacted me regarding the date that this incident took place and the location of the vehicle. That they would be coming to see the vehicle. I just received a letter today from daimler chrysler customer claims resolution group with no signatures reading that they have completed their investigations into the incident and they have denied the claim. That further inquiries be directed to the insurance company. I had inquired to know from chrysler if they had other reported incidents with power steering hoses causing fires to this type of vehicle and whether this vehicle had any recalls. Yet, no one has answered this question.

Filed Dec 6, 2006 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · MD · fire

Dt*: the contact stated while pulling into a parking lot, smoke was noticed coming from under the hood. The front hood was raised, and flames were noticed on top of the engine. There was nothing unusual about the way the vehicle had operated prior to the fire. The fire department was contacted, and extinguished the fire. The type of fire and exact component involved was unknown. The vehicle was towed to a local dealership, where it was deemed totaled. The contact planned to notify the manufacturer after filing a complaint with the federal safety agency. A police report was not taken, but there were pictures available.

Filed Jan 11, 2006 · Steering · FL · fire

Car started smoking under the hood and then it caught on fire the owner of the store had to call the fire department. The car is not drivable as everything under the hood is burnt.

Filed Nov 21, 2005 · Engine, Steering · IL · fire

1998 dodge stratus caught on fire in the engine compartment. Daughter turned a corner when the power steering went out. She pulled over as the engine caught fire. It was extinguished by the fire department.the car was totaled.

Filed Sep 29, 2005 · Acceleration · 95,000 miles · KS · fire

Dt: the caller's son was driving and without warning the throttle stuck. He tried to pull the foot pedal up with his foot but it did not stop the vehicle. He went through a stop sign and almost lost control of vehicle, but finally got the vehicle to stop by turning off the ignition. The caller said the brakes were on fire. The fire department was not called. The vehicle reached the speed of 80 MPH. Dealer has not been contacted yet. Will take vehicle to her own mechanic. Manufacturer said there was no recall and she should take the vehicle to dealer to get it repaired.*ak the problem was the cruise control modulator.

Filed Jul 26, 2005 · Engine · MD · fire

Dt: consumer stated vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle was smoking , and took it to the repair shop. They could not find anything wrong with it. The fire started while the vehicle was in use. It started smoking where the oil filter was the vehicle has not been inspected to see why the fire started. The fire department did come, but the report should be available today or tomorrow. This happened on sunday july 24, 2005. The brakes were serviced about 5 days ago. Also a police report was issued.

Filed Mar 18, 2003 · Engine · 76,000 miles · OH

1998 stratus, 78000 miles, leaks oil badly. Started about 76000 and has worsened. Hope this can't catch on fire.

Filed Mar 9, 2003 · Engine · 78,000 miles · OH

At 78,000 mile delevoped a bad oil leak, don't know if it can catch on fire. It sure smells bad.

Filed Sep 17, 2002 · Engine · IA

While traveling noticed a burning smell and oil stains under vehicle. Dealer has been contacted, and indicated that head gasket needed to be replaced. *akconsumer spoke to a dodge representative who informed consumer that this was a common problem with these vehicles.