1998 Dodge Stratus: excessive oil consumption

Filed Nov 1, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · IA

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.

Filed Oct 12, 2004 · Engine · FL

Re faulty head gasket on 1998 chrysler dodge stratus. *bf the faulty head gasket caused oil to leak from the engine. The consumer had to put at least 1 quart every other day and even then the oil barely register on the dipstick.

Filed Mar 7, 2004 · Engine · OH

My 1998 dodge stratus is leaking oil to the tune of 2 quarts every 7-10 days. 2 mechanics have looked at it and both feel it is at the very least a defective head gasket and possible rear seal? Both have told me it will need about $20 in parts but cost in excess of $800 to fix. I feel this is ridiculous. This has been a problem for some time now and though it started slow at first, it has now become a real safety concern. After researching the internet, I find that this is really a common problem and the manufacturer even redesigned the head gasket because of it but has offered no recall or assistance to the owners that bought the cars on good faith. Please advise as to what you intend to do.

Filed May 24, 2003 · Engine · 65,000 miles · NV

"the famous head gasket failure that nobody wants to touch". Yes, I have a 98 dodge stratus that is leaking at the head gasket. I had to buy one of those flat pans to catch the oil in while the car is parked in the garage. My 2 year old got out there the other day and decided to play in the used oil. Is this not a safety issue? Having to keep a pan of dirty oil under a car? I drain it once a week and get at least 1 quart. (and have to pay to dispose of it) come on here! So, on top of the fire hazard (hot oil on a hot catalyst), now we have poisoning issues with our children. Is anybody going to help us, or should we just start the whole class action lawsuit? I am sure there are enough people here to back me up on this. According to all of the complaints here, dodge already knows about it and made a stronger gasket to replace it with.

Filed Jan 31, 2003 · Engine · LA

While driving and without warning the head gasket blew causing oil to leak. Dealer notified. Ts

Filed Mar 30, 2002 · Engine, Fuel system · GA · 1 injury

My dodge stratus/98 has recently began giving me a load of problems.it all began summer 2001 with the drivers side door not being able too close.I did not think anything was wrong untill I attempted to continuously close my door and it would not shut.so I looked carefully and the latch that locks the door in place was comming undone.I than tried to make the door shut but the problem was greater than that.the screw was gone and the second was almost out of tact.the labor and screw replacement along with the towe cost me around $60.00.than luck would have it the same incident occured again on the left-hand front passenger side with labor and parts costing $30.00.the problem with my engine began in november, I had noticed that my car oil and engine warning had appeared so I took my car to a mechanic had oil-filters,air-condition fluid,water,& engine all checked and repaired.the mechanic told me all I needed and $360.00 was well invested.I thought all was fine but the service signal for oil and sometimes engine were constantly appearing. I took my car back and the mechanic told me that I needed more oil and when did I last have my car checked,I advised him that it was not long ago he than emphasized that I was lucky my car had not locked.the next week the same thing but another mechanic.he told me my oil was leaking he could not determine from where so he recommended I change my oil-filters,oil brand and put car on machine dialiysis.he did all this totaling $73.00.yet a week later I'm having to place up to three quarts of oil every week.I contacted a local dodge dealer here in eastman ga 31023 and he told me of daimler luck would have it you all had just sent me notification of brake change. I made the complaint and no one contacted me so now today I had a bad accident my car completly stopped leaving me stranded and when my car stopped it jerked me leaving me stunned but concious and my car is now out of service.

Filed Mar 14, 2001 · Engine · CT

Head gaskets blewout, causing oil leakage. Dealer has inspected vehicle.