2002 Dodge Stratus: complete transmission failure

Filed Jan 15, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 108,700 miles · CA

Noticed slight gear slippage travelling 35-45mph. All fluids checked, at proper levels. A week later, engine 'jerked' when coming to complete stop, check eng light illuminated. Progressively worsened. Once engine warmed up, started hearing a 'whirring' noise from lower-middle area of engine. Stopped @ local repair shop, they checked fluids and vac hoses, noise stopped, but noticed coolant in reservoir side 3/4 full & boiling, temp gauge on dash 'normal'. Next day, while cold, I checked coolant level in reservoir (left side) still full, (hadn't flowed back thru system once cool). I added water to 'fill line', checked condition of pressure cap (looked fine), placed & tightened, started engine, let run a few minutes, loosened 'air bleeder' on top of coolant bleeder hsng. Then I slowly shifted thru all gears, w/foot on brake, let air bleed til solid stream of liquid and shut car off. Waited an hour, started up and drove. Ck eng lt= off. Fine for a few days, same issues started up again. Louder 'whirring', like a belt or band slipped. Irratic shifting, trans never failed. Ran both code tests on dashcluster=no dtcs. Jan 2014-drove to dodge dealership: disposition: replace mopar 41te trans. My lost wages / loss of veh use(dec/jan) + burden of a loan to replace the transmission = more than I paid in full to buy the car barely 6 months ago. Unfair to customers: ongoing computer and PCM/transmission failure since 1999. The 'oops' tech spec-correct trans fluid atf+4 how many damaged & failed transmissions? Refused to honor powertrain warranty!! And continued placing. Shame on all of the corporate executives & engineers that got rich from robbing the consumers. You were 'successful failures' mopar, chrysler-dodge-daimer-iacocca, etc. 90+ tsbs, no recalls. Class actions dismissed! Time for the consumers to prevail. Time for a california class action!!

Filed Jan 17, 2008 · Suspension, Transmission · OK

I drive a 2002 dodge stratus,at 40,000 miles transmission completely failed costing me 1300 dollars to replace,at 62,000 the second transmission failed me again,another 1300 dollars,now at 90,000 miles transmission is having problems down shifting on a downward incline,3,000 miles ago I was driving at 35 MPH when the lower ball joint completely broke on driver side, wheel came completely off costing me 700 dollars to repair,was just informed the passenger side is going out now.

Filed Sep 27, 2005 · Transmission · 59,000 miles · NC

The automatic transmission failed at 59,000 miles on my 2002 dodge stratus. The vehicle started to make a popping sound under the hood on the drivers side. The sound was intermittent for about 3 months. On september 22, 2005, the vehicle began to make a loud whistling sound and started to shift hard and/or delay shift. I took the vehicle to a repair shop and it was diagnosed with a hard part transmission failure. The total cost of repair was $2100.00 and the vehicle went out of warranty at 50,000 miles.

Filed Nov 8, 2004 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · NJ

1st occurree was shortly after purchasing the vehicle. Engine light came on, needed new egr valve. After full inspection of vehicle on a very bright day I found slices in side walls of two tires and the door panel drivers side was broken. Car brought to dealer, said to have ordered parts and replaced tires. Tires not replaced. Few weeks later, front tire blow out. Major ordeal with dealer and warranty company to be re-imbursed. Shortly after that car became very sluggish, check engine light came on and an odor or burning rubber was present. Brought vehicle to dealer was informed the soleinoid to transmission was cligged andwas replaced at my cost. Two weekes later the entire transmission went vehicle had 58,000 miles. Had vehicle towed to a dealer close by to have repairs completed, place of purchase dealer stated noone works on our vehicles. Car transported and transmission replaced. Next after transmission was replaced, same problem occurred and vehicle became disabled, results a speed control sensor in transmission was replaced at my cost out of pocket. Again just yesterday, vehicle became disabled, towed to dealer now awaiting disposition.

Filed Feb 3, 2004 · Transmission · 38,000 miles · IL

While driving at 20 MPH automatic transmission failed.

Filed May 1, 2003 · Electrical, Transmission · TN

Within one week of purchase the consumer had to have a new transmission installed. Now the brake lights illuminated when the vehicle made turns. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the consumer was told that they will not look at it because the vehicle was not under warranty. The consumer wants to know what she can do.