2003 Dodge Stratus: engine stalls while driving

Filed May 21, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 88,000 miles · OH

Was stopped at a traffic light and the car "chugged" and then stalled. It restarted immediately and I passed through traffic. This has happened about 8-10 since it's first occurrence. Last occurrence was in a drive-thru waiting for service and the car "sputtered" and then stalled. It took several attempts to get the car started again.

Filed Jan 6, 2009 · Engine · 95,000 miles · MA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge stratus. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to safely maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that abnormal sludge in the engine caused the failure. The repair would cost approximately $4,000. The engine size was 2.7l with six cylinders. The vehicle has not been repaired. He called the dealer and was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer did not assist. The failure and current mileages were 95,000.

Filed Jul 14, 2008 · Electrical · 92,000 miles · MI

My girlfriend and I we're pulling out of a gas station and turning to the right when suddenly we heard a "snap" and the car stalled. It started right back up, where I was then greeted by my air bag dummy. Horn and cruise control no longer work either. Talked the dealership and they said it would cost at least $80 worth of "investigative work" to make sure it was a clock spring (which I could tell the second it happened). Said that the part and labor would be $200 after the detective work of course. No recall, not available at parts stores, so no driver air bag for me. Hope dodge recognizes the problem, it's all over the internet.

Filed Mar 9, 2006 · Engine, Steering · 20,000 miles · IL

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted and taken to the dealership which determined the sensors needed to be replaced. Also, the power steering failed. The dealership determined the power steering pump leaked causing the failure.

Filed Jan 7, 2005 · Electrical · NC

Consumer jump started the vehicle it started up, and then stalled. A popping noise was heard coming from the front. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer, and mechanic determined that the battery exploded and needed to be replaced.

Filed Jul 14, 2004 · Electrical · 25,000 miles · KY

While turning left vehicle stalled. Dealer stated the computer system malfunctioned. As a result, the check engine lights came on and the trunk popped open.

Filed Aug 17, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · 9,183 miles · KS

The 2003 dodge stratus we own is not safe for driving. Rapidly overheating and shutting down, near accident with sudden stalling in traffic, regulators on the engine fan going out, headgaskets having to be replaced. Car is not a year and has been serviced 2 times and still malfunctions. Just got car back from shop and have to return it, because it is not idling properly. Constant problems with vehicle.

Filed Aug 2, 2003 · Electrical, Transmission · 1,500 miles · AZ

I have 2003 dodge status with the 2.4l 4 cylinder engine and automatic transmission. After coming back from a trip, most of which was at freeway speeds, I was stopped at a red light with my foot on the brake when the engine speed suddenly jumped from idle speed to 2000 rpms. The car luched forward causing me to almost hit the car in front of me. At the next 2 stops the engine speed jumped from idle speed to 1400 rpms. For the next week the problem did not happen again during normal around town driving. The following week I again had to make another trip at freeway speeds and this time stitting at stop signs the engine idle would sometimes drop to the point of almost stalling then recover. I have taken the car twice to the dealer and they can find nothing wrong. The second time a mechanic went with me and witnessed the idle speed dropping. The service manager at swanty's chrysler contacted the factory and he told me yesterday that per the factory this is common to chrysler 4 cylinder engines in hot weather. The days the engine acted up the most were very hot. The temperatures were 128 and 124 degrees. The engine idle slowing problem is annoying to say the least, but the engine speeding up is a safety hazzard. The last time I took the car in I was about to leave the dearler and the engine was idling in park and I did see the idle speed jump up once to 1400 rpms. Myself and my wife are very concerned and the dealer is stumped. There are no trouble codes showing, but I feel this is a computer problem because the engine and transmission computers are under the hood and our commom 120+ degree days are causing the computers to malfunction because of the extremely high under hood temperatures. I have also noticed that my fuel mileage is dereasing significantly which could be related to this problem. The dealer has been very understanding and has been trying to help, but this seems to be a factory defect.