Dodge Stratus overheating problems

Filed Jun 17, 2016 · Engine · 120,000 miles · TN · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge stratus. While the vehicle was idling in traffic, the temperature gauge indicated that the vehicle was overheating. The contact later observed smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Aug 6, 2012 · Engine · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge stratus. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine began to overheat without warning as smoke emitting from under the hood. The contact smelled fuel inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine would need to be replaced. There was a recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 00v299002 (engine and engine cooling:engine) however, the contact's VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Aug 27, 2010 · Steering · 40,000 miles · AL · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge strauss. The contact was driving 65 MPH as he noticed smoke emitting from the steering column. The headlights and blinkers failed yet there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was shut off and the smoke vanished. The dealer advised that the multi-function switch within the steering column overheated and burned. The multi-function switch would need replacing yet the parts needed for the repair were on back order. The manufacturer was called and a complaint was filed. A representative was sent to inspect the vehicle and confirmed the failure. The manufacturer advised that they were awaiting a response from their legal department before proceeding with any type of repairs. The failure and current mileage was 40,000.

Filed Aug 18, 2009 · Engine · 70,000 miles · PA

On 9/3/08 I had brought my 2002 dodge stratus 2.7l v6 in for a coolant system flush. I was charged $129.95. Soon after, I smelled burning coolant, but the dealership had said it was just excess burning off. Two weeks later on 9/23/08, I was on rt 1 to out to my sister-in-laws in lancaster, pa, when my car overheated and had to shut it down on an off ramp. I got out of the car, and all the coolant was leaking out. I had it towed back to miller dodge, and they had informed me my water pump has failed and has to be replaced, along with the timing tensioner chain. It cost me $628.63. I had argued with the dodge dealership because they just did maintenance involving the water pump, and now it is dead. They said I would have to fight with chrysler about it. I found a bulletin on mycarstats.com regarding my engine that the water pump appears to fail after a coolant flush is performed. The bulletin id # 0700202, mfg bulletin date: 20020204, and the federal safety agency item # 629131. I called chrysler about it and they said they would not pay for it. I am still fighting that fight now, almost a year later. I feel that if the coolant flush damages the water pump, that it is a defect, and chrysler should pay for the cost of repairs. I do not feel I am getting any where with chrysler, and now I am reporting it, hopefully for some kind of solution.

Filed Jan 31, 2008 · Engine · 88,000 miles · FL

While driving at approximately 30 MPH, my car started to overheat. When I pulled over, the coolant was pouring out of the engine. I had the car towed to a garage and was told that it failed the "block test" meaning that it needed a new head gasket. I took the car to a second garage and was told the same thing. This is a known failure that has been happening since the car was produced. The manufacture needs to cover the parts and labor of this repair. I was told by my local dealer, dayton andrews dodge, that this particular car is not covered under the earlier recall.

Filed Jun 8, 2007 · Engine · 37,053 miles · WI

I had my dodge stratus (which has 37053 miles) have a radiator fan go bad for the second time in approximately 2-3 months. I replaced the radiator fan the first time due to the fact that it took me 5 minutes to do and was an easy fix (approximately february/march timeframe). On monday, may 14, 2007, I was driving my vehicle home from northern wisconsin when my temp gauge skyrocketed to the top of the gauge. After pulling over at a safe location (was in a construction zone) and having the dealer tow the car to the lot, I came to find out that my engine was now bad due to overheating and loss of coolant. The radiator fan had failed the exact same way as it had before and this time caused severe damage to my vehicle. My radiator fan was no longer under warranty so I had replaced it myself back in february/march. All-in-all chrysler says they will not cover anything under warranty (engine and drivetime under warranty until 70000 miles) because the fan I had installed failed and caused the damage. I firmly believe that it is due to a lack of quality in the part, thus causing failure and termination of my vehicle. I'd like to get this resolved but dont know where to turn for help. I have pictures of the fan's failure the first time after removing it from the vehicle.

Filed Apr 13, 2007 · Engine · 109,000 miles · TN

Tl* - the contact owns a 2001 dodge stratus with a current and failure mileage of 109,000 miles. The contact was driving at 55 MPH when the vehicle overheated. The thermostat light turned on, and the contact pulled over. After turning the vehicle off the contact noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The contact did not try to restart the vehicle, and had it towed to firestone car care, who determined that the engine seized, but did not specify how or why.*ak the consumer stated there should be a recall for the engine as she has found numerous complaints on the internet pertaining to the defect. Updated 07/10/07

Filed Mar 6, 2007 · Visibility · MO

Chronic failure in blower motor for the heating/AC. Unit has model specific problems with overheating presenting a fire hazard as well as a driving hazard. Blower motor overheats causing malfunctions in the transistors and/or the diffusers which in turn causes the heating/AC fan to malfunction which makes driving dangerous when defrost or defog is needed. Replaced three times in and out of warranty. Jb

Filed Feb 8, 2005 · Fuel system · 19,367 miles · WI · fire

My wife was driving our children to school in the morning. Just a few blocks from home, the engine light went on. Then a lady in another vehicle suggests to my wife that her vehicle may be overheating as little smoke was coming from under the hood. My wife called for a tow truck, but the vehicle caught fire and was totaled.

Filed Sep 21, 2004 · Engine · 86,000 miles · WI

While driving vehicle overheated. Consumer had to stop to constantly add coolant. Took vehicle to dealer for an oil change. Dealer found that the head gasket blew out. Oil had sprayed from the front end to the back end of the vehicle.