NHTSA Defect Investigation #EA03011

AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK: Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Floor Shift**

RECALL »

Recall #04V021000

** This defect investigation is filed under 2 related vehicle components.
1996 DODGE STRATUS -- The manufacturer reports above are based on DaimlerChrysler¿S (DC) analysis of model year (MY) 1998 (population = 356,384) and 1999 (population = 486,948) JA, JX and LH family subject vehicle data (earlier MYs excluded).the population number includes all MYs.the precise number of duplicates between ODI and DC reports cannot be determined due to missing or incomplete information.the fatality incident involved an elderly person who attempted to stop a roll away vehicle and received fatal injuries.ODI also gathered information on MY 1997-99 Prowler vehicles in this investigation. The Prowler vehicles were manufactured with a different design shifter mechanism (the shift lever is shorter).there are no complaints of Prowler interlock failure in ODI¿S database, and DC has received no reports either.the Prowler is excluded from the recall scope.the investigation involved a condition where the interlock system could fail (or be made inoperative by the operator) during vehicle use, possibly inadvertently.the interlock system is required under FMVSS 114.with the transmission in the park position and the ignition key off, the combined action of pressing the shift button and pulling the shift lever rearward may result in the operator overcoming the interlock system and cause the mechanical linkage of the system to disconnect.when this occurs, there is no overt indication to an operator that the system is defeated, and an increased risk of vehicle roll-away exists.under recall 04V021, DC will replace damaged shift mechanisms, and will install on all vehicles a device which inhibits the operator¿S ability to overcome the interlock and defeat the system.beginning with MY 2000, DC incorporated a brake and transmission shifter interlock (BTSI) system into the subject vehicles.introduction of BTSI involved design changes to the shift mechanism, one of which resulted in reduced mechanical advantage (RMA) of the shift button.the RMA shifter requires increased forces to overcome the interlock system, making the shifter less susceptible to damage. Investigation was initiated on July 17 2003. Closed on January 30 2004. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA03011 »

NHTSA Defect Investigation #PE02082

SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE: Seat Belts

CLOSED

no recall issued

1996 DODGE STRATUS -- There are no injuries or fatalities associated with this alleged defect.while conducting this investigation, ODI found that the subject cinches meet the load bearing requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, and that many of the reported failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations. Additionally, the report rate is low (1.60/100K).the information available fails to establish the existence of a defect trend at this time.further allocation of Agency resources to this issue is unwarranted and the preliminary evaluation is being closed. Investigation was initiated on November 06 2002. Closed on April 23 2003. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE02082 »

NHTSA Defect Investigation #EA97016

LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILURE: Suspension

RECALL »

Recall #97V201000

1996 DODGE STRATUS -- Alleged front suspension may collapse due to failure of lower control arm ball joint; loss of vehicle control may result. Investigation was initiated on September 29 1997. Closed on November 20 1997. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA97016 »