9.6
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$375.00
Average Mileage:
57,882 miles
Total Complaints:
15 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (14 reports)
- badly needed tuneup (1 reports)
engine problem
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Dodge dealer.
Helpful Websites About 2004 Dodge Stratus car stalls while driving
2008Jan 01
Stratus 2.0L V4
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
The car sputters while driving, especially when the AC / Heater / Fan is on. I'm forced to put my car in neutral while stopped so that I can rev the engine to keep it from stalling. The check engine light has been on for the last 6 months, but thus far, the mechanic can't seem to figure out why, as the onboard computer does not show the light being on. Imagine that. This car has been nothing but a headache since I purchased it. I would never recommend this car to anyone.
2008Nov 18
Stratus SE 2.4L 4 cyl.
- Automatic transmission
- 138,000 miles
bought this car in 2005, had it for three years with no problems all of a sudden when i pull out my drive way backwards my car start jerking back and forth really hard and also i notice a clicking sound when i accelerate does anybody have any idea what it might be. also since i had this car it stalls when i drive it. had it checked out know body knew what was wrong.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Aug 10
Stratus SE 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
Mr. Christopher R. Kettenbach
9829 Caminito Marlock #38
San Diego, CA 92131
August 20, 2008
Chrysler Service Contracts Inc
Attn: Customer Relations Manager
P.O. Box 7086
Troy, MI 48007-7086
Dear Customer Relations Manager:
This letter in regards to my service contract #23013588 for VIN#1B3EL36R34N235538 2004 Dodge Stratus. I purchased the vehicle on 10/14/06 and it had 50,000 miles on it. I have put approximately 36,000 miles on the vehicle and have done routine oil changes every 3 � 4,000 miles. I have changed the oil myself by draining the oil and replacing the oil filter and new oil. I have no receipts for this and was not aware I was required to keep detailed records of this. Nowhere in my service do I see anything that says to.
On 08/10/08 my car began stalling and I was able to get it towed to Jack Powell Chrysler Dodge in Escondido, CA for service. Mike Lewis recommended I have the engine dismantled to further investigate the problem. Upon his investigation he saw metal shavings and �sludge� near the bearings. He contacted you and you sent a 3rd party investigator to take a look at the problem. It was the inspector�s decision that the problem was due to lack of maintenance and the repairs would not be covered.
This is absolutely preposterous! I have taken excellent care of my car and was a very happy customer until this incident. I am requesting in writing an appeal to this decision and demand that the car be repaired as designated in my service contract. I purchased the additional warranty for the comfort of knowing that if something like this were to happen I would certainly be covered. I contacted your company and was told this is the proper channel to make this request. The person I spoke to said you replace engines everyday and doesn�t see why this would be a problem.
I need to have this repaired as I cannot possibly afford what it would cost to replace the engine. I am a good customer and I cannot understand why my service contract is basically useless. These repairs must be covered and there was in no way a lack of maintenance. Please take whatever actions are necessary to resolve this matter in a timely fashion. I refuse to just be swept under the rug in my time of need. I purchased this service contract so I could have the peace of mind knowing that if something like this were to happen I would be fully covered. It�s unfortunate that the engine has failed but as a valued Chrysler customer, I would think that you would be there when I needed you.
I have included a quotation directly from your website stating that with an official Daimler Chrysler Service Contract I can be guaranteed fair and honest service. It even references the same problem I am having with my car regarding oil and �sludge�.
http://www.chrysler-warranty-online.com/myth
See Myth #3
Myth #3: Aftermarket warranties provide full coverage.
The Truth: Many people who buy aftermarket warranties are seriously disappointed at claim time. Aftermarket companies often deny claims because they�ve built loopholes like these into the fine print:
� sequential damages (sustained when a non-covered part breaks a covered part)
Result: Claim Denied!
� overheating breakdowns (your radiator wasn�t checked or serviced on time)
Result: Claim Denied!
� slight engine sludge (you didn�t have your engine oil changed and documented every 3000 miles)
Result: Claim Denied!
These are just a few of the loopholes. There are hundreds of others. The only warranty plan that can guarantee fair and honest service is the Daimler/Chrysler Service Contract Plan!
I feel I am being treated extremely unfair and I will not tolerate it.
I am eagerly waiting for your response as I am now without a vehicle and would like this problem to be corrected as soon as possible. I have since moved from 4975 Clairemont Mesa Blvd #319, San Diego, Ca 92117 and I have included my current address at the top of this letter. Thank you for your time. I hope this matter can be resolved quite quickly.
Respectfully Submitted,
Christopher R. Kettenbach
2008Jul 18
Stratus SE 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,235 miles
First time this happened to me - 80K miles and the engine just stopped - I was able to pull off the road into a parking lot - turned the key off, waited a couple of minutes and restarted. From all the other listings - looks like I will be experiencing this again. Any solutions out there?????
2008Mar 10
Stratus SE 2.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 63,000 miles
Runs fine for about 5 minutes until it stalls. It limits my rpm to about 2500 rpm. I've had it checked many times but no one can find anything wrong with it. I don't even want to attempt to get on the freeway. I HATE THIS CAR!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2006Aug 04
(reported on)Stratus LE
- 79,000 miles
This is the worst car gas mileage wise that I ever owned. It gets maybe 22 miles highway and much less town. It acts as if at times it can't even get gas. With the cost of gas these days, I hate my 2004 Dodge Stratus.
2007Jun 11
(reported on)Stratus SXT V4
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
Alot like the problems listed above. Car stalls without warning. Rough idle. We have taken this car to the dealer 4 or 5 times, spent $450.00 and problem still isn't fixed and now they tell me that they cannot duplicate the problem. The car also loses power without warning like it can't get any gas or something. This almost caused me to get hit by a truck. Even called Chrysler's headquarters and they are not willing to help out in any way since the so-called dealers say there is nothing wrong. It seems kind of funny that I drive this car everyday and this problem occurs everyday but when they drive it for about a week they say it runs fine. These American cars are JUNK. Go buy a Nissan, Toyota, or Honda!!!! Save yourself the trouble.
2007Aug 05
(reported on)Stratus EX 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 24,000 miles
This car IS A PIECE OF CRAP!!! Have had this car for three long years and it started the same week we drove it off the lot. The dealer wanted nothing to do with us. Told us the car was fine. They eventually got sick of me calling and complaining, so they gave me a rental and said they replaced a computer chip in the engine compartment. It absolutely did nothing to fix the problem. I have a son, which he was with me when I've broken down on Major Highways and busy intersection. Dodge is the worst company as far as customer service!!!! DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!!
2007Jan 13
(reported on)Stratus SE
- Automatic transmission
- 30,000 miles
Car stalls infrequently once every month for no apparent reason, driving or sitting at idle. Almost caused an accident. Dealer says there is nothing they can do if it doesn't stall for them in the shop. I read a report about a rubber or silicone flapper in a fuel pump valve that might be the likely cause. The flapper ixpads and blocks the flow and engine stalls. I intend to keep calling the dealer and documenting the problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Jan 09
(reported on)Stratus 2.7L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Mostly like the other complaints, while driving car was stalling like it was not getting gas, extremely rough idle and would die at red lights. Sometimes would not start back up if it was in reverse when it died. Average idle rpms was around 400 (on a good day sometimes). Had full engine diagnostics done they said these cars are known for timing belt issues but mine was in good shape nothing wrong but for every 1 hit the car would have 2 misses basically losing 75% of my engine power. Had to do full tune-up (usually something not done till you close to 125 to 150K miles this just hit 65K. Though to fix it so far $375.00 bucks and it is running like new but makes me wonder maybe how long?
2006Aug 15
(reported on)Stratus
- 32,000 miles
Besides the stalling which everyone else mention (the car turns off in the middle of driving). Swallows gas like crazy. I calculated and get about 12-14 mpg. Feels like your driving an SUV rather than an sedan because of all the gas it uses. Had the car for only 1 year and trading it in as soon as possible.
2006Apr 19
(reported on)Stratus SE
- 63,000 miles
As described in other comments, the engine stalls so bad. First 5 min after cold start, it works fine, but once engine warmed up, stalling starts any RPM. Wating on the traffic singal, and trying to accerate, engine stalls like it starves for gas. Also it stalls arount 2000rpm while cruising. Motor itself is imported from Japan (Mitsubishi manufactures). But, untrustable American made fuel injection systems and engine management system. Even dealers can't fix it. American car sucks...
2006Mar 29
(reported on)Stratus ES
- 30,000 miles
Like the other complaint here, this lame car stalls, sputters, jumps, kicks and all without warning. Shakes a bit while driving but really acts up when slowing or stopped. This is the worst car I've ever had in my life.
2004Dec 10
(reported on)Stratus SXT
- 5,000 miles
the car stalls a tops, it rough idles, and will also lurch forward without warning. the dealer has never been able to duplictae the problem. they tell me the car is fine. I was almost hit by a dump truck when it stalled in the middle of an intersection
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Nov 03
Stratus 2.4L Dohc
This vehicle has been nothing but problems! We bought this vehicle used approximately 2 years ago with approximately 50,000 miles. It currently has 86,000 miles and let me begin to describe the problems.
1. After a recent oil change (on time & scheduled) the engine came to a complete halt at an intersection. It was later determined that there was no oil pressure getting to the cams, and it forced the cams to seize, and bend a valve in the head. This required a fix of a brand new head replacement. Unfortunately, no direct evidence was shown as a direct correlation to the oil change.
2. After this problem (2 days & $2500 later) the engine now has a check engine light on. It stalls abruptly at idle. The engine will not rev over 2500rpm. I was told this is a PCM problem by one mechanic, so I took it to the dealer. The dealership told me it was 'out of time'. Well, it's in time & there are pictures to prove it. Now no one knows what the hell is going on. Not even the dealership. What a joke.
Aaron L.
Lubbock, TX, USA
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