This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Impressed with the sporty style of my sister's 4-door Dodge Stratus, I purchased one for my wife in 1998 (a 1998 Dodge Stratus). It wasn't long before my sister began having problems with her car. I blamed her and told her that she was too rough on her car (she has a lead foot). My wife and I take very good care of our cars and I was confident we would not run into the same problems. Well, recently I noticed the presence of a small oil-puddle were my wife keeps her car. I learned that the head gasket was in need of replacement. I've yet to have this done but was quoted and estimate of $700-750. The mechanic informed me that this was a very common problem for the Stratus. So common that he predicted the diagnosis before ever looking under the hood. My Stratus only has 55,000 miles on it. Its been well maintained and driven with care. Turns out, my sister had the same problem (head gasket failure) at/near 65,000 miles. In typing the words "Dodge Stratus head gasket" in an internet search many articles, complaints, and reviews noted this all-to common problem. I also learned many of those who have had this failure received zero to little compensation/compassion from the manufactuer for the obvious defect. It appaers Dodge has identified this problem and has re-designed the gasket multiple times. Two seperate mechanics informed me that I can have the gasket replaced but I should expect the problem to happen again soon after. This doesn't seem fair. I understand defects occur but feel people should be compensated when they do. Dodge needs to stand behind their product and admit they are responsible. This defect has led to much frustration.. a response of what I should/can do would be appreciated
I have a 1998 Dodge Stratus with a 2.4L 4 cylinder engine with 86,000+ miles that has recently developed a head gasket oil leak. I am aware that this is a common problem with this engine and the associated tsb(09-05-98). When I noticed the leak, I took my car to the dealer in town and was told that the regional office denied my request for payment of the repair. I did not have the repair done, but got an estimate for $800. Next, I contacted the Chrysler customer service line in detroit, mi.(1-800-992-1997). I was told politely that they would like to help me but that my car was too far out of warranty and that there was no warranty extension for this problem. I asked why some people received assistance for the same problem while others did not, and was told that "this office would not have authorized those payments". I asked for a number or address to make an appeal to this decision and was told that they had already made the final decision, there was no one else to appeal to, and the decision would not be overturned.
Check oil light alerted me to a problem which was confirmed by a licensed mechanic. The problem is a blown head gasket. While car was in the shop, mechanics suggested I look for a recall. None at the present time. Talked to Dodge dealer. Was told that since I had over 75000 miles and a non-Dodge mechanic was repairing the problem, there was nothing they could do. It has become obvious that this is a growing problem. This should be addressed as a recall. I caught it early. Dodge should step up and fix the problem, regardless of the number of miles on the vehicle. Some poeple properly maintain their vehicles.
- Mobile, AL, USA
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I noticed my car oil light came on - so I checked the oil and much to my amazement I showed no oil level on the dip-stick so I added oil until it showed on the dip-stick which ended up being 2 qts low. Since January I have added at least 3 qts a day, costing me a numerous amount of money. Also my windshield has been cracking since Feb, 99 the crack has almost reached the drivers side.
While driving into a parking lot the rubber boot is too small that it won't slide over the coupling mechanism to keep something from getting into it. The factory issued floor mat got caught in the turn coupling, and driver couldn't turn the wheel. Avoided a near miss. Contacted dealer.
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- Lakeville, MN, USA