1997 Dodge Stratus problems
Owners have filed 451 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Stratus with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 39.2% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 10.4%.
Complaints451
Crashes34
Fires44
Injuries29
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 39.2% · 177
Service brakes, hydraulic 10.4% · 47
Power train 8.2% · 37
Electrical system 7.1% · 32
Air bags 5.3% · 24
Steering 4.7% · 21
Suspension 4.7% · 21
Vehicle speed control 4.4% · 20
Severity
Of those complaints, 34 describe a crash, 44 describe a fire and 29 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Dodge Stratus in this data, 1997 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 1996 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 6 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 80,183 miles.
In owners' own words
Head gasket leaking oil. Was told that there has been allot of problems with this part. Chrysler gave me the run around on the phone. The dealership said the new head gasket is a new design meaning that the original is defective. I realize that I have allot of mileage on my vehicle, but considering that we have kept up with the required maintenance, there should not be a problem with the head gasket. Engine and engine cooling
: The contact stated while driving at no particular speed, the check engine light illuminates and the vehicle completely stalls. After stalling, the vehicle restarts following an extended period of time. Although the vehicle has been seen by a dealer and multiple repairs have been made, the dealer was unable to remedy the stalling problem. The rear freeze plug was leaking. Updated 03/09/06. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 106,000 miles
I put my car in for an oil change every 3,000 miles. Today, when I had my oil changed, my mechanic advised me that I have a head gasket oil leak and that this is a common problem with Dodge vehicles. My 3 year warranty expired in october, but I am hearing that this should be covered under a 5 year warranty. I would like warnock to repair this problem, under warranty. Engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Dodge Stratus years
1995 462 complaints · 25.1% engine and engine cooling 1996 776 complaints · 46.4% engine and engine cooling 1998 334 complaints · 36.8% engine and engine cooling 1999 344 complaints · 19.5% service brakes, hydraulic 2000 270 complaints · 24.4% steering 2001 269 complaints · 22.3% engine and engine cooling