1998 Dodge Stratus problems
Owners have filed 334 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Stratus with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 36.8% of them — the clear leader, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 17.7%.
Complaints334
Crashes30
Fires19
Injuries24
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 36.8% · 123
Service brakes, hydraulic 17.7% · 59
Power train 7.2% · 24
Steering 5.7% · 19
Suspension 5.7% · 19
Air bags 5.1% · 17
Electrical system 3.3% · 11
Seat belts 3.3% · 11
Severity
Of those complaints, 30 describe a crash, 19 describe a fire and 24 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Dodge Stratus in this data, 1998 sits 5th by complaint volume. 1996 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 11 in the last three years against 7 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 75,628 miles.
In owners' own words
My head gasket hasn't totally blown yet but my car is going through a quart of oil a week. I've had the gasket cover replaced and new spark plug wires installed. Oil still coming out . I take care of my car but not through the dealer. I had to replace the rotors at 16000 miles. Albany Dodge said that they could resurface them for $90 a piece. I believe the rotors should not have been messed up at that time. Engine and engine cooling
On three occasions, consumer noticed engine oil and service engine soon lamp had illuminated, dealer found engine oil was leaking, but could not determine from where, dealer changed engine oil, replaced oil filter, and checked engine, but problem still exists, consumer is placing up to three quarts of oil every week. Vehicle stopped completely causing vehicle to jerk violently and causing an accident. Engine and engine cooling
Engine headgasket failure. I have a 1998 Dodge Stratus with a 2.4L and a year ago when I noticed that my engine had a very significant oil leak coming from the head gasket. The car has 75000 miles. I contacted Dodge recall center and they told me that there is no recall for this problem. I have called for repair quotes and it can range from 600 to 800 dollars to repair. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 75,000 miles
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 1997 451 complaints · 39.2% 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