1997 DODGE STRATUS

7 recalls, 451 complaints - 85 TSBs

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Defect Description

FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HO... Read more

Consequence

IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.

22,689 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Defect Description

QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE S... Read more

Consequence

SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.

5,787 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE LLC

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Defect Description

CERTAIN TIGAS FUEL PUMP MODULES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AND P/NOS. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES ARE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURE OF THE FLAPPER VALVE WAS OUT... Read more

Consequence

FUEL RESTRICTION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR ENGINE STALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-461-1834.

39,243 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: TI GROUP AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LLC

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

Defect Description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.

Consequence

EITHER CIRCUMSTANCE MAY RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AWAY WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOAD-LIMITING PUSH ROD INTO THE FLOOR SHIFTER LEVER OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

2,315,768 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

Defect Description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE CABLE CONNECTING THE CONSOLE SHIFTER MECHANISM TO THE IGNITION KEY CAN CAUSE A TRAPPED KEY CONDITION WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOW FORCE REQUIRED TO DEPRESS THE SHIFT BUTTON. A COMBINATION OF APPLYIN... Read more

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE "IGNITION-PARK" INTERLOCK SYSTEM WILL BE NONFUNCTIONAL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM. ANY VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL AFTER THE INSPECTION WILL HAVE THE SHIFT MECHANISM AND CABLE REPLACED WITH A "SELF-ADJUSTING" DESIGN.

685,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Defect Description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN SEPARATE DUE TO LOSS OF LUBRICATION.

Consequence

SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BALL JOINT END HOUSING COVER SEAL FOR LEAKAGE WITH A HIGH PRESSURE AIR TESTER AND THE RUBBER BOOT WILL BE VISUALLY INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE. IF THE COVER SEAL LEAKS OR THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WILL BE REPLACED.

599,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Defect Description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING CAN DISENGAGE FROM ITS RETENTION HOLE IF THE HOOD IS SLAMMED SHUT.

Consequence

IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS SIMULTANEOUSLY WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PRIMARY LATCH, THE HOOD WOULD NOT BE RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING WITH A LONGER END HOOK SPRING.

219,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION

Complaint Statistics

451 total complaints 34 crashes 44 fires 29 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	117
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	32
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	23
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	19
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL	18
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	17
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD	8

Incident date: Oct 3, 2020

NOTICE A SMELL FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING OPEN THE HOOD FIRE PUT THE FIRE OUT NOTICE POWER HOSE HAD LEAK IN IT I FEEL DODGE SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS MALFUNCTION

Fire

Incident date: Apr 9, 2018

TAKATA RECALL, HORN DON`T WORK, MILLAGE DON`T WORK ,GAS LIGHT COMES ON AND NEDDLE MOVES UP AND DOWN ALOT

Incident date: Apr 9, 2018

TAKATA RECALL, HORN DON`T WORK, MILLAGE DON`T WORK ,GAS LIGHT COMES ON AND NEDDLE MOVES UP AND DOWN ALOT

Incident date: Apr 20, 2013

EITHER THE OIL LIGHT OR CRUISE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND CAR LOSES ALL POWER. I HAVE TO PULL OFF ROAD AND PUT CAR IN PARK TURN IT OFF AND SOMETIMES IT WILL JUST START RIGHT BACK AND SOMETIMES I HAVE TO WAIT FOR ABOUT 30 MINS FOR IT TO START BACK. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR SINCE MARCH OF 2013 AND IT HAS D... Read more

Incident date: Dec 31, 2011

TIRE HAD A BULGE AT THE BEAD LINE. HAD A SLOW LEAK AND WAS OUT OF BALANCE. I RETURNED THE TIRE TO FIRESTONE. THEY SHOWED ME THAT THE TIRE WAS MISSING RUBBER AT ALONG THE TIRE BEAD AND WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AT NO CHARGE. *KB

Incident date: Sep 6, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL FILLER HOSE WAS LOOSE AND WOULD NOT KEEP FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPRO... Read more

Incident date: Oct 16, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. THE POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE HOSE WAS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. THE 2.4 LITER ENGINE HAD A LEAK DIRECTLY ABOVE THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANT... Read more

Incident date: Jul 18, 2010

CAR WAS SITTING FRONT OF MY DAUGHTER'S HOUSE AND IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. CAR WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED. *TR

Fire

Incident date: Sep 28, 2009

LOSS OF POWER AND STALLING. WHILE ON HILLS IT HAS NO POWER ON ME SHUTS OFF ON ME EVERY WEEK. SAID THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR FIXING THAT DODGE DEALER ISN'T RESPONSIBLE FOR CHARGES. *TR

Incident date: Jan 27, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DEACTIVATE. HE MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL MECHANISM, BUT... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT PROPERLY RETRACT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM BOLTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL. HE ATTEMPTED TO LOCATE THE PARTS AT VARIO... Read more

Incident date: Oct 10, 2007

THE CLEAR COAT ON THE PAINT BEGAN COMING OFF. IT STARTED ON THE ROOF AND TRUNK LID AND HAS NOW BEGUN TO SPREAD TO OTHER PARTS OF CAR. *TR

Incident date: Jun 19, 2008

POWER STEERING HOSES DEVELOPED HOLES THROUGH THE WHOLE HOSE MASSIVE FLUID LOSS NOW POWER STEERING PUMP HAS FROZE AND THE CAR ONLY HAS 67 THOUSAND MILES FOR 97 YEAR 95 % OF MILES HIGHWAY ALSO A/C COMPRESSOR AND A/C DASH SWITCH BOTH NON WORKING WITH FULLY CHARGED COMPRESSOR AND ALL RELAYS AND FUSES... Read more

Incident date: Jun 19, 2008

Incident date: Oct 21, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NORMAL. SHE NOTICED OIL LEAKING AFTER THE CRASH. THE REPAIR SHOP STAT... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Oct 21, 2007

Crash

Incident date: May 26, 2006

I WAS GOING TO MY COUSINS GRADUATION AND HAD ASKED AN OFFICER ABOUT PARKING WHEN HE DIRECTED ME WHERE TO GO WHEN I TURNED I HEARD A POP AND SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED OUT AND THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO A TOWING YARD, AND... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Aug 5, 2006

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO ENGAGE WHEN ACTIVATED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. THE VIN APPEARED TO BE INVALID.

Incident date: Dec 10, 2006

MY DODGE STRATUS HAD AM ENGINE FIRE ON 12-10-2006 AS I WALKED AWAY FROM THE CAR AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 20-25 MILES TO MY DESTINATION . A MAN RAN UP AND ASKED ME IF THAT WAS MY CAR THAT WAS ON FIRE AS I TOOK A LOOK I IMMEDIATEALY CALLED THE FIRE DEPT AND THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT WITH OUT ANY ONE BRING HURT.... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Apr 1, 2005

HAVE CONTACTED DODGE/DAIMLER-CHRYSLER SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT TRANSMISSION ON MY 1997 DODGE STRATUS GOING OUT. HESITATION ON SHIFTING INTO GEAR, SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR AND BACK IN ON TURNS, TRANS LEAKS, SLIPPING INTO GEAR SUDDENLY AND JERKING THE CAR, AND SO ON. CAR HAS ONLY 66,000 MILES ON IT NOW AND I ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 12, 2006

AUTO TRANSMISSION. 1997 DODGE STRATUS 2.5L WITH AUTO STICK. TRANSMISSION LEAKAGE AND FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT ABOVE SECOND GEAR, AND GEAR SLIPS. *NM

Incident date: Aug 1, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL WIRE ACCORDING TO THE FIRE MARSHAL. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND NOT BEING DRIVEN. THE FIRE WAS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE WAS NOTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT THE WAY THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING BEFORE THE FIRE.

Fire

Incident date: Mar 30, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE CHANGING THE OIL THE HINGE FOR THE HOOD SEEMED LOOSE. THERE IS NHTSA RECALL # 97V095000 REGARDING THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.*AK

Incident date: Jan 23, 2006

DT*: 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 DE... Read more

Incident date: May 18, 2003

WE HAD FREQUENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE CAR AND TOOK IT TO THE LIBERTY DEALERSHIP IN JOHNSTOWN, OH TO GET THEM FIXED UNTIL WE GOT TO THE POINT THAT IT WAS GOING TO TAKE MORE THAN THE CARE WAS VALUED TO GUARANTEE THE FIX. THESE ITEMS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER OUR WARRANTY. ONE DAY AFTER PULLING IN... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: May 18, 2003

1 injured

Incident date: Aug 12, 2005

DT: CONTACT'S WIFE WENT INTO WALMART AND 15 MINUTES LATER 1997, DODGE, STRATUS CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE PARKING LOT. THE ORIGINATED FROM UNDER THE HOOD, POSSIBLY AROUND THE BATTERY BOX OR THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THIS HAPPENED ON JUNE 5, 2005. THE ONLY PROBLEM THE CON... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Dec 24, 1999

DT: THE VEHICLE IS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. AT 27,000 THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE CUT OFF. WHEN THE CONSUMER HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY REPLACED THE TIMING BELT AND PULLEYS. AT 39,000 THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. WHEN IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 24, 1999

Incident date: Jun 28, 2005

DT: DODGE STRATUS 1997. CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING TRANSAXLES FLOOR SHIFTER PARK INTERLOCK. CONSUMER SAID THAT IT BROKE, CAUSING THE AXLE TO MALFUNCTION. WHEN TURN THE CAR ON CONSUMER COULD SHIFT THE SHIFTER INTO GEAR WITHOUT PUSHING THE BUTTON ON SHIFTER OR PRESSING THE ... Read more

Incident date: May 23, 2005

STEREO AND MIRROR QUIT WORKING HALF WAY THROUGH A TRIP TO ST. PAUL. CHANGED FUSE, SMOKE CAME POURING OUT OF THE TOP RIGHT OF THE DOOR PANEL. FUSE BLEW. TOOK DOOR APART. SWITCH TO ELECTRICAL SIDE VIEW MIRROR HAD SHORTED. MELTED DOWN INTO HARNESS. BIG FIRE HAZARD BECAUSE DOOR INSULATION IS RIGHT THERE... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2005

DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. SHE SAYS THAT HER VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TOLD HER THAT THE FIRE STARTED BY A SHORT IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE PANEL. SHE CONTACTED DODGE AND THEY SAID THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM AND IT WAS NOT ON R... Read more

Fire

Incident date: May 7, 2005

VEHICLE FIRE

Fire

Incident date: Aug 28, 2004

THE VEHICLE WAS USED TO TRAVEL FROM HOME TO A CINEMA; WAS PARKED, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. AFTER CINEMA SESSION ENDED THE DRIVER AND PASSANGERS WERE SURPRISED TO SEE THE FIRE DEPT TURNING OFF A FIRE THAT IGNITED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS; THE FIRE IGNITED UNDER THE MOTOR, TO THE DRIVE... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Mar 1, 2005

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SHIFT OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH OR MORE. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE MAY BE INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION BECAUSE OF THIS CONDITION. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.*AK

Incident date: Dec 19, 2004

POWER STEERING SUPPLY HOSE RUPTURED. FLUID DRIPPED ON TO EXHAUST AND CAUSED A FIRE. *AK

Fire

Incident date: Aug 28, 2004

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE . THE FIRE WAS EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND WHEEL WELL AREAS. *NM *SC

Fire

Incident date: Aug 28, 2004

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE . THE FIRE WAS EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND WHEEL WELL AREAS. *NM *SC

Fire

Incident date: Oct 14, 2004

WHILE HAVING THE HEATER CORE REPAIRED DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL INTO THE COOLING SYSTEM AND ONTO THE GROUND. THIS WAS A COMMON FAILURE WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND THERE WERE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS LISTED ON THIS ISSUE. *AK

Incident date: Oct 14, 2004

Incident date: Jan 1, 1901

RECEIVED RECALL TRANSAXLE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION/PARK INTERLOCK. TOOK TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS. *BF THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE ALREADY DONE. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT HE HAS NO IDEA WHEN THE REPAIRS WERE MADE BECAUSE HE HAS NO INVOICE.... Read more

Incident date: Oct 2, 2004

DROVE HOME FROM WORK. PARKED CAR IN PRIVATE LOT. APPROXAMATELY TEN MINUTES LATER. NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS NOTIFIED ME THAT THE CAR WAS SMOKING. UPON RESPONDING. I NOTICED THAT THE CAR HAD FLAMES COMING FROM UNDERNEATH ENGINE AND HOOD AREA. CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT IT WA... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Sep 14, 2004

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 97V201000 CONCERNING LEFT CONTROL ARM. CONSUMER HEARD A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. HOWEVER, THE DEALER DID NOT WANT TO DO THE REPAIRS AT THEIR EXPENSE.*AK

Incident date: Sep 20, 2004

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE CONSUMER STATED A MECHANIC WORKED ON THE VEHICLE AND STATED THE VEHICLE HAD AN ELECTRICAL LEAKED. *JB

Fire

Incident date: Sep 9, 2004

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER FORE INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE AND HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK

Incident date: Aug 12, 2004

WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CONTINUE RUNNING. *JB

Incident date: Jul 20, 2004

CONSUMER'S SON WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND HIT A DEER ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE HOOD. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WAS $2500.00 IN DAMAGES.*AK

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 9, 2004

WHITE SMOKE AND WATER COMING OUT OF TAILPIPE. MORE THAN LIKELY BLOWN HEAD GASKET.SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEMS FOR THESE CARS.DODGE SAYS ITS NOT ON RECALL BUT I THINK IT SHOULD BE!!!!!!*AK

Incident date: Apr 6, 2004

A VERY SMALL "DRIP...DRIP...DRIP" OF OIL STARTED AROUND 47K MILES. DRIP BECAME A GUSH BY 50K MILES. OIL WAS FLOWING OUT OF THE HEAD GASKET AS FAST AS I COULD PUT IT IN. (YEAH, BIG SURPRISE, HUH?!) THANKS, CHRYSLER, FOR STANDING BEHIND YOUR PRODUCT AND MAKING GOOD ON YOUR SCREW-UPS. TYPICAL AMER... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2002

I HAD NOTHING BUT MAJOR PROBLEM WITH MY DODGE STRATUS IT'S ONLY A 1997 WITH 86,582. I BOUGHT IT USED WITH 23,000 IN JANUARY OF 1999 FROM A CAR DEALER. I HAVE SPENT $2,335.30 IN REPAIRS IN 2002&2003 IN MAY & JUNE OF 2003 I SPENT $1,678.31 & $656.99 IN JULY 2002 STARTING WITH BRAKES BEING CONTAMIED ,... Read more

Showing 50 of 451 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1997 DODGE STRATUS

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	19.0	29.0	23.0	Regular	$2,700
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	23.0	34.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	18.0	28.0	21.0	Regular	$2,950
2.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	18.0	26.0	21.0	Regular	$2,950
2.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	18.0	26.0	21.0	Regular	$2,950

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 DODGE STRATUS

85 manufacturer communications from 79 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	8
350000 EQUIPMENT	6
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	5
160000 STRUCTURE	5
162700 STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID	4
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	4
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	4
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3

350000 EQUIPMENT

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are nece

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

160000 STRUCTURE

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

160000 STRUCTURE

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

160000 STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

160000 STRUCTURE

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

160000 STRUCTURE

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the following list that are marked **** for th

592000 CHILD SEAT:TETHER: CONNECTOR/CLIP (SECURES TOP OF CHILD SEAT TO VEHICLE)

150000 SEAT BELTS

SEAT BELT CINCH BAR SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 MODELS. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC

135200 VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *SLC

135200 VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

SUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

EXHIBITING ROUGH IDLE, HARD START AND START & STALL.*CLS

350000 EQUIPMENT

SUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES INSTALLATION OF A NEW COMPONENT TO ASSIST CAM SEAL RETENTION. *JB

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB

220000 SEATS

SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

140000 AIR BAGS

SUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT

175200 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERING INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASES FOR SELECTION VEHICLES. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SUBJECT REGARDING MISDIAGNOSED LEAK DETECTION PUMP SYSTEMS WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1494, P0442 P0455, OR P0456. *TT

145000 AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT

010000 STEERING

VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE CLUNKING OR RATTLE IN STEERING WHEEL/STEERING COLUMN. *MJS

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

SUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

INFORMATION REGARDING 2.5L V-6 HEAD GASKET APPLICATION. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING MULTI-LAYER STEEL (MLS) HEAD GASKET INSTALLATION PROCEDURES. *TT

220000 SEATS

INFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT

162700 STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

DAIMLER CHRYSLER IS NOW OFFERING INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SUBJECT PERTAINING TO A MISSING REAR CUP HOLDER SLIDE CLIP. *TT

162700 STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

DIAMLER CHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERING INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT

162700 STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

INFORMATION PERTAINING TO INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE DEALER REIMBURSEMENT. *TT

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

THIS BULLETIN EXPLAINS THE OPERATION AND APPLICATION OF THE LEAK DETECTION PUMP (LDP) MONITOR TEST. *TT

162700 STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID

SUBJECT REGARDING THE INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE. *TT

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

CONDITIONS WITH INTERMITTENT LOSS OF SPEED CONTROL. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SUBJECT REGARDING REUSABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SERVICE AND PARTS INFORMATION ON 1999 RUNNING CHANGES TO TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) *TT

145000 AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY

SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG ON - OFF SWITCHES. *YC

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SUBJECT REGARDING OIL SEEPAGE AT CAM POSITION SENSOR / MISINTERPRETED HEAD GASKET LEAK. *YC

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

A NEW MULTI-LAYER STEEL ( MLS ) HEAD GASKET HAS BEEN DEVELOPED AND IS BEING IMPLEMENTED INTO PRODUCTION VEHICLES. *YC

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

SUBJECT REGARDING I/M ( INSPECTION MAINTENANCE ) TESTING - OBD II "CARB" READINESS MONITOR INFORMATION. *YC

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

SUBJECT ON FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *YC

145000 AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY

SUBJECT REGARDING THE AIRBAG ON-OFF SWITCHES. *YC

106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

INFORMATION ON DIAGNOSTIC / DRIVEABILITY IMPROVEMENTS, TRANSAXLE THAT INCORPORATES A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) ONLY. REDUCES A SHUDDER CONDITION THAT MAY BE EXPERIENCED DURING LIGHT THROTTLE 1-2 UPSHIFT. *AK

015000 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

POWER STEERING SYSTEM NOISE FOLLOWING COLD ENGINE STARTS IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *YC

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SUBJECT ON LABOR OPERATION TIME CHANGE FOR DOMESTIC 2.OL DOHC AND 2.4L HEAD GASKET REPLACEMENT. *YC

020000 SUSPENSION

INTERMITTENT POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE MAY BE HEARD FROM EITHER SIDE. *YC

106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

SUBJECT ON DELAYED TRANSAXLE ENGAGEMENT. *AK

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

INFORMATION ON INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT. *AK

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CONDITION WITH THE A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE. *YC

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

EXCESSIVE COLD CRANK TIME, START DIE OUT OR WEAK RUN-UP, SAGS/STUMBLE/HESITATION AFTER A COLD START, IDLE RPM CYCLING. *YC

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CONDITION WITH INDICATOR BULB DOES NOT LIGHT. *YC

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

PREVENTING ANTENNA MASTS FROM BECOMING LOOSE, A CHANGE WAS IMPLEMENTED TO INCORPORATE A TORQUE PREVAILING FEATURE ON THE ANTENNA MAST. *YC

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

UPSTREAM 02 SENSOR SHORTED TO VOLTAGE ALONG WITH POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF SAGGING/HESITATION OR ROUGH IDLE. *AK

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

INFORMATION ON GASKET SURFACE PREPARATION ON ALUMINUM ENGINE COMPONENTS. *NLM

103600 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

CONCERNS WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID AUXILIARY COOLER. *NLM

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

INFORMATION ON POOR DRIVABILITY WITH HIGH DI (DRIVABILITY INDEX) FUEL. *NLM

021600 SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

CONCERNS WITH LOW FREQUENCY RUMBLE/ GEAR TYPE NOISE FROM FRONT OF VEHICEL. *NLM

021000 SUSPENSION:FRONT

FRONT OF VEHICLE EXPERIENCING A LOW FREQUENCY RUMBLE/GEAR TYPE NOISE. *YC

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

INFORMATION REGARDING NHTSA AUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *NLM

140000 AIR BAGS

AUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *YC

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

INFORMATION ON NO START DIAGNOSTIC CAM/CRANK SENSOR $01 AND $28. *NLM

011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

CONDITIONS WITH STEERING WHEEL SHAKE AT IDLE. *YC

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CONCERNS WITH A/C EVAPORATOR ODOR. *NLM

011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

STEERING WHEEL SHAKE AT IDLE. *TW

190000 TIRES

INFORMATION ON TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT. *NLM

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CONCERNS WITH "BUMP" FEEL DURING A/C COMPRESSOR ENGAGEMENT. *NLM

102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION ON 41TE/42LE SERVICE INFORMATION. *NLM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

CONCERNS WITH ENGINE COOLANT USAGE. *NLM

062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

VARIOUS CAR OWNER'S HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN USING ENGINE COOLANTS MADE WITH PROPYLENE GLYCOL INSTEAD OF ETHYLENE GLYCOL. *YC

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

INFORMATION ON LEAK DETECTION PUMP (LDP) DEALER TEST MODE. *NLM

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

2.4L CRANKSHAFT/CAMSHAFT TIMING. *TW

102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

CONDITION WITH TRANAXLE SHUDDER DURING A 3RD GEAR TO 3RD GEAR PARTIAL EMCC ( ELECTRONICALLY MODULATED CONVERTER CLUTCH) ENGAGEMENT, 3RD GEAR PARTIAL EMCC TO 4TH GEAR PARTIAL EMCC ENGAGEMENT, OR 4TH GEAR TO 4TH GEAR EMCC ENGAGEMENT. *YC

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

CONCERNS WITH 41TE/42LE TRANSAXLE SHUDDER DURING AN EMCC (ELECTRONICALLY MODULATED CONVERTER CLUTCH) SHIFT. *NLM

116200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

ERRONEOUS MIL ILLUMINATION WITH HEX CODES $6A, $77, ERRONEOUS PCM RESETS, SHIFT CYCLING, COLD ENGINE STUMBLE, BUCKING. *TW

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

AIR BAG WARNING LABELS. *TW

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

RKE INADEQUATE/INTERMITTENT OPERATION. *TW

161000 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

DIFFICULT TO CLEAN LIGHT COLORED "CHALKY" RESIDUE FROM PLASTIC BODY COMPONENTS THAT ARE MOLDED IN BLACK. *TW

015000 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

POWER STEERING SYSTEM CHANGE. *TW

DODGE STRATUS - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the DODGE STRATUS across all model years (1995, 2006).

94 Total Recalls

3,621 Total Complaints

0 Investigations

295 Reported Crashes

273 Reported Fires

5 Reported Deaths

DODGE STRATUS - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2007	0	2	View
2006	3	110	View
2005	6	99	View
2004	7	196	View
2003	6	110	View
2002	6	193	View
2001	14	269	View
2000	9	270	View
1999	7	344	View
1998	7	334	View
1997 (current)	7	451
1996	11	776	View
1995	11	462	View
1992	0	1	View

Other DODGE Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
DURANGO	234	19,190	View
CARAVAN	213	14,304	View
GRAND CARAVAN	203	18,754	View
CHARGER	200	8,152	View
RAM	176	5,521	View
DAKOTA	153	9,250	View
CHALLENGER	102	2,357	View
RAM 3500	91	3,817	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1997 DODGE STRATUS

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1997 DODGE STRATUS

Technical Service Bulletins, 1997 DODGE STRATUS

Most Affected Components

DODGE STRATUS - All Years Overview

DODGE STRATUS - Year by Year

Other DODGE Models