1996 Dodge Stratus Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 1996 Dodge Stratus, 11% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 60,500 miles. The words owners use most often: “head gasket” (18% of reports).
- 60power train complaints
- 60,500median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 54%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Head gasket: mentioned in 11 of 60 complaints (18%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 4 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 60 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 1 an injury.
Dodge Stratus power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Stratus | 4 | 5% | 34,664 |
| 2005 Stratus | 3 | 5% | 33,350 |
| 2004 Stratus | 12 | 8% | 37,980 |
| 2003 Stratus | 6 | 8% | 48,306 |
| 2002 Stratus | 21 | 14% | 59,750 |
| 2001 Stratus | 20 | 11% | 53,000 |
| 2000 Stratus | 21 | 10% | 55,870 |
| 1999 Stratus | 34 | 14% | 79,000 |
| 1998 Stratus | 24 | 9% | 78,000 |
| 1997 Stratus | 36 | 10% | 58,000 |
| 1996 Stratus | 60 | 11% | 60,500 |
| 1995 Stratus | 55 | 17% | 70,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift
Problem: 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.
Risk: Either circumstance may result in the vehicle rolling away without warning.
Fix: 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.
Power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch
Problem: 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 applying a mis-adjusted release button with a low force attempt to shift out of park with the key in the locked position, can break the connecting pin in the shifter.
Risk: If this happens, the "ignition-park" interlock system will be nonfunctional.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge stratus. While the vehicle was parked at a gas station, the contact was informed that her vehicle was smoking under the hood. She was able to take the vehicle to the repair shop and the mechanic stated that the engine compartment suffered a melt down. A report was…
Won't shift out of second to third, the motor just revs up and you have to slow down to under 30 mph before it stops. *tr
Dt: the contact received a recall letter about 3 or 4 months ago. She forgfot about it and found it about 2 weeks ago. She made arrangements to have the recall repairs done. Tthey were not repairing the vehicle in a timely manner. She talked to dealer on 7-5-05 and they still had not fixed it. She…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 1996 Dodge Stratuss have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 60 owner complaints about power train for the 1996 Dodge Stratus (11% of the 554 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Dodge Stratus power train?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do power train problems start?
The median reported mileage is 60,500 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about power train problems on the 1996 Dodge Stratus?
The most frequent phrase is “head gasket”, in 11 of 60 complaints.
Other 1996 Dodge Stratus problems
See all 1996 Dodge Stratus problems or power train problems across all Stratus years.