1999 Dodge Stratus

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/26/2001· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  MY SENSORS WENT BAD IN JULY 2001. I HAVE REVIEWED SEVERAL RECALLS ON THE CAR AND NONE HAVE BEEN REPLACED. I HAVE WARRANTY ON MY CAR, BUT THEY ARE MAKING ME PAY HALF (1000.00) AND I SHOULDN'T BECAUSE THERE HAVE RECALLS ON FUEL LINE FITTINGS, STEARING GEAR ASSEMBLY, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE: PULLEY:CRANKSHAFT, BRAKES. I TAKE MY CAR TO GET SERVICE. THE WARRANTY COMPANY SAYS, I DID NOT MAINTAIN IT AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY LETTERS CONCERNING THE RECALLS. I HAVE A LEMON AND I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. THE RECALLS BEGAN 9/23/2001. JIM BURKE SHOULD HAVE NEVER SOLD ME THE CAR. I AM HIGHLY FRUSTRATED. THE OIL HAD BEEN LEAKING OUT OF MY CAR AND NO LIGHT CAME ON. THE WARRANTY SAYS I AM RESPONSIBLE. I AM NOT.*AK

• 12/26/2001· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  I HAVE BEEN PURCHASING BRAKE PADS EVERY SIX MONTHS. THERE IS A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE ON THE BRAKES. I HAVE REVIEWED RECALLS, BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN REPLACED. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY LETTERS CONCERNING THE RECALLS. THE TWO RECALLS ARE 99V244000 (HYDRAULIC:LINES) AND 00V196000 (HYDRAULIC LINES). JIM BURKE BUICK NEEDS TO REPAIR WHATEVER NEEDS TO BE DONE. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH MY BRAKES, BUT I AM NOT QUITE SURE.

• 12/21/2004· STEERING,SUSPENSION

  A ROUTINE TRIP TO HAVE NEW TIRES PUT ON MY 1999 DURANGO LEAD TO MAJOR REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THEY COULD NOT DO THE ALIGNMENT DUE TO BAD UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. WHEN TAKING IT IN FOR FURTHER INSPECTION ANDSERVICE, THEY HAD TO REPLACE "SLOPPY" UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AS WELL AS ADJUST THE LOOSE STEERING GEAR. (THE STEERING HAS ALWAYS BEEN LOSE BUT THEY'VE NEVER DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNTIL NOW). THE ITEMIZED WORK SHEET DOES NOT INDICATE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED, YET STATED THEY WERE. AND BAD UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WAS NOT THE FULL EXTENT OF WHAT WAS WRONG. WE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE TIE RODS AND SWAY BUSHINGS. ON A VEHICLE THAT IS 5 YEARS OLD, HAD 55K MILES AND DRIVEN CONSERVATIVELY, THESE MAJOR REPAIRS SHOULD NOT BE NEEDED. THANKFULLY THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS.*AK

• 12/21/2001· AIR BAGSCrash

  WHILE COMING TO A STOP, AND THEN PROCEEDING TO TAKE OFF AT ABOUT 25 MPH ANOTHER CAR CAME FROM AROUND THE CORNER, AND CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFOMATION.*AK

• 12/20/2004· SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENTCrashFire

  L999 DODGE DURANGO UPPER AND OR LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURES ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS OVER A FOUR YEAR PERIOD. UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS USED AS ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER INSTALLED AND REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE KNOWN TO BE DEFICIENT ACCORDING TO NHTSA, AND ACCIDENTS AS WELL AS EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT COSTS HAVE OCCURED. I AM NOW IN MY FOURTH REPLACEMENT CYCLE, WITH UPPER BALL JOINTS HAVING BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AND THE LOWERS NOW IN THEIR SECOND TIME. NHTSA HAS FAILED TO INCLUDE L998 AND L999 MODEL YEARS, ALLOWING DAIMLER CHRYSLER TO SLIP THE NOOSE REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAME DEFECTIVE PARTS USED IN 2000-2004 MY VEHICLES. NHTSA SHOULD REQUIRE DODGE TO INCLUDE L998, L999 MODEL YEARS IN ITS RECALL INVESTIGATION. DODGE CUSTOMER SERVICE REJECTED MY TWO SEPARATE APPEALS FOR REPLACEMENT OR REIMBURSEMENT, ONE IN 2003 AND THE OTHER IN 2004 PARTS FAILURE DATES WERE 12/27/01, 12/27/03, APRIL '04 AND ON 12/L8/04.*AK

• 12/20/1999· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  CONSUMER FEELS 26 DAYS IS TOO LONG TO WAIT TO HAVE RECALL REPAIRS MADE FOR BRAKES (RECALL # 99V244000). NLM

• 12/19/2004· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENTFire

  ON DEC. 12, 2004 MYSELF, MY DAUGHTER , & HER STEP-DAUGHTER WERE ON OUR WAY TO GO SHOPPING APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES FROM HOME. WE STOPPED AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES AND ATE LUNCH, THEN CONTINUED THE OTHER 15 MILES. WE EXITED THE 1999 DODGE STRATUS AND ENTERED THE STORE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MINUTES, AN IN-STORE PAGE WENT OUT THAT A VEHICLE OF OUR DESCRIPTION WAS SMOKING BADLY. WHEN I LOOKED OUT THE STORE WINDOW, I SAW THE VEHICLE WAS MINE. I RAN OUT TO THE PARKING LOT TO FIND MY CAR (1999 DODGE STRATUS) MOTOR WAS ON FIRE WITH FIRE COMING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE MOTOR AND BLACK SMOKE BOILING OUT. BY THE TIME EMERGENCY VEHICLES ARRIVED (POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT), MY CAR WAS FULLY IN FLAMES. FIRE FIGHTERS EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE FINALLY, BUT MY CAR WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED. THE HOT-SPOT ON THE HOOD WAS ON THE DRIVER SIDE NEAR THE WINDSHIELD. *JB

• 12/16/1999· VISIBILITY

  BOTH REAR VIEW MIRRORS ARE POWER AND WILL NOT GO DOWNWARD WITH POWER BUTTON. *AK

• 12/14/2004· SUSPENSION

  I HAVE A 1999 DURANGO. IT SEEMED TO BE DRIVING DIFFERENT. MY HUSBAND NOTICED THE FRONT TIRES WERE WORN IN THE INSIDE EDGE. HE TOOK IT TO A GARAGE. HE FOUND OUT THE BALL JOINTS WERE BAD. HE WAS TOLD HE SHOULDN'T DRIVE IT OFF THE LOT. THEY WERE THAT BAD. IT COST OVER $500 TO HAVE IT FIXED. I HAVE THREE CHILDREN. WHAT IF MY TIRES HAD FALLEN OFF? THE 1999 DURANGO'S SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.*AK

• 12/13/2004· SUSPENSION

  I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DURANGO WITH FRONT SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME I HAVE SOME SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH MY FRONT BALL JOINTS, HUBS ETC... I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A RECALL FROM DODGE ON THE YEAR 2000 THRU 2003 FOR THIS PROBLEM. I THE MODEL YEAR 1999 COVERED? THE FRONT SUSPENSION IS THE SAME.

• 12/13/2004· SEAT BELTS

  REAR SAFETY BELTS USED TO SECURE THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT BROKE. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND SAID THEY'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT BEFORE. CONSUMER ALSO CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY.*AK

• 12/12/2007· STEERING,POWER TRAINFire

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE STRATUS. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS SMOKING APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH BEFORE THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND BOTH A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SMOKE WAS DUE TO POWER STEERING FLUID ENTERING THE ENGINE. THERE WERE TWO SAFETY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER'S 04V021000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT), WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AND 06V001000 (STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS), WHICH WAS SCHEDULED TO BE REPAIRED. THE PURCHASE DATE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 140,000.

• 12/11/2004· SUSPENSION

  CAR USED FOR HIGHWAY USE MOSTLY, CAR SHAKES AT SPEED OF 50 MPH, WOULD VEER TO RIGHT, HAD INSIDE TIRE WEAR, DRIVING WITH KIDS IN CAR STARTED MAKING A REALLY BAD THUD NOISE LIKE A FLAT TIRE, WE PULLED OVER, UPPER BALL JOINT BROKE, IT GOT SO HOT THE SHOCKS STARTED LEAKING. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT $2,000, THE TIRES ARE STILL WEARING ON THE INSIDE, AND THE CAR SHAKES, AND THE CAR IS MAKING A SQUEAKY NOISE WHEN I HIT BUMPS. TOO MANY PROBLEMS!!!!! *JB

• 12/11/2004· SUSPENSION

  I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THAT THE 1999 DODGE DURANGO ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE BALL JOINT RECALL. I HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 1999 DURANGO. *JB

• 12/11/2004· STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

  ANNUAL MA STATE INSPECTION REVEALED RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINT AND BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE LOOSE SO ALL WERE REPLACED ON 12/3/04 ALONG WITH LEFT FRONT HUB BEARING...ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THIS INCLUDE REPLACEMENT OF SERPENTINE BELT 11/17/03...REPLACEMENT OF COOLANT TEMP SENSOR, THERMOSTAT AND THERMOSTAT GASKET, AND BELT TENSIONER 2/23/04...REPLACEMENT OF RIGHT FRONT HUB BEARING 5/04...REPLACEMENT OF FRONT ROTORS, LEFT FRONT CV AXLE, LEFT INNER TIE ROD, REAR SHOCKS, OUTPUT SPEED SENSOR, AND NEW TIRE DUE TO GOUGING OF INNER TIRE WALL BY FRONT END PARTS 8/17/04. CONSUMER HAS PAID FOR ALL REPAIRS DONE BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. CONSUMER WANTS PROBLEMS DOCUMENTED GIVEN RECENT MEDIA REPORTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VEHICLE. CONSUMER WANTS TO SEE RECALL ISSUED FOR SEVERAL OF THESE SAFETY FAILURES AND WANTS REIMBURSEMENT FROM MANUFACTURER FOR EXPENSES INCURRED. *JB

• 12/11/2001· STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFire

  WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, AND WHEN APPLYING BRAKES CONSUMER SMELT BRAKES BURNING. WHEN CONSUMER STOPPED AND LOOKED BRAKES WERE ON FIRE.ALSO, STEERING COLUMN LOCKED. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK

• 12/11/2000· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash

  WHEN VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE IT ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY, RESULTING IN COLLISION, AND CAUSING MINOR INJURIES. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM.*AK

• 12/10/2008· STEERINGFire

  FIRE UNDER HOOD DUE TO LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID HOSE, RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE IN MAIL WEEKS AFTER INCIDENT. WAS FIRE DEPARTMENT DISPATCHED. SOLD CAR TO TOW COMPANY FOR 150.00 ON OCTOBER 9. REPORTED THIS TO CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP TO TRY GET MONEY WE PAID FOR CAR. BUT THEY COULD NOT LOCATE CAR TO DO INSPECTION. WE HAVE SEVERAL PICS OF CAR AFTER IT BURNED. RECALL STATE THAT THE DEFECT IN POWER STEERING HOSE WAS LEAKING ON MOTOR AND IGNITING CAUSING AN UNDER THE HOOD FIRE. *TR

• 12/10/2004· SUSPENSION

  I JUST FIND OUT THAT THERE A DODGE RECALL AND I THINK I AM ONE OF THOSE RECALLS, LET EXPLAIN I HAD HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH MY 1999 DODGE DURANGO, I BUOGHT USED AFTER A COUPLE MONTHS I START AHVING A CRACKING FEELING ON STEERING WHEEL TOOK IT TO SHOP AND THEY FOUND THAT THE FRONT END NEEDED TO BE REPLACE (MEANING RIGHT AND LEFT LOWER ARM) THEY CALLED MY WARRANTY FOR APPROVAL AND THEY APROVED, BUT THEN ON THE SHOP THEY SAID THAT THOSE PARTS WHERE ON BACK ORDER AND I NEEDED TO WAIT FOR THE PARTS. AFTER A MONTH THEY CALL ME TO COME BACK AND DO THE JOB, SO I CALLED FOR APPOINTMENT THEY GIVE A DATE I CAME BUT WHEN I GOT THERE THEY SAID THEY WERE TO BUSY AND THEY COULD NOT GET IT DONE THAT DAY, THEY DID THIS TWICE AND I DO NOT LIVE AROUND THE CORNER I LIVE LIKE 15 MILES AWAY, SO I GOT MAD AND MOVE TO A CLOSER SHOP AND THEY TEST DRIVE THE SUV AND FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM, AND ALSO THEY SAID THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE SOME BUSHING SO THEY CALL THE WARRANTY AND DENIED THE JOB. APPROVING PREVIUOSLY AS I MENTION BEFORE, BUT THEY DENIED BECAUSE THERE WERE MORE THINGS TO BE DONE. SO THEY SENT AN INSPECTOR AND CHECK THE SUV APPROVING ONLY ONE LOWER ARM, AND THE REST WAS UNDER TOLERANCE. AFTER THAT I STILL FEEL THAT CRACKING FEELING AND WHEN I AM DRIVING THERE A LITTLE PLAY ON THE STEERING WHEEL, I WILL BE GOD HONEST I AM SCARED DRIVING THIS SUV AND NOW MORE WITH THIS RECALL I HAVE A WIFE AND A 3 YR OLD AND MY WIFE IS THE ONE DRIVING MORE OFTEN THIS CAR, I WORRY FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY I TRY TO HAVE SOME BODY REVIEW THIS PROBLEM TO SEE IF I COULD SUE OR SOMETHING BUT I COULD NOT GET HELP PLEASE ADVISE. I WILL APPRECIATE IT SO MUCH. P.S. IF NEED MORE INFO PLEASE DONT HESATEIT TO CALL ME 408-202-3001. *AK

• 12/10/2004· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN

  CAR REPAIRED NUMEROUS TIMES ON BRAKES, TRANSFER CASE AND MOSTLY TRANSMISSION. KEEP FIXING SEAL LEAKS BUT REFUSE TO SEARCH FOR SOURCE OF PROBLEM. NUMEROUS TRANSMISSION LEAKS, TRANSFER CASE LEAKS AND BRAKES SQUEAL EVEN AFTER REPAIR. BEEN IN SHOP 10 TIMES FOR REASONS ABOVE. SUPPOSEDLY DEALER STATES REPAIRED CORRECTLY EACH TIME. MY CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY AND STILL CONFLICTING WITH DEALER ABOUT IT. ALSO CONTACTED CHRYSLER WITH NO RESOLUTION.*AK

• 12/10/2004· SUSPENSION

  MY CAR WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE. WHEN I TOOK IT INTO DODGE FOR A CHECK- THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED REPLACING DUE TO BEING LOOSE AND DEFECTIVE. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVING MY CAR. I PAID A TOTAL OF $653.00 ON MARCH 5,2004. BECAUSE IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED, I HAD TO PAY FOR THE PROBLEM MYSELF. I FELT I WAS VERY LUCKY TO HAVE CAUGHT THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMETHING AWFUL HAPPENED. *AK

• 12/07/2015· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE I85 IN SC. THE SUNROOF GLASS DISLODGED AND FLEW OFF OF THE ROOF OF MY VEHICLE. THE GLASS SHATTERED ON THE ROADWAY AND FORTUNATELY NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE STRUCK. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION AND INVESTIGATION IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE GLASS HAD SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME OF THE SUNROOF ASSEMBLY. ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURERS LABEL, IT WAS MANUFACTURED BY VERMEULEN - HOLLANDIA SERIAL NUMBER 399915. APPARENTLY THERE IS AN OPEN VOLUNTARY RECALL ON SUNROOFS MANUFACTURED BY THIS COMPANY FOR SEPARATION ISSUES. THE MODEL NUMBERS REFERENCE IN THIS VOLUNTARY RECALL IS MODEL NUMBER 60000000 AND ABOVE AND APPARENTLY DOES NOT INCLUDE THE 3000000 SERIES. SINCE THE ISSUES ARE THE SAME, I.E. SEPARATION OF GLASS AND FRAME, THERE ARE CLEARLY OTHER SAFETY ISSUES STILL OUT THERE. HOLLANDIA'S VOLUNTARY RECALL IS ALLEGED TO BE FOR NON FACTORY INSTALLED PRODUCTS, HOWEVER, MY 1999 DODGE STRATUS WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM THE DEALER WITH THIS SUNROOF INSTALLED.

• 12/05/2000· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash

  CONSUMER PRESSED DOWN ON THROTTLE & IT STUCK TO FLOOR. VEHICLE WOULDN'T STOP EVEN AFTER PRESSING BRAKES & PULLING UP PARKING BRAKE. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO JUMP CURVE ONTO SIDEWALK BACK INTO PARKING LOT. CONSUMER STEERED VEHICLE AWAY FROM WALL. WAS ABLE TO TURN MOTOR OFF. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER. ALSO, MANUFACTURE DOCUMENTED THE PROBLEM. *AK

• 12/03/2015· STEERING,ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO THE DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

• 12/03/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS

  CONSUMER EXPERIENCED HEAD GASKET FAILURE. OTHER FAILURES INCLUDED REAR SEAT BELT PROBLEMS, NO POWER ON THE BACK WINDOWS, EGR VALVE FAILURE, TRANSMISSION SHIFTING PROBLEMS AND SPEED SENSOR FAILURE.*JB

• 12/02/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  WE OWN A 1999 DODGE INTREPID WITH 69,225 MILES ON IT TO DATE. ON NOVEMBER 30TH, 2005 MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING AT ALL, THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED OUT (INCLUDING THE BRAKES). HE HAD TO SWERVE MANY TIMES TO AVOID HITTING OTHER VEHICLES AND NEARLY RUNNING HIMSELF RIGHT OFF THE ROAD. WE HAD THIS CAR TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP WHICH THEY IN TURN TELL US THE ENGINE IS FULL OF SLUDGE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED (A COST OF $6,900). WE WERE FORCED TO SELL THIS MINT CONDITION CAR FOR SCRAP PARTS WITH LITTLE MONEY TO SHOW FOR IT. CHRYSLER HAS KNOWN OF THIS ENGINE PROBLEM FOR SOME TIME NOW AND THEY REFUSE TO OFFER ANY HELP FOR US OWNERS. OUTRAGEOUS AND UNBELIEVABLE!!!! WE WILL NEVER, EVER PURCHASE ANOTHER DODGE/CHRYSLER VEHICLE AGAIN!!! *NM

• 11/30/2000· POWER TRAIN

  WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN A RATTLING NOISE OCCURRED UNDER HOOD. SHORTLY AFTERWARD, VEHICLE COMPLETLEY SHUT DOWN DUE TO A MALFUNCTION WITHIN TRANSMISSION. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

• 11/29/2013· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

  THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. LOST ALL INSTRUMENTATION: SPEED,FUEL,RPM,ETC,AT 50MPH. JUST PRIOR TO THIS, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. THE FIRST FIX INCLUDED A NEW BATTERY LAST YEAR, THREE ALTERNATORS UNTIL ONE WORKED (DO NOT THINK THIS WAS THE PROBLEM), AND SOME KIND OF A HARNESS WHICH WAS RUBBING ON THE ENGINE? AND CREATING A SHORT. THIS PROBLEM COULD BE THE REASON FOR ALL THE CAR FIRES. THANK YOU. *TR

• 11/29/2005· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire

  ON THANKSGIVING DAY OF 2005 I PICKED UP MY 74 YEAR OLD GRANDMOTHER, WHO IS BLIND TO GO SEE MY MOM, WHO LIVES ABOUT AN HOUR AWAY FROM ME. AS WE WERE APPROACHING MY MOTHER'S HOUSE, I HEARD A POPPING SOUND FROM WHAT APPEARED TO BE THE POWER STEERING HOSE FROM MY 1999 DODGE CHRYSLER STRATUS AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. SMOKE AND FIRE STARTED COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I STOPPED THE CAR AND PUT IT IN PARK AND SHUT OFF THE IGNITION. I FROZE FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS AND REALIZED WE HAD TO GET OUT FROM OUT OF THE CAR. I WENT AROUND TO GET MY GRANDMOTHER OUT AND THE LOCKS WENT DOWN AUTOMATICALLY. I OPENED HER DOOR AND TOLD HER TO GET OUT, HOLD ON TO ME AND RUN AS FAST AS SHE COULD. SHE ASKED ME WHAT WAS GOING ON AND I TOLD HER THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AND COULD BLOW UP. WE STARTED RUNNING AND SCREAMING FOR HELP. PEOPLE CAME OUT OF THEIR HOUSES AND TWO MEN TRIED TO PUT DOWN THE FIRE BUT TO NO AVAIL. AFTER A WHILE, THE FIRE DEPT AND POLICE ARRIVED. THE FIRE DEPT. WAS ABLE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE BUT THE CAR'S FRONT WAS COMPLETELY CONSUMED. THE FIRE INSPECTOR TOLD ME HE HAD HEARD OF SIMILAR STORIES WITH THIS CAR. I CALLED CHRYSLER CORP IN PUERTO RICO AND THEY TOLD ME I HAVE TO WAIT FOR AN INSPECTOR FROM CHRYSLER COMES DOWN TO PUERTO RICO AND INSPECTS THE CAR TO SEE IF THEY ARE LIABLE OR NOT. MEANWHILE, I HAVE TO PAY FOR A TOW TRUCK TO BRING THE CAR TO WHEREVER IT IS THEY WILL INSPECT IT AND ALSO, THE LADY WHO TOOK MY COMPLAINT AT CHRYSLER SAID IF THEY FIND THERE WAS A DEFECT, I HAVE TO WAIT TO SEE WHAT CHRYSLER DECIDES TO DO ABOUT IT. I HAVE NO CAR, MY NERVES ARE SHOT AND MY GRANDMOTHER IS A NERVOUS WRECK. THIS IS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING WAITING FOR CHRYSLER TO CONTACT ME TO SEE WHEN THEY WILL BE ABLE TO INSPECT MY CAR. PLEASE HELP!!!!*JB

• 11/29/2004· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES WHEN TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE ONLY PROBLEM FOUND WAS VEHICLE IDLING HIGH.*AK

• 11/26/2003· SUSPENSION

  WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BUT THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE. *NLM

• 11/25/2007· SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  WHEEL BEARINGS WEARING OUT, ABS BRAKE LIGHT STAYING ON, BRAKE PADS BEING REPLACED ALOT, WEARING OUT TIRES ON THE FRONT (NEW TIRES) IN LESS THAN 6 MONTHS, BRAKE CALIPER NEEDING TO BE REPLACED REPEATEDLY, BALL JOINTS WEARING OUT, UNSAFE TO DRIVE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF FAILURES, LOSS OF USE OF VEHICLE DUE TO THAT FACT. *TR

• 11/23/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  NO SUMMARY. DT

• 11/22/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  1999 DODGE STRATUS WITH MALFUNCTION/DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKET. *LA

• 11/22/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  SHOULD BE NATIONAL RECALL. DT

• 11/20/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  MY HORN GOES OFF WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, IT STARTED ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO, HAD THE HORN DISCONNECTED , HAVE A NEW BATTERY AND IT GOES DEAD OVER NIGHT, MY MECHANIC SAID IT MAY BE A SHORT IN THE STEERING WHEEL BY THE AIR BAG. I SEE OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY AIR BAG NOT GOING TO EXPLODE AND INJURY ME. SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. *TR

• 11/17/2005· TIRES,EQUIPMENT

  CONSUMER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DODGE STRATUS 1999. *TS (11/17/05) THE A/C STOPPED ON THE VEHICLE AND THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS DAMAGED AT PURCHASE. *SC

• 11/16/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  IF I REPORTED THIS BEFORE I APOLOGIZE. CAR OVERHEATED ON 10-14-02. PULLED ASIDE LET COOL DOWN. DROVE HOME CHECKED UNDER HOOD. COOLANT IN RESERVOIR, OIL IN ENGINE. STARTED CAR THE NEXT DAY, NO HEAT FROM HEATER, TEMPERATURE GAUGE DID NOT MOVE OFF OF COLD. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, CAR DECELERATED AND OIL PRESSURE LIGHT WENT ON. PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD, CALLED FOR TOW. CAR TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. COMPRESSION TEST DONE, THEY SAID BLOWN HEAD GASKET. TWO DAYS LATER, CAR TOWED TO SELLING DEALERSHIP, AUTHORIZED TEAR DOWN OF ENGINE. THEY STATE CAR OVERHEATED, SEVERELY DAMAGED ENGINE TO POINT WHERE SOME COMPONENT WAS CRYSTALIZING. THEY SAID NOTHING ABOUT A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. DEALER REFUSES TO HELP. DAIMLER CHRYSLER REFUSES TO ASSIST AND WILL NOT EVEN LOOK AT THE CAR. HAVE MADE CALLS TO CHRSYLER CORPORATION CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FILED COMPLAINT, WROTE A LETTER TO CHRYSLER. THEN SENT A FAX TO CHRYSLER ONLY RESPONSE WAS THROUGH DEALERSHIP AND MESSAGE LEFT ON ANSWERING MACHINE. "WON'T ASSIST YOU WON'T LOOK AT CAR. DT

• 11/15/2004· STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT

  MULTIPLE FAILURES, CONTINUALLY STEERING PROBLEMS. ENGINE LEAKED OIL, NO A/C OR HEATED, ECT. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE. THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND HIT THE CURB DUE TO THE LOOSE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE MIGHT BE A PROBLEM WITH THE RIGHT SIDE AXLE. *TC

• 11/14/2002· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  CONSUMER STATE. THE FUEL PUMP WIRE WAS BURNED INSIDE THE GASOLINE TANK, DUE TO THAT DEFECT CAR WAS STALL ON THE ROAD. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. MR

• 11/13/2006· STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO A NEARBY INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06E088000, REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 99V244000, REGARDING THE SERVICE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. ALSO, WHILE TURNING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A SQUEAKING NOISE CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. ALTHOUGH THE STEERING NOISE PERSISTED, THE DEALER WAS NOT ALERTED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V001000, REGARDING THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

• 11/11/2007· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire

  FIRE STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND COMPLETELY BURNED MY CAR UP. *TR

• 11/10/2001· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMCrash

  I HAVE HAD ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE IN THE ONE YEAR I HAVE OWNED IT. IVE SPOKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSED TO ASSIST. I MOST RECENTLY HAD AS BAZZAR EXPERIENCE THE DAY I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET MY HOUSE KEY . MY KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION AS I WAS REMOVING KEY, I FET A MILD SHOCK TRAVELING THROUGH MY ARM THEN INTO MY WATCH WHICH MAINTAINED A VIBRATION FOR A LOG TIME AND EVENTUALLY CAUSING IT TO NEVER WORK AGAIN THIS WAS AN ODD OCCURENCE BECOUSE I WAS NOTICING OTHER STARANGE THING IN THE VEHICLE .SUCH AS MY ODOMETER SUDDENLY ACCUMULATING MIALEAGE AT A UNBELIVABLE RATE PRIOR TO MY SCHEDULED REPAIR APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP, (FOR AN OIL LEAK) THAT ENDED UP BEING A BLOWN HEAD GASKET(THAT INCEDENTLY WAS NOT UNDER WARRENTY) BECOUSE OF THE MILAGE. ) FIRST THEY CLAIMED I WAS 200 MILES OVER THEN SOMEONE SAID 14 BUT WAS FINALY RECORDED AS 7 TO PORTFOLIO (MY EXTENDE WARRANTY PROVIDER.) PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT I INFORMED THE SERVICE WRITTER OF THE ODOMETER OCCURENCE AND OF A BUZZING SOUND I HEARD IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND OTHER ELECTRICAL EXPERIENCES. ALL OF WHICH WERE JUST BRUSHED OFF. FURTHERMORE, PLEASE NOTE THAT MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER THE WARRANTY MIALEGE WHEN I MADE THE APPOITMENT AND I WAS NEVER TOLD THAT IT HAD TO BE UNDER THE MIALEGAE WHEN IT ARRIVED. (ACTUALLY I DO BELIEVE I WAS UNDER THE MILEAGE WHEN I ARRIVED) SO I ENDED UP PAYING OUT OF MY OWN POCKET APPROX 400.00 DOLLARS. ONLY TO HAVE MY AIR BAGS DEPLOY SUDDENLY FOR NO APPARENT REASON. WHICH I FEEL CAUSED ME TO HIT THE CENTER ISLAND OF A BUSY STREET, SUDDEN FACING ON COMMING TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO MANOUVERE THE CAR OVER ANOTHER CURB TO A SAFE AREA. NOW MOSS BR DODGE IN SAN BERNARDINO REUSES TO EXCEPT RESPONSIBLITY EVEN AFTER I HAD COPLAID ABOUT THE STRANGE BUSSING SOUNF THAT COULD BE HEARD IN THE STEERING WHEEL MONTHS BEFORE THIS HAPPENDED. NOW IM STRUGGLING TO REPAIR MY CAR . PLEASE IF YOU KNOW OF ANY ATTORNEY OR RECORSE I CAN TAKE PLEASE INFORM ME. SINCERELY [XXX].*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

• 11/09/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  I PURCHASED THIS 1999 DODGE INTREPID USED FROM A DEALERSHIP IN THE SUMMER OF 2003. I JUST RECENTLY GRADUATED COLLEGE AND THIS WAS THE FIRST CAR THAT I HAVE EVER FINANCED. I WAS EXTREMELY EXCITED AND PROUD TO BE THE OWNER OF A NEWER VEHICLE. WHEN WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IT HAD LESS THAN 40,000 MILES ON IT. WE ALSO BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE. THIS SUMMER WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH OUR CHILDREN IT SUDDENLY SHOOK AND SHUTTERED AND THEN QUIT RUNNING ALMOST CAUSING THEM TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT ON A BUSY AND DANGEROUS EXPRESSWAY. WE HAD THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT BY SEVERAL MECHANICS AND THE VERDICT WAS THE SAME THAT WE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AT A COST OF MORE THAN 5,000.00. THIS ABOUT MADE ME SICK AS WE STILL OWNED OVER 4500 ON THE CAR TO THE BANK. I HAD NOT CHOICE BUT TO PAY THE REPAIRED BILL AND HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED. I WAS FORCED TO RE-MORTGAGE MY HOUSE TO PAY THIS EXPENSE. AT THE TIME OF THE BREAKDOWN THE VEHICLE HAD JUST LESS THAN 70,000 MILES. THE MECHANIC EXPLAINED TO ME THE PROBLEM FROM THE ENGINE WAS CAUSED BY SLUDGE. HE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT HE HAD JUST RECEIVED A MECHANIC BULLETIN THAT THESE CARS NEED TO HAVE THERE OIL CHANGED EVERY 1000 MILES. THIS INFORMATION ABOUT MADE ME SICK. I WAS RELIGIOUS IN CHANGING THE OIL AND MAINTAIN THIS VEHICLE IT WAS MY PRIZED POSITION. I WOULD REQUEST THAT YOU PLEASE OPEN A CASE FILE AND LOOK INTO HELPING COMPENSATE ME FOR THIS HUGE EXPENSE THAT APPEARS TO A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE ENGINE. *NM

• 11/09/2005· SUSPENSION

  PURCHASED 1999 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN NEW. I HAVE OBSERVED SEVERE RUSTING ON THE FRONT DRIVER STRUT TOWER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY A FEW YEARS OLD AND NOW IT IS RUSTING THROUGH. I HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS PROBLEM EXISTS ON 1996-2000 MODELS AND HAS CHRYSLER TSB #23-0044-02 OPEN AGAINST IT. APPARENTLY MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED SAME PROBLEM, AND CHRYSLER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY TO COVER REPAIR. IS THIS NOT A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE? *JB

• 11/09/2001· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  ON 31/1/01 THERE WAS A HEADGASKET LEAK AND UNDER THE WARRANTY IT WAS REPLACED. ON 11/6/01 I WAS TRAVELLING AT ABOUT 15 MPH WHEN I NOTICED MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE HAD PASSED THE "H" THE MARK. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND PUT MY CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE HEATER ON MAXIMUM. THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE WENT DOWN ABOUT 1/3 OF THE WAY FROM THE TOP BUT WENT BACK UP WHEN I TRIED TO DRIVE. I HAD MY CAR THEN TOWED TO PREVENT ANY FURTHER ENGINE DAMAGE.

• 11/06/2000· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL STEP ON BRAKES PEDAL AND WITH LACK OF BRAKING, VEHICLE WILL NEVER STOP. NOT A NOTICE ISSUED TO BE ALERTED.*AK

• 11/05/2001· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  ENGINE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE FOR THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS. *AK

• 11/03/2007· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  99 DODGE DURANGO 4X4, THE TRUCK STALLS WITH NO WARNING. THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT GOES DOWN TO 0. IF THE TRUCK IS RESTARTED IT'S FINE, THEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN, MAYBE A DAY LATER, MAYBE A MONTH LATER, MAYBE 6 MONTHS LATER. IT'S VERY INTERMITTENT. *TR

• 11/03/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  CAR WAS SERVICED ON 09/07/02. ON 10/14/02, LOOKED UP TO SEE TEMPERATURE GAUGE IN THE "H" RUNNING HOT. NO WARNING, NO DASHBOARD LIGHT WARNING. PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD, CAR COOLED OFF DROVE HOME. POPPED HOOD, COOLANT IN RESERVOIR AND CHECKED OIL, OIL IN ENGINE. NEXT DAY, 10/15/02, STARTED CAR, STARTED FINE. NOTICED THE TEMP GAUGE WAS NOT MOVING OFF THE "C" FOR COLD, NO HEAT COMING FROM THE HEATER STARTED OFF TO WORK. WAS DOING ABOUT 68, WHEN CAR IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO DECELERATE AND IMMEDIATELY THE LITTLE "RED GENIE LOOKING OIL LAMP LIGHT" WENT ON. IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD AS CAR WAS OBVIOUSLY LOOSING POWER. CALLED FOR TOW TRUCK. CAR WAS TOWED NOT TO THE SELLING DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF ON-GOING SERVICE PROBLEMS, BUT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. I AUTHORIZED THEM TO CHECK THE ENGINE. THEY DID A COMPRESSION TEST AND TOLD ME "BLOWN HEAD GASKET." BUT THEY COULD NOT TELL IF ANY MORE SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE WAS DONE WITHOUT TEARING DOWN THE ENGINE. CAR WAS TOWED TWO DAYS LATER TO SELLING DEALERSHIP. ENGINE WAS TORN DOWN. THEIR RESPONSE, "ENGINE OVERHEATED" DOING SEVERE DAMAGE TO ENGINE. NO MENTION OF A HEAD GASKET BEING THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE OVERHEATING. DEALER OFFERS TO DO NOTHING. IT IS NOW NOVEMBER 3, 2002 AND I STILL HAVE NOT BEEN GIVEN ANY OPINIONS OR PRICES TO REPAIR THIS VEHICLE. DAIMLER CHRYSLER WAS NOTIFIED. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND DAIMLER CHRYSLER ON BEHALF OF THE DISTRICT MANAGER WHO SAY "THEY WILL DO NOTHING TO ASSIST; WON'T EVEN COME LOOK AT THE CAR. I NOW HAVE A 3-1/2 YEAR OLD CAR THAT IS UNDRIVEABLE. THIS IS A CAR THAT HAS HAD ITS SHARE OF ENGINE RELATED PROBLEMS IN THE PAST. IN RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, THE NHTSA, THE CENTER FOR AUTO SAFETY AND JUST UNDER DODGE DEFECTS, I NOTE THAT THE STRATUS, CIRRUS AND NEONS HAVE A LONG, LONG HISTORY OF HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS. DT