1996 Dodge Stratus from North America - Comments

Well it is like I said, 40,000 miles on it and I have to get a whole transmission. The pin broke and threw the differential and cracked the case.

I remind you that it cost the car manufacturer 50 cent for that part and it costs us $2000 for a new tranny.

And as for the recalls I have never got one, and there has been one since I have had this car and it has something to do with the tranny and the key not being able to come out of the key hole.

I would not be so mad but when I have 3 kids and a job to do and really can't afford much, it really ticks me off. And plus I have called around for a tranny for my car and they all said they could have sold about 100 this month (that is not good).

Listen I got a Cirrus, the Stratus's twin brother, same year and engine and everything. I had to change the tranny too, only mine lasted for 120,000. The reason it broke: too much "flooring" the gas and snapping into drive when its still in reverse. So don't blame the car - its your own fault for mistreating it - it even says not to do that in the manual. And you gave 1/10 for everything - have you seen the car in action? This car out handles my friends Celica and beats it 0-60 too. The tranny cost me 300 and I am very happy with the engine - it goes to 6700 w/o a prob. If you haven't learned the lesson from this guy here it is: some people don't know how to drive - they floor it when the block is cold and drive like maniacs, then when they malshift the tranny and the pin flies off they blame the company; so stop saying that about that car unless you learn how to drive. PEACE.

I own a 1995 cirrus. It has the 2.5 litre v-6 engine. I've noticed that the cirrus and stratus with the most problems are the 4 cylinder models. The difference between the 4 and 6 cylinder is that the 6 cylinder is a Mitsubishi engine while the 4 cylinder is a Chrysler engine. As for the transmission trouble Chrysler uses a different transmission fluid than the other American cars. If you put the wrong fluid in you will probably need a new transmission. It is very important that you read the owners manual. When the manual tells you to use a certain fuel or fluid there is a reason for it. Example I always use to think that using premium gas on regular engine would make it run better. I was wrong it actually slows down the compression, that is why it is only recommended for performance vehicles. I hope this information will help. If you purchase a new Sebring or Stratus get it with the v-6 engine.

I have a 1995 Chrysler Sebring V6 LX... I took it to the transmission shop because of a small transmission leak. I was told that the seal needed to be replaced. Well, the next day after I picked it up, all the fluid leaked out. One differential pin came out and the other broke cracking the transmission casing. Also, I told the mechanic to be SURE to put the specified oil in. He put in F-type instead of Dextron III. What kind of damage or harm would this do?

Thanks,

Jennifer

PS I KNOW HOW TO DRIVE, SO DON'T ANYONE BOTHER TELLING ME THAT I BROKE IT!

OK, let's clear the air. If a transmission shop fails to check that the seal has the proper interference fit & depth by using something as simple as a set of calipers, that is called a "comeback", not a manufacturers defect. Please don't take offense to the "poor driver" comment. The point they were getting at is that with an automatic trans. it is IMPERATIVE that you brake the car to a COMPLETE stop while switching gear selection from reverse to drive. Hydraulic pressures are extremely high in modern "slush boxes". Shifting while rolling causes pins to either rock in their bores (eventually working loose over repeated abuse) or shear. I'm an experienced engine builder/machinist/parts salesman/racer. Most people have no idea of the punishment they put on a cars drive train. Nobody obeys the recommendations all the time, but keep that in mind the next time you write a check for repairs.