20th Sep 2002, 18:18
I have 1998 Stratus, and bought extended warranty to carry me through to 120,000 km (Canada). I am at 114,000 and this is the 4th time I am taking it in for head gasket problems again.
Glad to hear I am not the only one, but will definately be looking to get rid of it soon.
Thankfully with my warranty here in Canada, I just had to pay $100 once and ever since then when I take it in, it is still covered under the one time $100 paid for initial head gasket problems.
They did managed to soak me for $70 for new head bolts, and that does not seem to have made a difference either.
Krista.
7th Oct 2002, 21:58
14 Oct 2002 I will be taking my 1998 Stratus in for its 1st head gasket replacement it has 57,000 miles. The Sacramento dealer said it was covered all, but my $100.00 deductible.
Hoping for satisfying results.
6th Nov 2002, 15:04
Just another hard luck story with the same message. 1998 Stratus 2.4 with 54,000 miles. My mechanic has it listed in critical condition.
15th Nov 2002, 13:47
I also have a 1998 Dodge Stratus. It's at 57,000 miles. It needs a new head gasket. They are charging $920 total (labor included). Am I getting ripped off?
25th Feb 2003, 14:53
I bought a brand new 2002 Dodge Stratus SE Coupe in April of 2002. I am taking it in for the 4th time now (3rd time in a week) because my Service Engine light keeps coming on. Now I also have a coolant leak and the spark plugs and radiator hoses have already been replaced too. My car is only 10 months old, and though I was in love with it when I purchased it, I'm not feeling the love so much anymore. My car isn't even a year old yet, and I only have 18,000 miles on it. I'm not sure if I'd buy another Stratus, I have very mixed feelings at this time.
26th Feb 2003, 20:02
I noticed a oil leak, I have a 1998 Dodge Stratus and the car only has 50,000 miles. I took my car to get an estimate and was told that it was my head gasket. I called around including a call to Courtney Dodge where I purchased the car and was told that it would cost me anywhere from $700.00 to 800.00 and maybe more depending on what parts I need. I need help with this, can someone please tell me a better way to go. ptyson@morris4change.org
17th Mar 2003, 11:12
I have a 1998 Stratus with the 2.4L engine. It has 62000 miles and is getting it's first head gasket replaced as I type. This is costing me $700 in labor alone. Of course, Chrysler will not help at all (out of warranty, tough luck)
I have also had to replace the alternator, belt tensioner, CD player, and one of the rear seat belts has locked up and needs replacing
So much for trying to pay off a car and make it worth the money, never again with Dodge. This is the first Chrysler product I have ever bought and it will be the last. From now on, I'm sticking to GM.
5th Apr 2003, 18:32
I have owned a 1998 Dodge Stratus for three years. It currently has 60,500 miles on it. I took it in for a scheduled oil change and received more than I bargained for. The head gasket is leaking and the manifold has a crack in it. Total repair bill will be roughly $1,000. The car is a four cylinder and has been nothing but a piece of junk. The hood on the underside in the front is rusting where the metal is seamed. This is the first Dodge product I have owned, and safely to say will be the last. I contacted Dodge and are awaiting a response. I'm sure it will be tough luck. With two years of payments left, I really have no choice, but to have it fixed. I truly understand why many people buy foreign cars. They are made better and last longer. Consumer reports proves it. For those of you considering a purchase of this car, save yourself the headache.
14th Apr 2003, 14:41
After reading all of your comments, I just had to write in also. Maybe if enough people write about these junky cars, Chrysler will do something more constructive. I too have a 1998 Stratus with the 2.4L engine. I have had the front brakes replaced ($350.00), and oil pressure sending unit replaced ($60), valve cover gasket replaced ($150.00) and the head gasket replaced ($786.00). Oh, and don't forget the radiator bypass hose (dealer only, pre-formed, this little 8 inches of hose will set you back around $70.00!!!) For those of you wondering if there is a cheaper way to go on the head gasket once the car is out of warranty, think again. Most shop books call for a minimum of 10 hours of labor (at anywhere from $30-$60/hr.), and the part is roughly another $100. This car has been a money pit from day one. I used to drive Nissan/Datsun Z cars and am seriously considering trading a 5 year old Dodge for a 20 year old Nissan Z. If you do the math, I've put an additional $1400.00+ into this little beauty just to maintain it's driveability!
If you're unsure as to whether these cars are a value at their used retail price - THEY'RE NOT! Buy another brand. Stay away from this thing, unless you've got money to spend and don't mind spending it on things that you shouldn't have to.
The only good news is that my car made it just past 100K miles before it started to break on me.
26th Jun 2003, 08:51
I also have a 1998 Dodge Stratus ES V6. It was my step-dads company car and I bought it from him when it had 75,000 miles on it. It never gave him a problem and hasn't given me problems until about 85,000 miles. I had to have the brakes replaced 3 times and then there was a recall on the brakes because they were leaking fluid. The fuel pump went out and cost me $700 to fix. The car decides when it feels like cranking. Sometimes it starts and sometimes it doesn't and then all this blue smoke and horrible smell comes out of the exhaust. The engine knocks and I the dealer cannot tell me what is wrong with it. The engine idles too low and the dealer says there is nothing wrong. It now is has 111,000 miles on it and I have to replace the timing belt. I tried to trade it in and no one wants to give me anything for it. So basically buying the car was money wasted because now it is only worth about $2,000.
I will never buy a Chrysler product again!
28th Feb 2002, 16:07
I bought extended covrage up to 75k miles. My engine started to leak oil and so at 78k miles I took it to the dealer and was told I need a new head gasket. Guess what? Not covered. Consider me hacked.