My front brakes and rotors have been replaced three times.
My head gasket blew twice.
The left lower Control arm was replaced once.
Hood was replaced under warranty because of rust.
The air conditioner has quit working.
There is a constant rattle in the front end that several shops have been unable to locate.
The tach and digital speedometer keeps going off and on.
Car makes a loud screeching noise when it is first started in cold weather, goes away after it has been running for a few minutes.
The front wheel bearings have been replaced twice.
This car has never left me stranded and has always started good.
Car handles well.
Lots of leg room in the rear seat and plenty of trunk space.
I've had my 96 stratus for the last 15000 miles (65000-80000) and so far, no problems except for a clunking on the left front wheel, which is the same problem your's and thousands of other dodge owners have--the ball joint has probably gone out. the part is probably $25 (at least the one for my dodge spirit was) if you want to do it yourself, otherwise it'll cost about $175 for parts and labor.
A loud squeeling noise might indicate that you have a loose belt. There are only two belts, one that runs most everything, and the power steering. Your best bet is to have them both replaced, as they don't appear to be an easy job (at least from what I can tell by looking at where they are located, there doesn't appear to be enough room to do anything down there).
In my opinion, the brakes just plain suck on this car, and if I could, i'd replace the whole system, as they only work well when they want.
Seems to be a good reliable car. I just hope the tranny never goes out, as I don't like automatics and these are about $2000 to replace.
These are the same repairs I needed on my 97 Stratus. Only I'm on my fourth head gasket. The rattle in the front was finally diagnosed as a loose sway bar link, that was after they said I probably needed the struts replaced. Now the air conditioner doesn't work and I've been told today that the H valve is plugged? $371 for that!!
My 96 stratus just hit 100,000 miles and the only problems I've had are having to replace the radiator, replacing a rear wheel cylinder ($16) and leakage in the air conditioner lines due to it hitting the alternator belt and rubbing a hole in it. So I guess all in all this has been a pretty good car so far.
I would have to say my opinion of the Stratus is split. While there are things I like about the car, I have had multiple problems that may me not want it any longer. It was purchased 10/28/03 (2004 RT) and it has been in the shop 7 times for repairs (Some trips with multiple issues to be repaired). It currently in need of repair on the sway bar, the sunroof and the transmission has a problem. The other complaint I have is the gas mileage is way low. I get 15.9 city and 17.9 highway (20.3 if it's a really long trip) which for a car is terrible.
I think that the interior room is good and it has some nice options available.
I would not at this point refer anyone to purchase the product based on the customer service I have received.
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