1996 Dodge Stratus from North America - Comments

The first night it rained I ended up with eight inches of water in the front passenger floor board. This was caused by a bad seal on the windshield.

I've to take it in three times due to the driver side windshield wiper stopped working.

I've taken it in three time due to the heater not working. Each time it's been something else wrong.

There is a weird noise from the engine and the steering wheel that has never been diagnosed.

The head gasket blew at 54,000 miles.

The transmission oil is leaking.

The sunroof quit working at 40,000.

The door locks shift up and down with the "dinging", like a door is open, sound going the whole time. This happens when you drive it. Sometimes it just happens around corners, other days it goes crazy likes it's possessed. Continuously going up and down and ding, ding, ding, etc..

The front seat broke at around 50,000 miles. I have to drive with a pillow behind my back.

In 1998 I went searching for a mid sized, affordable, four door sedan to be used by my wife and small child. I came upon a nice looking 1996 Stratus with only 21,000 miles. I had my wife come look at it and she fell in love with this silver little car that had a sunroof, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, and a very comfortable feel. Just like the Singing of the Sirens would bring Greek sailors to their demise, so did this cute little car to us.

It has been one problem after another. As you can see by the list of problems, this car is an absolute headache. I ask myself, how is this possible for a car that only has 61,000 miles?

If I could afford to do so, I would pay to see this car crushed into a little metal cube like you see at the junkyard. Not only as a personal pleasure, but so no one else would get this car. I almost feel too guilty to sell it.

The 96 Stratus rules, maybe you got a lemon. I bought mine with 135,000 miles everything still works, but I do need to fix the struts, anyways they're almost 10 years old. It runs like a champ. The more TLC you give your car, the longer it will last. TLC is Tender Love and Care.

Hey I have a *96 dodge stratus for a year now and knock on wood nothing, but a few minor things like breaks had to be fixed I love the car so maybe you bought a lemon.

Look at how many people on here are frustrated by theirs. You probably haven't had problems because in the first 135,000 miles the prior owner (s) likely fixed everything.

I am currently selling my 96 Stratus.

I have replaced the sway bar ends.

The transmission leaks, and is clunky

The tac and mileage gauge come on and off all the time

Even with replacing the sway bar end there is still noise in the front and it feels like I am driving on the frame.

I replaced the struts, no difference. Mechanics can't determine what it is for under $150.00, so I live with it :-).

It also howls in the morning for a few minutes till warmed up.

Now the EGR Valve has gone out and Dodge wants 100.00 for the part and 5.00 for the gasket.

I love the look of the car, my wife thinks it is zippy. But, I have been very concerned with when it will break down next just as you have.

The start-up howling is an indication that the water pump and/or belt is about to go out.