Problems that I have had with this car include:
Vehicle blew Head gasket. Repaired for about $1000.00.
One month after the head gasket blew, the whole engine blew. A rod came out of the bottom of the engine block, while driving on the highway.
I replaced the front Ball Joints about twice.
I have replaced the front Rotors and Brake pads about 3 times.
I have replaced the rear Drums and Brake Shoes about twice.
The rear Brake lines clogging up causing the rear brakes and parking brake to not work.
Air conditioning has clogging up and does not work.
Catalytic Converter clogged causing poor gas mileage and a lot of noise.
Brake Master Cylinder malfunction.
I have replaced the both front Wheel Bearings 3 times.
The resister blew, so the heater fan would only work on high.
I have replaced the driver side front control arm about twice.
I have an exhaust leak somewhere in the engine, and one in the muffler.
I have replaced the Spark plugs about 3 times and changed the ignition wires once.
The Oxygen Sensor has malfunctioned, causing the engine to run a very rich fuel mixture. 90km for a quarter tank of fuel, and the vehicle chugs along and idles very rough.
The shifter interlock has malfunctioned, meaning the automatic transmission can be taken out of gear without applying the brake and even while the vehicle is off and the key out of the ignition. Dodge has issued a recall for this part.
The entire locking mechanism on the trunk had to be replaced as it would not open with the key.
The trunk light has malfunctioned and changing the light bulb does not correct the problem.
Bad rust on the hood near the hood latch.
Noisy struts.
This vehicle handles very well,in all weather conditions, due to its' wide stance.
The 2.4 Litre engine, provides excellent acceleration, when it is working properly. The most power is upon take off.
The interior is quite nice and roomy for the average person, however persons over six feet tall may be uncomfortable in the front seats.
I have never had any problems with any of the power systems. IE: Starter, battery or alternator.
The battery is located in front of the drivers' side front wheel. You cannot access it from under the hood.
All 3 engines for this vehicle are tightly squeezed into the engine compartment, that it is a nightmare for you, or your mechanic to do any repairs under the hood.
The brakes are very poor compared to other vehicles, even with new equipment.
The head lights on the car are very poor. The lights do not shine very far and there is little difference between the low beam and the high beam.
The plastic headlight casing becomes very filmy on the inside.
The lighting on the inside of the vehicle is also very in adequate, with only the one dome light.
The side mirrors look really cool, however are to small, causing poor visibility.
I will never purchase a Chrysler car again.
Either this person has had incredibly bad luck with this car or they are at the very least stretching the truth. My 97 Stratus ES has 192,000 miles and is only now requiring some work. It has the original engine, transmission, exhaust, wheel bearings, brake rotors, etc., and still runs great. Within the last 5,000 miles I needed to replace an electric cooling fan, and am ready to replace a leaking power steering hose. I also replaced the air conditioning compressor at 185,000 miles, which considering I live in Florida, is pretty good.
All in all a great car, nothing like what is described in this review.
Well, we agree entirely with the original post about the stratus. Our 97 2.4 gave us very similar problems.
Blown head gasket twice (4 day repair then 6 day repair) both times under 50,000 miles and repaired under extended warranty.
One wheel bearing under 50,000, other at 80,000.
Rear Main seal on engine blew at 70,000.
Transmition repaired twice under warranty, then once under extended warranty.
Tranny interlock (recall)
Front of hood rotting away with no rust anywhere else on car.
We are extremely lucky that we purchased the extended warranty with this car. The repair bills totaled over $4500 under the extended warranty alone. Will not purchase another Dodge/Chrysler either.
I've owned my 97 Stratus with 2.4 liter since 1999. It was 128,000 miles on it.
I've repaired: Head gasket at 50,000 - leaked oil into coolant
right wheel bearing - 3 times
left wheel bearing - 2 times
power steering pump at 75,000 and needs it again
left lower control arm - 115,00
right caliper, both rotors - 80,000
front struts 115,000
recharge A/C 127,000
ignition coil 85,000
I'm currently fighting a problem with the rear brakes.
The car drives nice. I've had no trans problems and the motor has been reliable. Interior has held up great. My 3 kids have tested it extensively. I just with the suspension and brakes were more reliable.
We have a stratus with 134k on it.
Have had the 2.4l model and it does suck.
Now own the 2.5l v6 and have to say it is totally awesome.
Very Very dependable and solid car.
Please note the 2.4L is not a performance engine. And should not be driven hard.
I seen 1 the other day with a big arse wing and a fart pipe and 19" rims with the 2.4 engine. LMAO what a joke.:)
The 2.5L V6 model is the way to go if doing a lot of traveling and such. Averaging 28 city and up to 37 mpg in overdrive on the turnpike.
Replaced all 4 wheel bearings
2 rotors and calipers
1 alternator the other day
1 CV axle.
Note we bought it used with over 100K on it and it was BEAT BAD by the kid we bought it off of. Field beater.
All in all Very strong dependable car.
Payed $500 for car and around $600 for all the parts.
Very hard to work under the hood.
Changed plugs and wires took 2+hours
Had to remove the intake and get new seals.
What a pain.
Hello, I have a 97 Dodge Stratus with 150000 and the car has cost me just normal maintenance till now. Can someone help me as to why the car won't shift out of second gear? I was told many things as to the tranny being bad, trans control module, speed sensor? Someone please help me so I do not have to replace a lot of parts. Thanks in advance.
I have a 1997 Stratus with a 2.5 V6, and all I have had to do is put tie rods on and tires, oil changes and that's all. Overall a great car.
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