1996 Dodge Stratus engine and engine cooling problems
335 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 1996 Dodge Stratus — 60% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“R&r front left wheel bearing fix, hub & bearing assembly total cost $214.55 clean engine total cost $83.46 engine oil leak, tried oil stop leak & seems to be working for the time being. Radiator/antifreeze leak, I'm spending $150 month for antifreeze. Putting in 1-2 bottles a day. Probably will…”
filed Feb 4, 2015
“My car had the head gasket replaced and a few other things on it. But I can smell burning oil from some were and the light is on for the oil. I only drive short distances because I am afraid of a fire. Not only that it well maybe only go about 2 miles before it shuts down. Then I have to wait for…”
filed Oct 19, 2009
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
R2118796A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 26, 2016
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Stratus years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 Stratus | 14 | 19% |
| 2005 Stratus | 14 | 23% |
| 2004 Stratus | 22 | 15% |
| 2003 Stratus | 6 | 8% |
| 2002 Stratus | 48 | 32% |
| 2001 Stratus | 58 | 31% |
| 2000 Stratus | 23 | 11% |
| 1999 Stratus | 53 | 21% |
| 1998 Stratus | 121 | 44% |
| 1997 Stratus | 158 | 45% |
| 1995 Stratus | 106 | 33% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1996 Dodge Stratus
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.