Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 245 of 318 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
116 complaint records5 fire reports1 crash report
"NEEDS NEW ENGINE DUE TO HEAD GASKET FAILURE - ESTIMATED TOTAL $4,500.00. THIS CAR IS NOT OLD ENOUGH TO NEED A NEW ENGINE!. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Brakes
70 complaint records1 fire report6 crash reports
"POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE AT 25 MPH, COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED DURING AN EMERGENCY STOP, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Power train
60 complaint records1 crash report
"WHILE DRIVING 60-65 AND WITHOUT WARNING TRANSMISSION SHIFTED TO A LOW GEAR, UP TO 15-20 MPH IN MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA03011 opened Jul 2003 | closed Jan 2004 | Power Train | AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK - led to recall 04V021000 THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL... |
| DP03002 opened May 2003 | closed Jul 2003 | Steering | STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSAFURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED... |
| PE02082 opened Nov 2002 | closed Apr 2003 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED... |
| EA97016 opened Sep 1997 | closed Nov 1997 | Suspension | LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILURE - led to recall 97V201000 BY LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 6, 1997, THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THIS AGENCY OF ITS DECISION TO INITIATE A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO CORRECT THE DEFECT IDENTIFIED IN THIS EA.THE RECALL WILL ALSO COVER 1996 AND 1997 CHRYSLER CIRRUS/DODGE... |
| PE97009 opened Mar 1997 | closed Sep 1997 | Suspension | LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILURE THE MANUFACTURER IDENTIFED VEHICLE OWNER COMPLAINTS OF THE SUBJECT BALL JOINT FAILURES AS TABULATED ABOVE.IN ADDITION, A TOTAL OF 72 WARRANTY REPORTS WERE IDENTIFIED FOR REPLACEMENT OF BROKEN OR CRACKED BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.CHRYSLER... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V021000 | Power Train | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. | Normally free |
| 98V183000 | Power Train | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE CABLE CONNECTING THE CONSOLE SHIFTER MECHANISM TO THE IGNITION KEY CAN CAUSE A TRAPPED KEY CONDITION WHICH CAN RESULT... | Normally free |
| 98V063000 | Seat Belts | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR DOES NOT ACHIEVE THE LOADING REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." | Normally free |
| 97V201000 | Suspension | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN SEPARATE DUE TO LOSS OF LUBRICATION. | Normally free |
| 96V075000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL. | Normally free |
| 96V074000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | CORROSION OF THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN CAUSE THE SOLENOID VALVES TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION. | Normally free |
| 96V006000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL IS NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINED. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004003 2004-01-08 | Other | 277,416 | On certain vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a floor-mounted shifter, the ignition-park interlock may become defeated and allow the shifter to be moved out of the Park position with the key removed. |
| 1998165 1998-08-26 | Other | 61,866 | NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FLOOR MOUNTED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER. A COMBINATION OF APPLYING A MIS-ADJUSTED SHIFTER RELEASE BUTTON WITH A LOW FORCE ATTEMPT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITH THE KEY IN THE LOCKED POSITION MAY BREAK... |
| 1998061 1998-03-27 | Seats And Restraints | 9,477 | THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 210 - SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES. THE REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR MAY NOT ACHIEVE THE LOADING REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD DURING TESTING. |
| 1997205 1997-11-20 | Suspension | 53,134 | On certain vehicles, the lower control arm ball joint may separate due to loss of lubrication. This separation could result in loss of vehicle control and a crash without prior warning. |
| 1996078 1996-05-17 | Brakes | 9,358 | CORROSION OF THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT MAY CAUSE THE SOLENOID VALVES TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION. IF EITHER FRONT WHEEL VALVE STICKS, THE VEHICLE MAY TEND TO DEVIATE FROM A STRAIGHT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. |
Show 2 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996079 1996-05-17 | Brakes | 6,257 | On certain vehicles, the brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal. Brake fluid leakage may result in diminished effectiveness of one portion of the split brake system. |
| 1996009 1996-01-10 | Engine | 5,733 | AN ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY RETAINED. INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE PLUG MAY RESULT IN OIL LEAKAGE WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| R2118796A Feb 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. | |
| 23-014-15 Apr 2015 | Equipment | Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. | |
| 0801003 Apr 2003 | Seat Belts | SEAT BELT CINCH BAR SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 MODELS. *TT | |
| 1802002 Jun 2002 | Unknown Or Other | FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC | |
| 1802001 Aug 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXHIBITING ROUGH IDLE, HARD START AND START & STALL.*CLS |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0801001 May 2001 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT | |
| 1801201 May 2001 | Equipment | SUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 2100601 Mar 2001 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ | |
| 0900800 Jan 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES INSTALLATION OF A NEW COMPONENT TO ASSIST CAM SEAL RETENTION. *JB | |
| 0800600REV Dec 2000 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB | |
| 2300800B Nov 2000 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 082700 Sep 2000 | Air Bags | SUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 230800 Mar 2000 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 080600 Feb 2000 | Electrical System | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT | |
| 230200 Feb 2000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERING INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASES FOR SELECTION VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 083799 Nov 1999 | Air Bags | DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 190299REVA Oct 1999 | Steering | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE CLUNKING OR RATTLE IN STEERING WHEEL/STEERING COLUMN. *MJS | |
| 233599REVA Oct 1999 | Structure | SUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS | |
| 090799 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING 2.5L V-6 HEAD GASKET APPLICATION. *TT | |
| 090899 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING MULTI-LAYER STEEL (MLS) HEAD GASKET INSTALLATION PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 233599 Sep 1999 | Seats | INFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT | |
| 232099A Aug 1999 | Structure | DAIMLER CHRYSLER IS NOW OFFERING INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 050799 Jun 1999 | Service Brakes | BRIEF INFORMATION ON THE USE OF ASBESTOS FIBER BRAKE LININGS. *TT | |
| 232099 Jun 1999 | Structure | DIAMLER CHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERING INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 9926 Jun 1999 | Structure | INFORMATION PERTAINING TO INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE DEALER REIMBURSEMENT. *TT | |
| 9925 Jun 1999 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING THE INTERNAL EMERGENCY TRUNK RELEASE. *TT | |
| 210699 Apr 1999 | Vehicle Speed Control | CONDITIONS WITH INTERMITTENT LOSS OF SPEED CONTROL. *TT | |
| 210599 Mar 1999 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING REUSABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT | |
| 210499 Feb 1999 | Power Train | SERVICE AND PARTS INFORMATION ON 1999 RUNNING CHANGES TO TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) *TT | |
| 081798 Dec 1998 | Air Bags | SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG ON - OFF SWITCHES. *YC | |
| 090798 Dec 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING OIL SEEPAGE AT CAM POSITION SENSOR / MISINTERPRETED HEAD GASKET LEAK. *YC | |
| 090598 Nov 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A NEW MULTI-LAYER STEEL ( MLS ) HEAD GASKET HAS BEEN DEVELOPED AND IS BEING IMPLEMENTED INTO PRODUCTION VEHICLES. *YC | |
| 183298 Sep 1998 | Structure | SUBJECT ON FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *YC | |
| 081798 REV B Sep 1998 | Air Bags | SUBJECT REGARDING THE AIRBAG ON-OFF SWITCHES. *YC | |
| 182698 Aug 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXCESSIVE COLD CRANK TIME WITH A NO START CONDITION CAUSED BY NO/LOW COMPRESSION DUE TO LOOSE CARBON HOLDING VALVES OPENING/SAGS/STUMBLES/HESITATES AFTER COLD START. *AK | |
| 190398 Jun 1998 | Steering | POWER STEERING SYSTEM NOISE FOLLOWING COLD ENGINE STARTS IN LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *YC | |
| 9830 Jun 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT ON LABOR OPERATION TIME CHANGE FOR DOMESTIC 2.OL DOHC AND 2.4L HEAD GASKET REPLACEMENT. *YC | |
| 020598 May 1998 | Suspension | INTERMITTENT POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE MAY BE HEARD FROM EITHER SIDE. *YC | |
| 210798 Apr 1998 | Power Train | SUBJECT ON DELAYED TRANSAXLE ENGAGEMENT. *AK | |
| 240898 Apr 1998 | Equipment | CONDITION WITH THE A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE. *YC | |
| 081698 Apr 1998 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON INSTALLATION OF RADIO TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT. *AK | |
| 080698 Feb 1998 | Exterior Lighting | CONDITION WITH INDICATOR BULB DOES NOT LIGHT. *YC | |
| 180198 Jan 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | UPSTREAM 02 SENSOR SHORTED TO VOLTAGE ALONG WITH POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF SAGGING/HESITATION OR ROUGH IDLE. *AK | |
| 090997 Dec 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON GASKET SURFACE PREPARATION ON ALUMINUM ENGINE COMPONENTS. *NLM | |
| 211497 Dec 1997 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID AUXILIARY COOLER. *NLM | |
| 970919083297 Sep 1997 | Air Bags | AUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *YC | |
| 0832097 Sep 1997 | Electrical System | INFORMATION REGARDING NHTSA AUTHORIZED AIRBAG DEACTIVATION FOR MEDICAL NECESSITY. *NLM | |
| 241197 Jul 1997 | Equipment | CONCERNS WITH A/C EVAPORATOR ODOR. *NLM | |
| 220197 Jun 1997 | Tires | INFORMATION ON TIRE AND WHEEL RUNOUT. *NLM | |
| 210997 May 1997 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON 41TE/42LE SERVICE INFORMATION. *NLM | |
| 070397 May 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VARIOUS CAR OWNER'S HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN USING ENGINE COOLANTS MADE WITH PROPYLENE GLYCOL INSTEAD OF ETHYLENE GLYCOL. *YC | |
| 970314210597 Mar 1997 | Power Train | CONDITION WITH TRANAXLE SHUDDER DURING A 3RD GEAR TO 3RD GEAR PARTIAL EMCC ( ELECTRONICALLY MODULATED CONVERTER CLUTCH) ENGAGEMENT, 3RD GEAR PARTIAL EMCC TO 4TH GEAR PARTIAL EMCC ENGAGEMENT, OR 4TH GEAR TO 4TH GEAR EMCC ENGAGEMENT. *YC | |
| 210597 Mar 1997 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH 41TE/42LE TRANSAXLE SHUDDER DURING AN EMCC (ELECTRONICALLY MODULATED CONVERTER CLUTCH) SHIFT. *NLM | |
| 180897 Feb 1997 | Electrical System | SAG/HESITATION ON ACCELERATION, OR ENGINE MISS. *TW | |
| 180997 Feb 1997 | Power Train | VEHICLE SHUDDER DURING TORQUE CONVERTER EMCC (LOCK UP) OPERATION/DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE 38. *TW | |
| 181097 Feb 1997 | Electrical System | INTERMITTENT SINGLE CYLINDER MISFIRE AND/OR MIL ILLUMINATED. *TW | |
| 0808978 Feb 1997 | Unknown Or Other | RKE INADEQUATE/INTERMITTENT OPERATION. *TW | |
| 230397 Feb 1997 | Structure | DIFFICULT TO CLEAN LIGHT COLORED "CHALKY" RESIDUE FROM PLASTIC BODY COMPONENTS THAT ARE MOLDED IN BLACK. *TW | |
| 190496 Jan 1997 | Steering | WHISTLE AND/OR HISS NOISE FROM STEERING GEAR WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS. *JD | |
| 140795 Oct 1995 | Fuel System | BULLETIN APPLIES TO LH VEHICLES BUILT AFTER MAY 25, 1995 (MDH 05-25-XX) AND JA VEHICLES BUILT AFTER MAY 10, 1995 (MDH 05-10-XX). FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY WITH FUEL TANK. MAY BE INTERMITTENT. BULLETIN INVOLVES REPLACING THE FUEL LEVEL UNIT REVISED PARTS. |
Showing 60 of 87 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Dodge Stratus →