1997 Dodge Stratus
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › Stratus › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Dodge Stratus. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 1997 Dodge Stratus. Newest first.
Federal-mogul IS recalling certain replacement control arm assemblies, part numbers k7425, 10945, fa4510x, k7427, 10946, and fa4611x, sold for use on various passenger vehicles listed above. the ball joint on the control arm assembly can fail causing the ball stud to wear through the control arm housing resulting in noise and/or separation of the ball stud…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If there IS a separation of the ball stud from the housing, the driver can loose steering control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Federal-mogul will notify owners of record and replace the affected control arms free of charge. the safety recall began on january 28, 2011. owners may contact federal-mogul at 1-877-489-6659.
Qualis automotive IS recalling certain aftermarket ball joints sold for use on certain passenger vehicles. the socket may have been excessively hardened which could cause it to crack near the retaining ring groove allowing the ball stud to separate under impact load. the subject ball joints were sold as four part numbers, d10945, d10946, g10945, and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Separation of the ball stud from the socket of the ball joint housing would allow the control arm to collapse and the wheel to fold in causing loss of steering control, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy
Qualis automotive will replace the ball joints free of charge. the safety recall began on november 9, 2009. owners may contact qualis automotive at 1-800-493-4128.
Certain tigas fuel pump modules manufactured between june 1 and september 24, 2006, sold under various brand names and p/nos. these fuel pump modules are sold as aftermarket for use in certain daimlerchrysler vehicles listed above. silicone material used in manufacture of the flapper valve was out-of-specification, leading to excess swell of the flapper…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel restriction could result in loss of power and/or engine stall, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Ti automotive will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pump modules free of charge. the recall began on october 6, 2006. owners may contact ti automotive toll-free at 1-877-461-1834.
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. an inoperative interlock may also allow the key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the park position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Either circumstance may result in the vehicle rolling away without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new load-limiting push rod into the floor shifter lever of the affected vehicles. owner notification began on june 14, 2004. owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
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 in a low force required to depress the shift button. a combination of applying a mis-adjusted release button with a low force attempt to…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this happens, the "ignition-park" interlock system will be nonfunctional.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for proper operation of the system. any vehicles that are not functional after the inspection will have the shift mechanism and cable replaced with a "self-adjusting" design.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the lower control arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Separation of the ball joint could cause a loss of steering control increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the ball joint end housing cover seal for leakage with a high pressure air tester and the rubber boot will be visually inspected for damage. if the cover seal leaks or the boot IS damaged, the lower control arm will be replaced.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the secondary hood latch spring can disengage from its retention hole if the hood IS slammed shut.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this condition occurs simultaneously without engaging the primary latch, the hood would not be restrained increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch spring with a longer end hook spring.
Owner complaints
349 complaints28 involved a crash34 involved a fire23 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
Notice a smell from under the hood while driving open the hood fire put the fire out notice power hose had leak in it I feel dodge should be held accountable for this malfunction
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc)
Takata recall, horn don`t work, millage don`t work ,gas light comes on and neddle moves up and down alot
- Vehicle speed control
Either the oil light or cruise light will come on and car loses all power. I have to pull off road and put car in park turn it off and sometimes it will just start right back and sometimes I have to wait for about 30 mins for it to start back. I have only had the car since march of 2013 and it has…
Either the oil light or cruise light will come on and car loses all power. I have to pull off road and put car in park turn it off and sometimes it will just start right back and sometimes I have to wait for about 30 mins for it to start back. I have only had the car since march of 2013 and it has done this 10-12 times since then. I almost got rear ended a few times cause with no power it IS hard to get car off the road. I have contacted dodge but there IS no recall for this problem yet. *tr
- Tires
Tire had a bulge at the bead line. had a slow leak and was out of balance. I returned the tire to firestone. they showed me that the tire was missing rubber at along the tire bead and was not repairable. the tire was replaced at no charge. *kb
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge stratus. The contact stated that the fuel filler hose was loose and would not keep fuel in the vehicle. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 168,000.
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge stratus. The power steering high pressure hose was leaking into the engine. The 2.4 liter engine had a leak directly above the exhaust system. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was called and informed him that there were no recalls or warranties for the failure. The failure mileage was 147,000.
- Electrical system
Car was sitting front of my daughter's house and it caught fire under the hood on the driver's side. Car was totally destroyed. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Loss of power and stalling. while on hills it has no power on me shuts off on me every week. said that I had to pay for fixing that dodge dealer isn't responsible for charges. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge stratus. while driving approximately 45-50 mph on normal road conditions, the cruise control was activated. when the contact depressed the brake pedal, the cruise control failed to deactivate. he made several attempts to disengage the cruise control mechanism…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge stratus. while driving approximately 45-50 mph on normal road conditions, the cruise control was activated. when the contact depressed the brake pedal, the cruise control failed to deactivate. he made several attempts to disengage the cruise control mechanism, but was unsuccessful. the gear shifter was placed into neutral and the vehicle suddenly began to slow down; however, the engine revved highly. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure occurred whenever the cruise control was activated and the vehicle was in motion. the failure mileage was 150,000 and current mileage was 175,000.
- Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge stratus. the contact noticed that the rear passenger side seat belt did not properly retract. the dealer stated that the seat belt mechanism bolts needed to be replaced at the contact's expense because there was no recall. he attempted to locate the parts at…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge stratus. the contact noticed that the rear passenger side seat belt did not properly retract. the dealer stated that the seat belt mechanism bolts needed to be replaced at the contact's expense because there was no recall. he attempted to locate the parts at various junk yards and noticed that every vehicle with the same year, make, and model had the same failed component. as of august 28, 2008, the vehicle has not been repaired. the contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. the failure and current mileages were 150,000.
- Structure
The clear coat on the paint began coming off. it started on the roof and trunk lid and has now begun to spread to other parts of car. *tr
- Electrical system · Steering
Power steering hoses developed holes through the whole hose massive fluid loss now power steering pump has froze and the car only has 67 thousand miles for 97 year 95 % of miles highway also a/c compressor and a/c dash switch both non working with fully charged compressor and all relays and fuses replaced. *Tr
- Air bags · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge stratus. while driving 30 mph, the contact rear ended another vehicle. the air bags failed to deploy. the vehicle was destroyed and towed. a police report was filed. the road conditions were normal. she noticed oil leaking after the crash. the repair shop stated that a new head gasket was needed. the current and failure mileages were 81,000. updated 03-04-08 *bf
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
I was going to my cousins graduation and had asked an officer about parking when he directed me where to go when I turned I heard a pop and smoke started coming from under the hood and it caught fire. The fire department was called out and the fire was put out. My car was towed to a towing yard…
I was going to my cousins graduation and had asked an officer about parking when he directed me where to go when I turned I heard a pop and smoke started coming from under the hood and it caught fire. The fire department was called out and the fire was put out. My car was towed to a towing yard, and the next day towed to my property. Everything in engine compartment burned. I had it looked at by a mechanic and he said that it was probably an electrical fire. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge stratus. while driving 70 mph the cruise control failed to engage when activated. the mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. the current mileage was 128,000 and the failure mileage was 105,000. the vin appeared to be invalid.
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
My dodge stratus had am engine fire on 12-10-2006 as I walked away from the car after driving about 20-25 miles to my destination . A man ran up and asked me if that was my car that was on fire as I took a look I immediatealy called the fire dept and the fire was put out with out any one bring hurt. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Have contacted dodge/daimler-chrysler several times about transmission on my 1997 dodge stratus going out. hesitation on shifting into gear, slipping out of gear and back in on turns, trans leaks, slipping into gear suddenly and jerking the car, and so on. Car has only 66,000 miles on it now and I…
Have contacted dodge/daimler-chrysler several times about transmission on my 1997 dodge stratus going out. hesitation on shifting into gear, slipping out of gear and back in on turns, trans leaks, slipping into gear suddenly and jerking the car, and so on. Car has only 66,000 miles on it now and I got it in 2001 when my father passed away. It had only 53,000 miles on it then. A trans shouldn't be going out at 50-60,000 miles. If dodge has a bad product they should correct it themselves. I shouldn't have to pay to repair a problem dodge already knows about and isn't doing anything about. I never haul or pull anything and I only put 13,000 miles on it in five years. Not heavy driving. I should not have any problems at all and dodge refused to do anything or pay for repair- just saying "it's past warranty". I cannot afford to repair but I should have a vehicle company that IS proud of it's product enough to stand behind it. I only get $867 a month retirement and I'm 60 years of age. Daimler-chrysler should have made repairs when I first contacted them a year ago. This IS a daily problem and getting worse. Hundreds of failures. I have to use the car for pet care so just continue to putt along until it (the trans) goes out completely. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Auto transmission. 1997 dodge stratus 2.5L with auto stick. transmission leakage and failure of transmission. vehicle will not shift above second gear, and gear slips. *nm
- Electrical system › Wiring
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle caught fire due to an electrical wire according to the fire marshal. the vehicle was parked and not being driven. the fire was in the engine compartment. there was nothing unusual about the way the vehicle was operating before the fire.
- Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and attachments
Dt*: the contact stated while changing the oil the hinge for the hood seemed loose. there IS nhtsa recall # 97v095000 regarding the secondary hood latch spring. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it IS not included in the recall due to the vin.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at no particular speed, the check engine light illuminates and the vehicle completely stalls. after stalling, the vehicle restarts following an extended period of time. although the vehicle has been seen by a dealer and multiple repairs have been made, the dealer was unable to remedy the stalling problem. the rear freeze plug was leaking. Updated 03/09/06. *Jb
- Air bags · Electrical system
We had frequent electrical problem with the car and took it to the liberty dealership in johnstown, oh to get them fixed until we got to the point that it was going to take more than the care was valued to guarantee the fix. these items were not covered under our warranty. one day after pulling…
We had frequent electrical problem with the car and took it to the liberty dealership in johnstown, oh to get them fixed until we got to the point that it was going to take more than the care was valued to guarantee the fix. these items were not covered under our warranty. one day after pulling into our driveway after work, I shut the car off, opened the drivers side door while pulling the emergency brake and the air bags deployed, giving me a pretty good shot in the face. the car was sitting still and not running. the keys weren't even in the ignition. I called chrysler's customer service line and filed an incident. they assigned a.l. Gilbert to work on the case. a investigator was deployed from a private company out of dayton, oh. he took the car to a dealership in mt. Vernon, oh and determined by looking at the car's computer that it had been wrecked. obviously, this wasn't the case as there wasn't a dent or scratch on the car and I was sitting still in the driveway. however, chrysler refused to change their determination. even though it was requested multiple times, a copy of the report from the investigator from dayton, oh was never provided me. A.l. Gilbert blatantly called me dishonest because he said the computer didn't lie. I convinced him to let me take it to the liberty dealership and have the service manager look at the car while on the phone with him. The liberty service manager told a.l. Gilbert that there was no visible evidence of any accident on the car. A.l. Gilbert said there absolutely had to be something because the computer said so. the libert service mechanic said, in fact the only scratch I see IS on the undercarriage and looks like he's driven on a gravel road. gilbert responded and said that was all the evidence he needed and that the decision stood. I still drive the car today but without air bags and with a dash that lights up like a christmas tree because of the electrical problems. *nm
- Electrical system
Dt: contact's wife went into walmart and 15 minutes later 1997, dodge, stratus caught on fire in the parking lot. The originated from under the hood, possibly around the battery box or the master cylinder. The car was completely destroyed. This happened on june 5, 2005. the only problem the…
Dt: contact's wife went into walmart and 15 minutes later 1997, dodge, stratus caught on fire in the parking lot. The originated from under the hood, possibly around the battery box or the master cylinder. The car was completely destroyed. This happened on june 5, 2005. the only problem the contact had with the car prior to tthe fire was the check engine light caming on sometimes. The car has cruise control, and electric windows.*ak
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Dt: the vehicle IS a 1997 dodge stratus. at 27,000 the oil light came on while the consumer was driving and the vehicle cut off. when the consumer had it towed to the dealership they replaced the timing belt and pulleys. at 39,000 the engine would not start. when it was towed to the dealership…
Dt: the vehicle IS a 1997 dodge stratus. at 27,000 the oil light came on while the consumer was driving and the vehicle cut off. when the consumer had it towed to the dealership they replaced the timing belt and pulleys. at 39,000 the engine would not start. when it was towed to the dealership again, they found that one coil was shorted, the pcm was bad, the timing belt had to be replaced again, they had to replace the module, the relay, and the plug wire. the whole electrical system had to be replaced. later at 62,000 miles it was leaking oil and would not start. it was towed to the dealer were the timing belt had to be replaced a third time, the head gasket and package, the plug and plug wires, and the spark plugs were also replaced. Currently at 89,000 the timing belt and head gasket need replacing. the vehicle IS over heating and will not start. this caused the heater core to go out. the cluster has gone out; the whole lighting system comes on and goes off without warning. these current problems have not been repaired as of now. there are other issues that are included in a recall for the lower ball joints and for the floor shifter. the vehicle was immobile so the consumer can not take it to the dealership to have the recalls repaired. the manufacturer told the consumer there was nothing they could do because the vehicle was out of warranty. *jb
- Power train › Axle assembly
Dt: dodge stratus 1997. consumer received recall notice concerning transaxles floor shifter park interlock. Consumer said that it broke, causing the axle to malfunction. When turn the car on consumer could shift the shifter into gear without pushing the button on shifter or pressing the…
Dt: dodge stratus 1997. consumer received recall notice concerning transaxles floor shifter park interlock. Consumer said that it broke, causing the axle to malfunction. When turn the car on consumer could shift the shifter into gear without pushing the button on shifter or pressing the brakes. Before had to press the brake and push button to go into gear. currently, vehicle will not go into gear unless consumer shut the vehicle off and turning it back on. Sometimes when shutting the vehicle off it would not shut off until consumer messed with the shifter. Consumer called in for recall repairs, and consumer went back to pick up vehicle and the dashboard and steering column were taken apart and not put back together. Consumer said it was laying on the front passenger's side. there was no fan belt on engine. consumer said that dealer charged her $87.00. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Auto trans ignition-park interlock
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 mys.the precise number of duplicates between odi and dc reports…
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 mys.the precise number of duplicates between odi and dc reports cannot be determined due to missing or incomplete information.the fatality incident involved an elderly person who attempted to stop a roll away vehicle and received fatal injuries.odi also gathered information on my 1997-99 prowler vehicles in this investigation. The prowler vehicles were manufactured with a different design shifter mechanism (the shift lever IS shorter).there are no complaints of prowler interlock failure in odi?s database, and dc has received no reports either.the prowler IS excluded from the recall scope.the investigation involved a condition where the interlock system could fail (or be made inoperative by the operator) during vehicle use, possibly inadvertently.the interlock system IS required under fmvss 114.with the transmission in the park position and the ignition key off, the combined action of pressing the shift button and pulling the shift lever rearward may result in the operator overcoming the interlock system and cause the mechanical linkage of the system to disconnect.when this occurs, there IS no overt indication to an operator that the system IS defeated, and an increased risk of vehicle roll-away exists.under recall 04v021, dc will replace damaged shift mechanisms, and will install on all vehicles a device which inhibits the operator?s ability to overcome the interlock and defeat the system.beginning with my 2000, dc incorporated a brake and transmission shifter interlock (btsi) system into the subject vehicles.introduction of btsi involved design changes to the shift mechanism, one of which resulted in reduced mechanical advantage (rma) of the shift button.the rma shifter requires increased forces to overcome the interlock system, making the shifter less susceptible to damage.
- 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 failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations.…
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 failures were due to incorrect child safety seat installations. Additionally, the report rate IS low (1.60/100k).the information available fails to establish the existence of a defect trend at this time.further allocation of agency resources to this issue IS unwarranted and the preliminary evaluation IS being closed.
- Lower control arm ball joint failure
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 stratus vehicles, as well as 1995 through 1997 chrysler sebring…
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 stratus vehicles, as well as 1995 through 1997 chrysler sebring convertible and plymouth breeze vehicles equipped with identical lower control arm ball joints.an estimated total of 599,00vehicles are affected by this recall.the manufacturer's investigation disclosed that process variability, together with the ball joint housing cover crimping operation, can result in an ineffective seal that permits a loss of lubrication and accelerted wear of the ball joint assembly.this condition can lead to failure and separtion of the lower control arm ball joint.the recall IS identified as nhtsa 97v-201 and a copy of chrysler's letter to nhtsa IS attached hereto.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10175735Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10150552Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the following list that are marked **** for the model year are no longer supported with OEM retrofit kits. NOTE: Dealers are encouraged to honor any customers? request for the installation of the Child Seat Tether Anchors and Dealer reimbursement will be made by FCA US LLC regardless of vehicle age or mileage. See the Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual and/or Warranty Bulletin D-08-33 for reimbursement detail.
- 10001520Seat belt cinch bar service for various models including 2004 models.
- 6092304Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures.
- 6089800Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles.
- 6089311Concerns with a/c evaporator odor. *Nlm
- 6089038Information on tire and wheel runout. *Nlm
- 6089036Concerns with transmission fluid auxiliary cooler. *Nlm
- 6089028Information on 41te/42le service information. *Nlm
- 6088988Concerns with 41te/42le transaxle shudder during an emcc (electronically modulated converter clutch) shift. *Nlm
- 6088926Information on no start diagnostic cam/crank sensor $01 and $28. *Nlm
- 6088917Concerns with "bump" feel during a/c compressor engagement. *Nlm
- 6088890Information on leak detection pump (ldp) dealer test mode. *Nlm
- 6088884Information on poor drivability with high di (drivability index) fuel. *Nlm
- 6088858Information on gasket surface preparation on aluminum engine components. *Nlm
- 6088834Information regarding nhtsa authorized airbag deactivation for medical necessity. *Nlm
- 6088786Concerns with engine coolant usage. *Nlm
- 6088758Concerns with low frequency rumble/ gear type noise from front of vehicel. *Nlm
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 634077Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement. *Slc
- 625650Subject regarding outside rearview mirror glass replacement.
- 623153Exhibiting rough idle, hard start and start & stall.*cls
- 621898Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4.
- 620066Subject 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.
- 620059Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty.
- 618396This bulletin involves installation of a new component to assist cam seal retention.
- 618049Subject regarding wire splice repairs.
- 615688Subject regarding child seat tether anchors.
- 612160Subject on the child seat tether anchors. *Mjs
- 612149Vehicles may experience clunking or rattle in steering wheel/steering column. *Mjs
- 610007Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offering internal emergency trunk releases for selection vehicles.
- 609995This bulletin provides a revised wire splice procedure and related parts.
- 609988Subject regarding misdiagnosed leak detection pump systems with diagnostic trouble codes p1494, p0442 p0455, or p0456.
Every Dodge Stratus model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.