Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - FLOOR SHIFT
04V021000DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONfrom 04/01/1992 to 07/31/1999V (Vehicle)231576806/14/2004ODICHRYSLER GROUP LLC01/13/200401/15/2004
Defect SummaryOn 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.
Consequence SummaryEither circumstance may result in the vehicle rolling away without warning.
Corrective SummaryDealers 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.
NotesDaimlerchrysler recall no. c45.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
98V183000CHRYSLER CORPORATIONfrom 07/25/1994 to 01/21/1998V (Vehicle)68500010/26/1998ODICHRYSLER GROUP LLC08/06/199808/17/1998
Defect SummaryVehicle 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 shift out of park with the key in the locked position, can break the connecting pin in the shifter.
Consequence SummaryIf this happens, the ignition-park interlock system will be nonfunctional.
Corrective SummaryDealers 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.
NotesOwner notification began october 26, 1998. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
210060103/16/2001211699621898Automatic transmission fluid usage atf+4. *tt *mj10/03/2001
21059703/14/19976088988Concerns with 41te/42le transaxle shudder during an emcc (electronically modulated converter clutch) shift. *nlm01/11/2000
21059903/05/1999604696Subject regarding reusable automatic transmission oil pan gasket. *tt05/07/1999
21049902/26/1999604364Service and parts information on 1999 running changes to transmission range sensor (trs) *tt04/27/1999
18409512/01/199546485Bulletin applies to '96 vehicles equipped w/ 2.5l engine (avenger/sebring/ talon built prior to nov. 10, 1995 mdh [11-10-xx]) (cirrus/stratus built prior to sept. 25, 1995 mdh [9-25-xx]). intermittent speed control cutout during normal ope04/25/1996
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
7921/2204/01/1999604985Federal and california emissions recall on reprogramming the powertrain control module. *tt05/21/1999
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
21149712/12/19976089036Concerns with transmission fluid auxiliary cooler. *nlm01/12/2000
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
18099702/28/199751993Vehicle shudder during torque converter emcc (lock up) operation/diagnostic trouble code 38. *tw07/17/1997
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
21029806/26/1998601581Information on diagnostic / driveability improvements, transaxle that incorporates a transmission range sensor (trs) only. reduces a shudder condition that may be experienced during light throttle 1-2 upshift. *ak08/12/1998
21079804/24/1998600751Subject on delayed transaxle engagement. *ak06/05/1998
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
21099705/16/19976089028Information on 41te/42le service information. *nlm01/12/2000
97031421059703/14/199754371Condition 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. *yc03/30/1998

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
EA03011CHRYSLER GROUP LLC07/17/200301/30/2004AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK04V021000
 The manufacturer reports above are based on daimlerchrysler
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - FLOOR SHIFT
EA03011CHRYSLER GROUP LLC07/17/200301/30/2004AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK04V021000
 The manufacturer reports above are based on daimlerchrysler

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
09/15/200158000
 I purchased my 1996 dodge stratus in the summer of 1996 and so far i have had nothing but trouble with this vehicle, one head gasket repair through the dealership at a cost of $1600, one timing chain replacement at a cost of $600 and now again another head gasket leak. in the year 2000 this car sat in the garage for a total of 11 months due to not having the money to fix the head gasket problem which caused a severe financial and a mentally frustrating time during those months without a car. i would like to be included in the class action lawsuit against chrysler so please forward me any information needed in going forward with this lawsuit.
16
 2nd request fax fwd email fm behalf of jovan j. matthews (tx) re numerous defects on a 1996 dodge stratus (vin#1b3ej46x5tn118925). *mr the a/c leaked, electrical circuits malfunctioned, transmission problems, premature brake wear, head gasket problems, and poor driveability. there was steering oscillation when driven above 50 mph, rough ride when there was an irregular surface, erratic idle, performance loss, overheating in traffic and or the a/c would become inoperative, warm-up sag, hesitation/die out, rear grid defogger indicator light malfunctioned, inside lights worked improperly, erratic late harsh transmission shifts, frequent rumble or gear noise from the front between 50 and 70 mph, musty odor and defogger failed to clear the glass. *scc the vehicle was also in need of an exhaust manifold and struts. *jb
11565910/01/1995
 Three head gasket was replaced three times. *mr the consumer had experienced problems with the vehicle after one year of purchase. the consumer had been without the vehicle every other month. the vehicle had a perpetual oil leak and since the vehicle was no longer under warranty, she had to seek help from an independent mechanic. the vehicle had so much oil leaking out, the consumer placed oil in the vehicle instead of gas. chrysler would not do anything. the vehicle had started to leak transmission fluid, also the front seal began to leak as well, the check engine light had come on, then the vehicle started missing out, sputtered, and the starter was intermittent due to a short. the consumer had requested a refund of repairs. other repairs were as followed: the air compressor on the air conditioner, starter, replacement of the head gasket three times, once at 11565k miles and second at 20495k miles and again at 69000k miles. *scc *jb
05/28/1997
 Consumer states that car caught on fire. the fire department told owner that the fire started in the engine. the manufacturer sent an investigator down. the outcome of that investigation was that there was a defect in the power train. manufacturer. raplaced vehicle. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
01/01/1901
 Consumer experiencing problems having the recall for the transaxle floor shifter ignition park interlock checked out on her 1996 dodge stratus.*mr the dealer explained that they did not make appointment for recall checks. when the consumer just showed up at the dealer they were always too busy to look at the vehicle. *nm
01/01/19011
 Ltr fm jovan mathews (tx) re problems with his 1996 dodge stratus and asking daimler chrysler to initiate a recall. *mr the a/c leaked, electric circuits malfunctioned, transmission problems, premature brake wear, head gasket, and poor drive ability. the consumer had replaced the timing belt, hydraulic tensioner, water pump, alternator, alternator belt, rotors, brake shoes, rear wheel cylinders, pcv valve, dryer, a/c compressor, tires, all filters, and fluids. the vehicle was in need of an exhaust manifold, windshield, struts, shocks, steering wheel, and a head gasket. the vehicle experienced steering wheel oscillation/vibration above 50 mph, rough ride on road with irregular surface, erratic idle, performance loss, overheated,warm up sag, hesitation, rear grid defogger indicator malfunction, inside lights had become inoperative, late/harsh automatic transmission shifts, frequency rumble or gear noise from the front between 50 and 70 mph, musty odor, and the defroster failed to clear the glass. *scc *jb
07/01/20031007/01/2003
 My name is jovan j. mathews, and i am a twenty-four year old father of three who is currently receiving social security. i am writing this letter today because i am having some problems with my 1996 dodge stratus (vin# 13ej46x5tn118925). the types of problems that i am having consists of air conditioning leaks, electrical circuits that malfunction, transmission troubles, premature brake wear, head gasket problems, and poor driveability. chrysler motor corporation prides itself as representing value, quality, durability and reliability, but i cant seem to see that as a true statement with all of my current problems. i could not believe all the problems that i am having with this vehicle at one given time so i decided to research my difficulties on the internet and i found that i am not the only one with these same issues. i feel that daimlerchrysler corp should be held responsible for my repairs due to circumstances caused by shoddy parts and quality. so far i have replaced the timing belt, hydraulic tensioner, water pump, alternator, alternator belt, rotors, bake shoes, rear wheel cylinders, pcv valve, dryer, ac compressor, tires, all filters, and fluids. i am in dyer need of a exhaust manifold, windshield, struts, shocks, steering wheel, head gasket. also, i am experiencing steering wheel oscillation/vibration above 50 mph, rough ride on road with irregular surface & bottoming out on pothole, erratic idle, performance loss, overheats in traffic &/or a/c becomes inoperative, warm-up sag, hesitation & driveway die out, rear grid defogger indicator light malfunctions, inside lights work improperly, erratic, late or harsh automatic transmission shifts , frequency rumble or gear noise from front between 50 & 70 mph , musty odor and defroster fails to clear glass. as it appears i need a lot of work and being low income i need help.*ak
04/19/2001630004
 Owner of 1996 dodge stratus, a certified lemon with repeated head-gasket leaks/transmission leaks. i have had this vehicle repaired twice for head gasket leakage and twice for transmission problems. *ak
02/22/2002
 Transmission was slipping. took vehicle to dealer, and they pulled out and rebuilt transmission. then, reinstalled it. next day while driving at highway speeds driver heard a loud banging noise under car. driver pulled over and vehicle caught on fire.*ak
09/01/1999
 I own two dodge stratus. one transmission just failed. the transmission shop daid it was because of the transmission lines to the radiator had loosened up. the car had been involved in a minor accident. now my other stratus has developed a transmission leak. same problem!! i have to believe there is a manufacter defect!!*ak
101/01/2001
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
03/03/2001112/01/2000
 This car was sold to me defective and now neither the warranty company or the dealship wants to handle it.*ak
03/24/2001108/01/1996
 Consumer heard noise from front of vehicle when slowing down. mechanic found transmission needed to be replaced. *ak consumer states differential pin broke, chrysler agreed to pay 2/3 of cost. *slc.
 Was driving vehicle and transmission would shift into gear properly. brakes were not working properly. then, transmission fell out of vehicle.*ak
106/01/1996
 Have replaced bearings, ball joints, head gaskets and now the transmission on 1996 stratus.*ak
109/01/1996
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
01/25/20011
 Vehicle was leaking oil, and consumer took vehicle to an independent mechanic. mechanic stated that head gasket was cracked. problem was remedied by mechanic. *ak the transmission was leaking. *yh
09/01/2000108/01/1997
 No summary listed fro above vehicle. *ak
09/18/2000210/01/1998
 No summary
101/01/1996
 1) transmission leak due to crack in case. mechanic diagnosed as crack due to damaged differential carrier. described as mounting pin broke or worked loose, allowing play in differential, banging against case. 2) faulty starter motor caused repeated failure of fuse. fuse would blow immediately upon ignition attempt. 3) constant oil leak from rear of engine. mechanic diagnosed as head gasket seal. 4) trunk lid often will not latch.
04/01/200003/01/2000
 Car made nocking noise when brought into the mechanic said that it was nothing. spoke to the owner and he said he would not look at the engine or take it out in fear that it would be the transmission. he wrote a note and said that if the car was not driveable that he would repair the car if it was the same problem as before. now the car feels as if it is in to low of a gear. also i have lost a lot of power.*ak
01/01/19980
 Car jerks when putting in park and steering column makes a popping sound. consumer stated it has been two years, and dealer has not received part for vehicle. *ak
05/04/20001
 While driving down route 80 heard a loud breaking noise, car was smoking. pulled over, went to put vehicle in park, and vehicle won't hold in park. had vehicle towed to the dealer, and was told that the differential broke. told that this was a common problem for this vehicle. transmission has been repaired and is functioning, but does not feel the way it should. *ak *ml
02/21/2000104/01/1999
 I have only had this car for one year and i cannot believe that for a 1996 dodge stratus i have already had a head gasket ($600.00) and a transmission replaced. need help with any recalls on these. thank you in advance for your cooperation. *ak
12/10/1999105/01/1997
 The small pin that holds the larger pin for the spider gear assembly failed allowing the larger pin to come out of the housing and put a hole into the side of the transmission housing.
11/01/199908/01/1995
 Vehicle has undergone every recall, consumer paid cost of failed engine head gasket, engine seized due to improper timing belt installation. car was being driven at 50mph on interstate, transmission shifted to neutral, pulled off to shoulder, transmission shifted to park transmission blew up and car locked up. pregnant passsenger suffered wiplash etc. dodge conducted investigation (# 5804935) stated this was impossible. note: incident occured days before notification of shifter recall. letter sent by dodge stating they found no problems, refuses to release full report claiming propriatory info. consumer again had to pay for full cost of repair, new trans. $ 1,700. *ak
04/01/19990
 While driving there is a chattering noise. eventually consumer loses drive gear. consumer feels this would cause an accident if the car was suddenly to lose power while on a freeway. *ak
02/02/19961
 Transmission failure resulted in complete loss of fluid. mjs
105/01/1998
 Car is presently at crown dodge@ phone # is 281-556-6400 robert
09/29/1999
 Transmission malfunctioned while driving, causing the vehicle to lose power. dealer has replaced the module prior to this incident. the manufacturer has been notified. *ak
06/12/1997205/01/1996
 I have taken my vehicle in for the head gasket to be replaced 4 times now. i am taking it in again for the 5th time for the same problem. all the dealer keeps doing is putting another head gasket on and charging me my $50 deductable. this is getting very tiring. my brakes went out completely in 1997 after the factory re-call had been preformed. i was informed that the mechanic had put the seal in wrong. the last time i took my vehicle in for the head gasket, number 4, the dealer found that the cv boot needed replaced. durring the repair the axel just fell apart. same time the transmission pump needed replaced the fuel sending unit needed replaced and the head gasket was replaced. and it still leaks from the same spot the rear left of the engine.
 Vehicle makes loud noises as it switches gears. the sound is getting louder as vehicle gets older. dealer cant find the cause of the problem. *ak
06/20/1999111/01/1995
 Transmission: auto was parked, but would not go into reverse. auto would have to be stopped and restatred to procedd a few hundred feet. called for tow. cyl. head: auto leaked oil, went to dealer. dealer said it was cyl. head, but i never saw the problem. tie rods: noise in front end. tie rods were ready to fall off. still a noise; maybe stabilizer bars or ball joint. i have owned many vehicles, but this was my first chrysler product--- and the last! numerous other problems, but dealer did respond. *ak
03/15/1999101/01/1996
 Transmission would not initially engage when starting car in the morning. transmisiion would slip and eventually kick into gear. car out of 3 year warranty. dealer stated that torque converter was bad , interior seals were leaking. transmission completely rebuilt. manufacturer picked up 70 % of cost. when discussing impact of prior system failures on this car (blown head gaskets, replaced brake systems) dealer suggested an extended service contract.
08/20/1998
 There was a shudder type sound and the transmission locked up, the car lost power, brakes did not work properly and lights came on the dashboard. the car locked in drive and could not be put into any other gear. the driver had to put the emergency brake on. eventually the vehicle was forced into gear.
07/01/1998
 While driving the vehicle would not accelerate over 40 mph. owner took vehicle into dealer and was informed that the transmission was going bad. *ak
12/17/1998201/01/1997
 The transmission started leaking oil from the front seal of the tranny. i took the car into a dodge dealership's garage in england (where i live working for the united states air force) and they told me that the front seal needed to be changed and that i had to pay for parts (the seal) and labor. then when the car was ready to pick up they informed me that chrysler was paying for parts, incuding a new pump that thaey felt needed to be changed out and i would pay for the labor. i paid 195.00 pounds wich is equivelant to around 350.00 dollars. when i tok the car from the garage i noticed a strange noise comming from the front left tire. so i took it back and they rudley took my car and went around the block to see what was the matter. when he came back the car was fixed. so i drove it home and on the way thier the tranny was slipping and almost burnt out. i checked the fluid and there was none in there. i called the garage and told them that it was leaking again. so i filled it back up and took the car back to them. they then preeceded to tell me that the tranny neede to be replaced that the torque converter was bent. i was quite upset because i would of never had to pay for the first time if they has road tested the vehical in the first place. so i left them the car agian. this happened on the very next day. about a month later i recieved the car back. two days after recieving the car the tranny got stuck in low gear. i took the car back again and they told me it was the tranny's compt. that was messed up. so here i am with this i keep my fingers crossed that a 2 1/2 won't scew up anymore. (besides the ball joints shearing and the 2 or 3 more recalles that need to be fixed)
 While driving vehicle started making noise, and would not move from the middle of the street. dealer said vehicle needs new transmission. *ak
08/20/1998
 Transmission locked up while driving. dealer informed consumer that the transmission exploded internally. dealer will not repair unless cost is to consumer. *ak
03/31/1997111/09/1996
 Front pump seal leaking in transmission.
 The automatic transmission has failed to engage into any gear directly upon starting vehicle. at other times, transmission won't upshift into 3rd and 4th gears. *ak
 While driving, experiences intermittent auto trans. malfunction, when changing gear abruptly, decelerating from 60-20mph, no prior warning. tt
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
06/02/2009193000103/01/2009
 Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge stratus. while the vehicle was parked at a gas station, the contact was informed that her vehicle was smoking under the hood. she was able to take the vehicle to the repair shop and the mechanic stated that the engine compartment suffered a melt down. a report was filed with the manufacturer, but they would not assist. the current and failure mileages were 193,000. updated 8/7/09 *cn the pcm and power shifter were faulty. updated 08/11/09.*jb
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
11/01/1999111/01/1995
 Transmission has been leaking fluid for the past year. my service station can't locate the leak. *ak
11/12/199803/05/1996
 The consumer has been experiencing problems with automatic transmission. vehicle is leaking fuel due to a defect in the transmission. the manufacturer has been contacted. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
02/12/1999
 While engine was on, foot off the brakes, child who was in the passenger's seat moved the automatic transmission without driver's foot on the brake, causing vehicle to roll back which may have caused an accident. please provide further information and vin#. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
 Transmission/transfer case malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to lose all power, consumer has had it replaced once, and the problem has reoccurred . dealer has been contacted. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - FLOOR SHIFT
08/10/2005111/01/2004
 Dt: the contact received a recall letter about 3 or 4 months ago. she forgfot about it and found it about 2 weeks ago. she made arrangements to have the recall repairs done. tthey were not repairing the vehicle in a timely manner. she talked to dealer on 7-5-05 and they still had not fixed it. she has not talked to the manufacturer. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
01/20/200006/01/1998
 Shifter cables stretched, advised it was a common problem, but no recall. headgasket is also a common failure in this vehicle but still no recall/with a potential fire hazard
2
 Vehicle has been in for recall repair (98v-183) on two occasions, however on each occasion the problem has not been resolved. mjs
05/01/19961
 While shift lever in park the vehicle proceeded to roll backward and into an inbankment, resulting in injury to consumer, recall on shift interlock system following incident (98v-183).
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
11/26/19965
 Transaxle assembly failed causing leaks within system and erratic idling.
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT
106/01/1996
 Have replaced bearings, ball joints, head gaskets and now the transmission on 1996 stratus.*ak
03/01/1998206/01/1997
 At 42000 miles right wheel bearing failed dealer would not cover under warrenty . at 66500 miles left wheel bearing going will have to cover all cost again. must be a problem for manufacturer. doest seem as i should have to replace a manufacturers defect. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
03/24/2001108/01/1996
 Consumer heard noise from front of vehicle when slowing down. mechanic found transmission needed to be replaced. *ak consumer states differential pin broke, chrysler agreed to pay 2/3 of cost. *slc.
05/04/20001
 While driving down route 80 heard a loud breaking noise, car was smoking. pulled over, went to put vehicle in park, and vehicle won't hold in park. had vehicle towed to the dealer, and was told that the differential broke. told that this was a common problem for this vehicle. transmission has been repaired and is functioning, but does not feel the way it should. *ak *ml
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT
06/12/1997205/01/1996
 I have taken my vehicle in for the head gasket to be replaced 4 times now. i am taking it in again for the 5th time for the same problem. all the dealer keeps doing is putting another head gasket on and charging me my $50 deductable. this is getting very tiring. my brakes went out completely in 1997 after the factory re-call had been preformed. i was informed that the mechanic had put the seal in wrong. the last time i took my vehicle in for the head gasket, number 4, the dealer found that the cv boot needed replaced. durring the repair the axel just fell apart. same time the transmission pump needed replaced the fuel sending unit needed replaced and the head gasket was replaced. and it still leaks from the same spot the rear left of the engine.
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
02/29/2000112/01/1998
 Since the purchase of this vehicle it has been in the repair shop 9 times. several of these repairs have been repeat repairs. the manual transmission started giving us problems on 10/18/1999. it took them until 08/28/2001 to repair it. then we had to bring it back on 10/22/2001 because a seal was leaking on the transmission. at that time i had them listen to the car, because the transmission was making the same noise it started with in 10/1999. they said they didn't hear anything, which is what they told us up until 08/28/2001. now this car is getting ready to go back to the shop for the transmission. in the 3 years we have owned this car it has had $5201.48 worht of repairs done to it. in addition to the defective parts i have listed, it also had an ignition coil, injectors, ball joints, and tie rod ends replaced. all repairs we done by middletown dodge, rt 17m, middletown, ny, except the first repair. that was performed by the dealer. fortunately we have a great extended waranty. otherwise we would have had to pay for all these repairs ourselves. we are concerned that this car will continue to breakdown and we won't be able to afford to keep it or someone will be injured.*ak
1
 Transmission failed. nlm
02/02/19961
 Transmission failure resulted in complete loss of fluid. mjs
06/26/19981
 The transmission leaks oil.
08/28/19961
 Consumer was driving, stopped at a light, went to shift to first gear fromm third and shifter handle came off. *ak
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION - COLUMN SHIFT ASSEMBLY
08/21/1996104/30/1996
 Vehicle jumped out of 3rd gear.
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION - FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY
09/03/2004203/01/1996
 Recall 04v021000 concerning floor shift ignition interlock. consumer was waiting over 60 days for parts that were not available. *ak