Dodge Stratus 1997 - Power train - car safety information, failing parts, recalls, bulletins, complaints

Dodge Stratus 1997

Recalls
Technical Service Bulletins
Defect investigations
Consumer Complaints

Recalls

Campaign	Manufacturer	Manufacturing date	Type	# of units affected	Date Owner notified Mfg	Recall Initiated by	Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products	Report Recieved Date	Record Creation Date
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - FLOOR SHIFT
04V021000	DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION	from 04/01/1992 to 07/31/1999	V (Vehicle)	2315768	06/14/2004	ODI	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	01/13/2004	01/15/2004
Defect Summary	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.
Consequence Summary	Either circumstance may result in the vehicle rolling away without warning.
Corrective Summary	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.
Notes	Daimlerchrysler recall no. c45.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
98V183000	CHRYSLER CORPORATION	from 07/25/1994 to 01/21/1998	V (Vehicle)	685000	10/26/1998	ODI	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	08/06/1998	08/17/1998
Defect Summary	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 shift out of park with the key in the locked position, can break the connecting pin in the shifter.
Consequence Summary	If this happens, the ignition-park interlock system will be nonfunctional.
Corrective Summary	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.
Notes	Owner 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

Bulletin	Bulletin date	Replacement Bulletin	Item no.	Summary	Added
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2100601	03/16/2001	211699	621898	Automatic transmission fluid usage atf+4. tt mj	10/03/2001
210597	03/14/1997		6088988	Concerns with 41te/42le transaxle shudder during an emcc (electronically modulated converter clutch) shift. *nlm	01/11/2000
210599	03/05/1999		604696	Subject regarding reusable automatic transmission oil pan gasket. *tt	05/07/1999
210499	02/26/1999		604364	Service and parts information on 1999 running changes to transmission range sensor (trs) *tt	04/27/1999
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
181299	06/18/1999	181797	607298	This bulletin explains the operation and application of the leak detection pump (ldp) monitor test. *tt	09/17/1999
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
211497	12/12/1997		6089036	Concerns with transmission fluid auxiliary cooler. *nlm	01/12/2000
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
210298	06/26/1998		601581	Information 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. *ak	08/12/1998
210798	04/24/1998		600751	Subject on delayed transaxle engagement. *ak	06/05/1998
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
210997	05/16/1997		6089028	Information on 41te/42le service information. *nlm	01/12/2000
970314210597	03/14/1997		54371	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	03/30/1998

Investigations

NHTSA ID	Manufacturer	Date open	Date close	Subject	Recall campaign
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
EA03011	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	07/17/2003	01/30/2004	AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK	04V021000
	The manufacturer reports above are based on daimlerchrysler
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - FLOOR SHIFT
EA03011	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	07/17/2003	01/30/2004	AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK	04V021000
	The manufacturer reports above are based on daimlerchrysler

Consumer Complaints

Fail date	miles	occurences	Purchase date
POWER TRAIN
05/07/2005			01/28/1999
	Vehicle fire
08/28/2004
	The vehicle was used to travel from home to a cinema; was parked, turned off the engine. after cinema session ended the driver and passangers were surprised to see the fire dept turning off a fire that ignited unexpectedly. the vehicle was a total loss; the fire ignited under the motor, to the driver's side.
07/15/1998		1
	Trip odometer switch malfanction. yh
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
04/01/2005	58000	1	08/09/2001
	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
09/12/2006	80000	1	08/02/1996
	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
03/01/2005	44400	1	03/15/1997
	Automatic transmission would intermittently shift out of drive into neutral while driving 40 mph or more. consumer was concerned that the vehicle may be involved in a rear end collision because of this condition. dealer was not notified.*ak
04/20/1999		1	12/01/1998
	Manufacturer will not assist with apparent known transmission problems. manufacturer agreed to pay half for apparent known head gasket problem. when will there be recalls for these two known problems. *ak

	While driving transmission shifts out of gear due to differential. dealer has inspected vehicle. *ak
12/15/2000		2
	The head gasket failed twice resulting in engine and transmission pump failure. nlm
07/07/2000		1	06/01/1998
	Our transmission had at least 1500 dollars worth of damage from the factory. the local dodge dealer 's service dept sees at least one per week. it doesn't seem right.*ak
03/17/2000			04/01/1997
	I have contacted dodge without any help. the representative i talked to was very insensitive to the problem i called in about. i know of 2 different individuals that had the same problem and got it fixed, even after the warranty was out. i had no option but to have the car towed and fixed. the car is only 2 and 1/2 years old and is only driven on the expressway. i don't understand how this could happen. please contact me with any info. no safety defect listed in the summary. *ak
02/24/2000			01/01/1998
	With no prior warning, i was driving my car on a busy street and when i tried to accelerate, the car acted like it had been put in neutral. i limped it over to a transmission place and they put a machine on it. the third gear is out so we had to have it rebuilt. the cost to do this is $1650.00. it doesn't seem that a vehicle should have to have a new transmission with only 9,000 miles out of warranty. we previously had trouble with this car because we were stranded at night with 3 children in the car on the freeway due to the timing belt being shredded at 23,000 miles. we had to be towed to a dealership and rent a vehicle to get home (70 miles away). after that, we had trouble with the manifold. we had a cracked manifold and i had to repeatedly go back and argue that there was something wrong. i finally got it replaced after 3 visits and a week long stay, it was fixed. now that we have been having these troubles, we thought we should file a complaint. *ak
02/01/2000		1	01/01/1998
	Transmission range sensor--car kicks and bolts as though the driver slammed on brakes at 30 miles per hour. also, car needs a new head gasket at 50,000 miles. car has been services regularly and well maintained. what is wrong with this picture?!
02/08/2000		4	03/01/1997
	On acceleration vehicle does not gear in. transmission did not engage, and left vehicle stranded to be hit in traffic. also slips after acceleration or does a hard kick into gear. *ak
12/27/1999
	Gear shift moves when car is in park. this item was recalled, and car was suppose to be fixed. but has been in shop 3 times, and still wasn't fixed. recall 98v183000. *ak
10/25/1999		3	10/01/1998
	The transmission has failed 3 times in my dodge stratus, wont shift out of 2nd gear,it was towed to the dealer 3 times they said they fixed it the first 2 times but it was not fixed properly. it is currently at the dealer again for the same problem. i have talked to 3 other people that have had the same problem with the transmissions in their chrysler vehicles however, chrysler corp main office denies any problem with transmission...not that i thought they would say so. but someone at the service department of my dealer admits that chrsyler knows of the problem but will not go public.
10/14/1999			02/01/1998
	Automatic transmission failed. from research on the internert, this seems to be a common problem with chrysler transmissions. we received no help from chrysler or the dealer.
10/01/1999			07/01/1997
	It would stick when i would put my car into drive or reverse and the engine started sounding louder than it should when i accelerated. then on friday october 1, 1999 as i was increasing speed from 35 to 45mph the rpm gage started spinning. though i had my foot on the gas the speed did not increase and it felt like my wheels locked up. i have been told that i am missing third gear.
			12/01/1997
	Transmission fails to engage drive properly on numerous occasions, dealer unable to duplicate (very intermitent) or fix problem. front brakes noisy/groan on application (told this was normal by dealership) front breaks also squeek (simular to wear indicator) after replacement.

	While driving at highway speeds vehicle began to lose power and a grinding noise occurred due to a malfunction in the transmission. please give any fuirther details. *ak
02/01/1999		4	07/01/1998
	Braking system malfuctioned,brake pedal went to the floor, causing extended stopping distance which could result in a crash. also problems with the transmission. ak consumer states after backing up and then putting vehicle in drive, vehicle wont go forward. slc
11/27/1998		1	12/01/1996
	Consumer believes that when the head gasket blew the transmission fluid burned out resulting in the transmission overheating and locking up.
10/01/1997		50	06/12/1997
	The transmission suddenly down shifts to second gear, irrespective of speed, locking the transmission gear.
10/01/1997		50	06/13/1997
	Automatic transmission suddenly downshifts into second gear, regardless of speed, causing the transmission to lock.
04/27/1998		1	07/01/1997
	On may 27,1998 i called the dealer to have my car looked at because i was having a major oil leak.when the dealer got it in for service they noticed it was a blown head-gasket and fixed the problem for me.on nov. 11,1998 at 38616 miles i now have a bad transmiision and i'm wondering if it is a defect,i have a family member who owns a 1996 dodge stratus and she was expriencing some problems with her transmission.the transmission will not go into 3rd. or 4th. gear, all i have is 2nd. gear even if i were to put it in 3rd. gear manually.
		3	01/17/1998
	Transmission failure.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
05/28/2002
	Engine will continuously overheat. also, oil and transmission fluid was leaking.. contacted dealer, and the dealer could not find cause of problem.*ak
04/02/1998		1	10/01/1996
	Intermittent delayed engagement at vehicle start up. acceleration shudder during torque converter emcc operation at 28-42mph due to leak in transmission front pump. this is chrylser's a604 transmission that was renamed to 41te transmission in 1992. if i had known chrylser knew they were putting a defective transmission in their new stratus, i would not have bought one.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - FLOOR SHIFT
01/01/1901		1
	Received recall transaxle floor shifter ignition/park interlock. took to dealer for repairs. bf the vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the consumer that the recall repairs were already done. the consumer indicated that he has no idea when the repairs were made because he has no invoice. nm
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
12/01/2001
	While driving 30mph car automatically shifts in neutral.*ak
11/20/1997
	After parking vehicle, the vehicle continued to roll down driver's driveway. the vehicle was in park position when this occurred. also consumer received a mfr. recall notice concerning parking pawl. ak ml
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
06/28/2005		1	09/29/2003
	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
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY - AXLE SHAFT
09/07/1999		1	11/01/1996
	About 3 weeks before the problem was realized, i heard a very loud whirring sound. i had taken it to feeney dodge in palatine to have the front brakes done. they did the brakes but i don't understand why they did not notice the left wheel bearing noise. i took it to goodyear in mt. prospect for regular maintenance and they noticed it right away. they said that the left wheel bearing needed to be replaced. i had an amoco station i know well do the repair. why did a car that is only 2 1/2 years old need a wheel bearing replaced? i have never had a car have this problem. why wasn't this under the three year warranty? i contacted feeney and another dealer in the area and got told that no, that is not under the 3 year warranty. this repair should have been paid for by chrysler not me. the part had to be defective for this to have happened. *ak
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
07/10/2002
	While driving 70 mph clutch flew out from under car.*ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
12/10/2000
	No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
02/01/1999
	Ie99034, boot does not fit on the joints. if on the floor mat, it will cause joints to stick, and there will be no steering control. please provide further information. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

	While driving transmission shifts out of gear due to differential. dealer has inspected vehicle. *ak