Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
070307/01/200310003807Incorrect cylinder head cover torque specification. *tt10/31/2003
09060003/10/2000610630Subject pertains to changes to the timing belt tensioner components. *tt05/09/2000
18010002/04/2000609988Subject regarding misdiagnosed leak detection pump systems with diagnostic trouble codes p1494, p0442 p0455, or p0456. *tt04/12/2000
09079909/17/1999607914Information regarding 2.5l v-6 head gasket application. *tt10/18/1999
09089909/17/1999090598607916Technical service bulletin regarding multi-layer steel (mls) head gasket installation procedures. *tt10/18/1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
180200108/17/2001623153Exhibiting rough idle, hard start and start & stall.*cls10/26/2001
08149905/21/1999606347Conditions with vehicle start and stall or vehicle no-start. *tt08/17/1999

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
EA05019CHRYSLER GROUP LLC11/07/200501/12/2006POWER STEERING FLUID FIRES
 Odi has received 29 reports of engine compartment fires that appear to be related to power steering hose leakage in model year (my) 1999 and 2000 chrysler cirrus, dodge stratus and plymouth breeze vehicles (ja-cars) equipped with 2.4l engines.these reports indicate that the fire resulted from a power steering hose leak or that it occurred after an extended drive and shortly after being parked - conditions consistent with ignition of power steering fluid on a hot engine or exhaust surface during the vehicle hot soak period. on january 6, 2006, daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) notified nhtsa of a safety defect on my 1999 and 2000 ja-cars built from july 1, 1998 to july 31, 2000 and equipped with 2.4l engines (recall 06v-001).the notification stated that
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
PE05036CHRYSLER GROUP LLC06/29/200511/07/2005ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES06V001000
 On june 29, 2005, odi opened preliminary evaluation pe05-036 to investigate complaints of engine compartment fires in model year (my) 1999-2000 chrysler cirrus, dodge stratus and plymouth breeze passenger cars (ja cars). the ja cars were introduced in my 1995 and ended with my 2000.they were produced with 2.0l, 2.4l and 2.5l engines.the incident data in the failure report summary of this resume are for subject vehicle engine compartment fires for all causes. according to daimlerchrysler, evidence collected from field inspections of fire incident vehicles indicate that fluid leakage from the high pressure power steering hose is the most likely cause of the fires in the subject vehicles.the subject high pressure power steering hose is used in ja cars with both the 2.4l and 2.0l engines in my 1995 through 2000.the fire incident rate in the my 1999 through 2000 ja vehicles with 2.4l engines is significantly higher than in the prior model year vehicles using that engine and in any of the vehicles with the 2.0l or 2.5l engines.daimlerchrysler is continuing its investigation of the issue and has provided periodic updates to odi. an engineering analysis (ea05-019) has been opened to further assess the scope and frequency of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE
06/06/2012100000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning as the driver began traveling 65 mph. the driver turned the vehicle off on the emergency lane for a few minutes and was able to restart it. the vehicle was taken to a repair shop and the mechanic stated the fuel filter needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated the crank shaft sensor and the can sensor needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified but they stated that the warranty expired. the failure mileage was 100,000.
06/06/2012100000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning as the driver began traveling 65 mph. the driver turned the vehicle off on the emergency lane for a few minutes and was able to restart it. the vehicle was taken to a repair shop and the mechanic stated the fuel filter needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated the crank shaft sensor and the can sensor needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified but they stated that the warranty expired. the failure mileage was 100,000. rvk
06/06/2012100000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. the contact stated that the driver was driving at 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the driver pulled the vehicle the vehicle over and waited several minutes to restart it. the vehicle was taken to a repair shop and they stated that the fuel filter needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that crank shaft censor and the can censor needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified but they stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. the failure mileage was 100,000. ap
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
11/01/2011157000
 My son drove my car a short distance and parked it at a restaurant. he was informed within minutes that the car was on fire and the fire dept. extinquished an engine compatment fire. the car was a total loss. happened in akron ohio approx. nov. 2011.
12/10/2011150000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus se. the contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the vehicle lost power. the vehicle was towed and inspected by a local mechanic. the mechanic advised the contact that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 150,000. kmj
12/10/2011150000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus se. the contact stated while driving 25 mph the vehicle loss power in the middle of the road. the vehicle was towed to the contact home where she consulted with a mechanic. after the inspection of the vehicle she was informed the fuel pump needed to be replaced and will be at the owners expense of $500. the dealer was notified who stated to contact nhtsa. the manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 150,000. mw
10/31/2011
 After driving my car a friend went outside and seen smoke comming out from under the hood.she called me and i ran to the car and i seen fire under the front wheel's. friends sprayed water on the hood and i opened it up a little and they sprayed the fire and put it out. by this time the top of the motor was burnt bad. everything on top needs to be replaced, it was caused by the high presure hose on the powersreering. i found out that it had a recall on the hose so i called dodge corp. and they gave me a case # and to take it to my dealer so i did. then the corp. office called me today and said it's been to long this should have been done by the last oner and hung up. i bought this car oct.14 of this year and this happend on the 31. how am i to know that this was going to happen in 18 day's. i payed a lot of money for this car and i think. the computer can tell you the recall and how to get it fixed; but you try to find somewhere on here on what to do when there is a recall and it done what it said it would do and you didn't know about it until it did it. i need help i don't have the money to fix it. i took out a loan to get it.
09/28/2007150000101/10/2005
 I owned until last night a 2000 dodge stratus, well now i am another fire victim i guess. car was parked had ignition in the aux position to listen to music while i was cleaning up our storage area. got into car to start it up and boom. first heard a pop followed by immediate engulfing fire under hood engine compartment. whole thing burnt to the ground in less than five minutes. i have pictures if you need them. thanks terri *tr
07/27/2007127000109/01/1999
 After an abrupt stop, the brake pedal went to the floor and braking ability was severely impaired. i went home immediately fearing for my safety. after an inspection under the vehicle, i noticed that a large amount of brake fluid in my driveway. looking more closely i found the leak in the brake line. it appears that the parking brake cable had worn a spot on the left rear brake line. this combined with corrosion had caused the line to rupture. it looks as if the factory was concerned because there was a soft 3 piece of foam rubber tubing over the parking brake cable where it contacted the hydraulic line. this foam rubber may have actually contributed to the corrosion by trapping water between it and the steel brake line. judging by the amount of rust stuck to the foam rubber i would say this is a fair assessment. chrysler dealers and the main office offered no recourse. after experiencing all this and many other problems from a vehicle purchased new, i can say that i will never pay for another chrysler vehicle again. if someone gives me one, i may consider the offer. p.s. other problems included: oil pressure sending sensor, transmission speed sensors, front wheel bearing, radiator, lower control arm bushings, an unresolved pulling to the right not resolved after new tires and wheel alignment, etc. *jb
10/03/2006790001
 Tl* - the contact stated that while parked with the engine off and the ignition in the on position and playing the radio when smoke was coming from the hood. the contact stated that the fire department was called , and they extinguished the fire. the contact stated that the vehicle wa sinoperable and that fire department informed her that the fire was caused by faulty wiring. the contact stated that the last week of september 2006 the vehicle was leaking oil from the engine. the contact took the vehicle to dealer, and was told there was a leak under the hood. the contact couldn't remember what they said was leaking nor did she know exactly what caused the fire. the contact stated that she received a recall 06v001000. *ak updated 02/22/07. *jb
04/22/2006102000102/20/2004
 2000 dodge stratus engine failure loss of oil to lifters due to timing chain tensioner loosing oil from machining flash from manufacturer of engine. *jb
01/25/200550212/01/2001
 I have my automobile routinely maintained, every 6-8 months, (oil, tune up,...)oil sludge baking in engine block-cylinder at 50,000 and again 114000. corrosion build up & gunk in cylinder block, coils & spark plug corrosion causing bad-strong order in automobile and sputtering, poor emission. transmission slips from time to time at 25,000 and now again at 114000, with leaks which we can smell very strong in automobile. excessive brake lockage while attempting to break in normal-average speed of 25 miles. constantly having to have the breaks repair although i have life warranty on breaks. repairer states its the automobile. safety belt does not always latch properly and has unlatched all by itself while im driving with my son, (6 yrs old). drivers belt also unlatches from time to time. while driving i notice the car tens to sway to the right. i have had this auto aligned as well as, routine tire rotation, balancing, ect,...yet it still does this to date. ball joints, struts wearing out at 25,000. i am tired of investing so much in this automobile. more than i really should have to. i also feel unsafe to drive this automobile. should my automobile cause any sudden fire due to gunk in a hot running engine & transmission, i will file a law suit. as a consumer i feel that chrysler should repair my auto and reimburse me for all i have paid simply so that my son and i can feel & be safe driving in this automobile. *nm
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
06/01/2003309/25/2000
 The blower in my heating and air system keeps failing only working at the highest setting. i've had it replaced twice now and i'm going back for my third time. how many co-pays am i expected to pay. this item should be recalled. i noticed that i'm not the only one with this problem. *la
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - FAN
06/01/2003309/25/2000
 The blower in my heating and air system keeps failing only working at the highest setting. i've had it replaced twice now and i'm going back for my third time. how many co-pays am i expected to pay. this item should be recalled. i noticed that i'm not the only one with this problem. *la
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
11/28/2010200000
 2000 dodge stratus engine fire. after parking the car in the driveway, i began to smell and see smoke coming from the engine of the car. determinig that it was on fire, i backed it out of the driveway (luckly the driveway was sloped) to get it a way from the house.
06/13/2007123243106/13/2001
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. while driving 2 mph, the contact heard a noise coming from the engine. she parked the vehicle and noticed flames coming from the engine. the vehicle was destroyed and towed to a mechanic. the mechanic stated that the engine backfired and was the cause of the fire. the current and failure mileages were 123,243.
12/14/2005109000104/13/2005
 I don't know what happened the car caught on fire when i cut the car off. nothing was done to correct the problem. before the incident i had the car check for problem the computers at shop stated it was the 02 sensor. *nm
10/12/2005116000112/01/2001
 After driving my vehicle a short distance to the local store, i parked my vehicle and entered the store. approximately. 15 minutes later the tag number of vehicle was announced over the intercom system, stating that the owner need to report to the parking lot immediately. i went to the parking lot to find that my vehicle was on fire under the hood. the fire department was called and was extinguishing the flames before i was able to get to my car. the fire department had broken the driver's door window to gain access to the hood release. the entire engine had appeared to be burned. the car was towed to rallye dodge in ocala florida where it was determined by our insurance company that it was a total loss. dominick, one of the mechanics at rallye dodge said that there was no way of determining the cause of the fire and the car could be repaired at a cost of approx. $5000. back on march 16, 2005, i had to replace the pcm at the same dealer at a cost of $999.91. now 7 months later i am out a $1000 computer and a $5000 car. what happens now? how and when will chrysler be held accountable for the poor engineering of their vehicles? *jb
03/08/200462444103/21/2000
 Consumer took vehicle to the dealership for a state inspection, and the mechanic determined the power steering pump failed. consumer had the power steering pump replaced. *ak the steering rack and tie rod ends were worn. the consumer was also told the valve cover gasket had a slight leak and the engine light illuminated due to a loose gas cap. *jb
12/27/200321860111/19/2003
 Car is having a misfire or some kind of flutter while driving. check engine light comes on for flashes during this occurrence.*ak
10/26/20031005951
 On 10/22/2003 vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil leak. dealer replaced the head gasket. on 10/26/2003, while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle caught on fire. the fire department extinguished the fire, and determined that fire started in the engine. *ak
06/02/20031
 Complaint about engine/oil light system. *mr the consumer was driving the vehicle when it died out with little to no warning. (the oil light had come on seconds before the incident) the consumer was informed the motor was gone. the consumer was shocked because there was no dark smoke, knocking, nor did the oil light come on. the consumer requested a payment for the engine repair cost. *scc *jb
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
03/13/200395000211/12/1999
 While i was driving my vehicle caught fire twice within one year. first in 3/13/2003 then in 4/2004 both times fire dept was dispatched. the vehicle was repaired by the insurance company and reported to chrysler. *jb
04/02/2001500000
 Air conditioner blower fan switch only works on high speed, air conditioner does not cool when this has happened. has been replaced 3 times and the problem continues--this creates a problem in the summer since i live in texas and the summers are very hot down here. also drivers side door panel has jammed sever times when it is opened, plastic clips holding door were coming off, this causes the door to jam on several occasions.
06/14/2000311/01/1999
 Transmission has a hard downshift from 3 to 2 gear
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
09/22/200371000206/15/2003
 Driving down road and the tention pulley fell out . also, driving after it was fixed car died when turning corner and will not start. just bought 5 months ago. *la
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
06/10/2009189000
 2000 dodge stratus, had a leakage in the fuel line, in june 2009 and had it repaired, than transmission was going out, needed a new engine, car wouldn't go past 50mph without jerking and still was a gas-hogger, cost more to fix the car so had to have it salvaged couldn't afford the repairs, and my friend also had a dodge stratus same year and had the same problem i did and she also had to salvaged her car.
10/16/20081811351
 My spark plug just popped out of the socket while i was driving and it stripped the threads, this is the second time this happened to me. the first time i thought that the plug was not installed properly on cylinder #2, this time it happened on cylinder #3. i'm afraid that this could cause an engine fire due to the vehicle still spraying the gas into the cylinder and the spark plug will still fire igniting the fumes. *tr
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
04/15/2005303/15/2003
 The consumer had the car for 3 years and it passed the emission test for 2 years through dealer ship. this year it will not pass because the check engine light did not come on when the consumer started the vehicle .