Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
06V001000DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONfrom 07/01/1998 to 07/31/2000V (Vehicle)21629904/10/2006ODICHRYSLER GROUP LLC01/05/200601/05/2006
Defect SummaryOn certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines, the high pressure power steering hose may prematurely heat age and develop a leak.
Consequence SummaryPower steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in an underhood fire.
Corrective SummaryDealers will replace the high pressure power steering hose free of charge. the the recall began on april 10, 2006. owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
NotesDaimlerchrysler recall no. e23.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
STEERING
190299REVA10/22/1999190198612149Vehicles may experience clunking or rattle in steering wheel/steering column. *mjs06/06/2000

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STEERING
01/04/2012178000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. while driving approximately 35 mph, there was a loss in the power steering and smoke emitted from the hood. the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. the contact noticed small flames underneath the hood area and immediately extinguished the flames. there was power steering fluid visible on the ground. the identical failure recurred. the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. there was a recall related to the malfunction associated with nhtsa campaign id number 06v001000 (steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections). the contact planned to notify the manufacturer to verify whether vin was eligible under the recall. the approximate failure mileage was 178,000. the vin was unavailable. js
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.
06/09/2011200000
 I need some one to investigate a recall part on a 2000 dodge stratus on a power steering leak that cause a fire under the botton to the top.and the dealership is not telling the truth on what cause the fire.
08/04/200893000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. the vehicle was repaired according to nhtsa campaign id number 06v001000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections); however, the secondary power steering hose also cracked due to aging. both power steering hoses experienced the failure, but only one is coverd under the recall. the current and failure mileages were 93,000.
01/01/19011
 2000 dodge stratus driver's power seat moves forward while coming to a stop. *kb the consumer heard a whinning noise in the steering wheel when making turns. *nm
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
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
02/10/20091600001
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. the vehicle caught fire while it was parked. the fire department was notified and stated that there was power steering fluid on the windshield. nhtsa campaign id number 06v001000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections) was referenced. the vehicle is currently in the contact's possession. the manufacturer has been notified. updated 3/16/09 *cn updated 03/18/09. *jb
04/10/2008001/15/2002
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. the contact took his vehicle to the dealer at approximately 9:00 am for a scheduled appointment. he waited for assistance until 2:00 pm for someone to repair his vehicle. the technician that was supposed to repair the vehicle left the dealer and never repaired the vehicle according to nhtsa campaign id number 06v001000 (steering: hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections). the contact spoke with a representative from the manufacturer named jonathan, who was extremely rude and refused to help him find another dealer to repair his vehicle. after a brief debate, jonathan abruptly disconnected the call. there had been no failure to date. the powertrain was unknown. the current mileage was 960.
12/09/200692000110/26/2006
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. the contact stated that her vehicle began smoking underneath the hood. the mechanic was unable to determine from where the smoke originated. approximately 30 minutes after leaving the mechanic, the vehicle caught fire under the hood. the insurance company stated that the vehicle was destroyed. a tow yard mechanic stated that the fire originated from the power steering hose. the contact received recall number e23 two weeks after the vehicle caught fire. the speed was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 92,000.
04/01/2007005/01/2006
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. the contact received nhtsa recall notice number 06v001000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections) in april or may of 2007. she called the dealer to schedule a repair appointment and was informed that there were at least 50 people before her on the waiting list. there are no other local dealers in her area and she feels as if this is a huge safety issue because a fire could occur. there had been no failure to date. the current mileage was 107,000.
08/05/200789000107/01/2005
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. he stated that the vehicle caught fire while parked the driveway. the fire department extinguished the fire. the contact stated that prior to the incident he noticed smoke coming from the engine. there is a recall for the hydraulic power assist (nhtsa campaign id # 06v001000). as of august 6, 2007, the dealer has not repaired the vehicle. the failure and current mileages were 89,000. the contact would be able to provide a copy of incident report.
04/15/2006110000104/04/2005
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. while driving at any speed, the steering wheel becomes difficult to maneuver. the contact received recall notice number 06v001000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections). the dealer refused to repair the vehicle because it could catch fire. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current mileage was 120,000 and failure mileage was 110,000.
05/23/2007108000105/30/2002
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. while in a store, the contact was notified of a burning vehicle outside. when she arrived at her vehicle, it was smoking and then caught fire. she has a report from the fire department. the vehicle was destroyed and was towed to the contact's residence. she eventually notified the manufacturer and the vehicle was inspected. on june 20, 2007, she received a letter stating that the fire was not the manufacturer's responsibility. the contact received recall notice # 06v001000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections). she believes that this was the cause of the fire. the current and failure mileages were 108,000.
06/14/2007125000112/18/2006
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. while driving 30 mph, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. the vehicle was taken to the mechanic who replaced a valve gasket. after leaving the repair shop, the smoke was visible again and the vehicle suddenly caught fire. the mechanic stated that the cause of failure appeared to be the power steering hose. the failure is the same as noted in nhtsa recall # 06v001000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections). the manufacturer sent out an investigator to determine the cause of the fire. the current and failure mileages were 125,000.
06/12/200790000109/13/2004
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. when the contact took the vehicle to the repair shop for a power steering leak, she was informed of recall # 06v001000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections). she was advised to take the vehicle to the dodge dealer to have the recall repair performed. when the contact arrived at the dealer, she noticed smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. the vehicle caught fire. the fire and police departments extinguished the fire. the contact stated that she will call the manufacturer about the failure. the contact also has pictures of the vehicle. a police report was filed. the current and failure mileages were 90,000.
05/10/200787000108/21/2000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. approximately five minutes after the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fire rising from under the hood of the vehicle. the fire fighter stated that the cause of fire may have been due to an electrical short next to the power steering column. there is recall # 06v001000 (steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections). the manufacturer informed the contact that his vehicle is included in the recall. a police report was filed. the current and failure mileages were 87,000.
03/25/20071
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. while driving the contact noticed smoke rising from the hood of the vehicle. the fire department contained the blaze to underneath the hood and extinguished the fire. it was unknown whether a fire report was filed. the vehicle was destroyed, and the contact stated that pictures will be taken of the vehicle. the dealer/manufacturer stated there was recall # 06v001000, but it did not pertain to spontaneous fires.*ak
12/22/20061
 2000 dodge stratus customer vehicle was a total loss due to a fire a few days after, the customer received a recall for high pressure steering hose and customer believes that this caused the fire and wants to be reimbursed*cc *jb
03/15/200783000112/07/2002
 Tl*the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. the contact claimed to receive a safety recall notice e23 regarding the high pressure power steering hose. on march 20, 2007 the vehicle was brought to the dealer. the contact was assured that the vehicle would be repaired the same day. at 4:00 pm the dealer informed the contact that the part was unavailable and repairs could not be completed until march 22, 2007. on the evening of march 22, 2007 the dealer stated again that the part was unavailable and would not have the vehicle ready until march 23, 2007. when the contact went to retrieve the repaired vehicle the dealer stated that over $800.00 worth of additional work was needed. the current and failure mileage were 83000.*ak
01/01/19011
 2000 dodge stratus customer received recall letter two weeks after car caught on fire and is looking for advice on how to proceed**cc *jb
12/06/200685000109/15/2004
 I received a recall on my vehicle on 12-22-2006 re my 2000 dodge stratus , but to no avail my vehicle burnt up on 12-06-2006 and i tried to resolve this problem with daimler chrysler over the phone they were rude and un professional i would like some results due to the fact the reason for this was the same as the recall per the fire department. *nm
07/25/2006125000104/01/2000
 Tl*- the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus that should be involved in nhtsa recall 06v001000 concerning steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections. the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on the street it caught on fire beneath the hood. everything underneath the hood melted, and the windshield cracked. the contact spoke with manufacturer about having vehicle covered under the rec all, but they stated that the fire was not caused by the same failure as the recall. the current mileage and failure mileage were 125000. *ak the consumer noticed the steering wheel was hard to turn. he checked the power steering and it was empty. updated 03/19/07. *jb
01/09/20071250001
 Tl* - the contact ownsa a 2000 dodge stratus. the contact stated that there was a recall on the high pressure power steering hose. the contact found out that the power steering hose was leaking, and drove the vehicle 10 miles to have it repaired. before the vehicle could be repaired while sitting at the dealership the vehicle caught on fire under the hood. the contact called daimler chrysler 8-10 times and spoke with 8-10 different people. the contact was told it that the situation was under investigation, and then two weeks later he was told that the photos were not clear, and someone was sent to take photos again. three days later he was told that daimler chrysler had made a decision and that they would mail a letter of explanation. the contact called again, and was told that it would take 7 to 8 days more before she would receive a letter. daimler chrysler refused to tell the contact what decision had been reached concerning her vehicle. the contact stated that it has been almost a month. the contact's car could not be moved, worked on, driven or used until daimler chrysler provides her with a decision, the contacts reference number was 15882168. the failure and current mileage were both 125000 miles. ak
01/09/20071250001
 Tl* - the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. the contact stated that there was a recall on the high pressure power steering hose of his vehicle. the contact found out that the power steering hose was leaking, and drove the vehicle 10 miles to have it repaired. before the vehicle could be repaired and vwhile sitting at the dealership the vehicle caught on fire under the hood. the contact called daimler chrysler approximately 8-10 times and spoke with 8-10 different people. the contact was told that the situation was under investigation, and then two weeks later, he was told that the photos were not clear and someone was sent to take photos again. three days later he was told that daimler chrysler made a decision and that they would mail a letter of explanation. the contact called again,and was told that it would take 7 to 8 days more before she would receive a letter. daimler chrysler refused to tell the contact what decision had been reached concerning her vehicle. the contact stated that it has been almost a month. the contacts car could nnot be moved, worked on, driven or used until daimler chrysler provided her with a decision, the contacts reference number is 15882168. the failure and current mileage were both 125000 miles.*ak
01/01/19011
 Customer received a recall notice but the vehicle had been destroyed by the defect. **nar*cc the consumer's vehicle caught on fire prior to receiving the recall for the high pressure steering hose. *nm
01/19/2007710001
 Tl *- the contact stated that the owner of the vehicle received a recall letter for the power steering hose. the ownner had not yet made the appointment. while driving approximately at 25-30 mph. the driver saw black smoke coming from under the hood. the contact pulled over to the side of the road. there were some workers near the driver, and they used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop, which diagnosed the problem as a failure in the power steering hose which was leaking and caught on fire as stated in the recall letter. the car was then towed to a daimler chrysler dealer. an investigator was sent out on 1/24/07 to look at the vehicle, however, the dealer will not do anything until they have heard from the daimler chrysler corporate office. the investigator took pictures of the vehicle. *ak
12/09/20060107/31/2000
 I noticed a lot of smoke coming from under the hood of my car. i took it to the closest goodyear auto service which is two blocks away from my place of employment on december 9, 2007. it was a bad power steering pressure hose which cost $520.67 to repair. i received a letter from daimler chrysler on january 3, 2007, concerning a safety recall e23
12/19/2006515001
 Tl* - the contact stated that the 2000 dodge stratus caught on fire. the vehicle was started and noticed smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. the contact turned the vehicle off and opened the hood and the engine was in flames. the fire was doused with a water bottle. the contact called the insurance company and tow truck. the vehicle was towed to auto mechanic. the insurance company determined that the cause of the fire was from the high pressure power steering hose. the contact stated that she received a recall letter 01/15/06, for campaign # 06v00100 for the high pressure power steering. the contact would like to be reimbursed. the contact will be contacting the manufacturer to file a complaint after this call. *ak updated 07/17/07. *jb
01/07/2007860001
 Tl*- the contact had a 2000 dodge stratus with an odometer reading of 86000 miles when the car caught on fire. the contact stated that it was raining when she pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle got stuck in the mud. when the contact tried drive the vehicle out of the mud she was unable to do so. she left the vehicle to get assistance and when she returned with help she found that her vehicle had caught on fire. the contact notice an odd smell before the fire and after the fire she found that the car had a power steering leak. she was experiencing the same problem as in recall (06v001000) for hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections. the contact stated that she has the fire report which states the cause of fire. the contact did not have her vin available.
06/18/2006106/23/2003
 Tl* - the contact stated that when he took the 2000 dodge stratus to the dealership they refused to perform recall repair. they stated that there was additional work that needed to be done prior to the servicing the recall. *ak
09/26/200611400103/28/2006
 When i first purchased my vehicle, everything was normal as can be. i mean it had minor problems but were quickly fixed. after about 5 in a half months of having the car, i noticed it started having a burning smell to it after cranking up and after driving it for a while, a small amount of smoke would appear. at first i thought nothing of it, but then it ran hot one day. so i had the vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic. he concluded that it could be two things. one is that the smell was coming from the engine area but told me don't be alarmed because it may just be oil dripping on the engine in which when the engine is heated, could cause the smell and smoke, or two i needed my power steering hose looked at. so hearing it from someone of his status i went along with it. that is until a couple of days later while i was on my way home from playing basketball, i noticed smoke coming from under the, but this time it was dark black smoke and it was coming from all around the front of the car. so i immediately tried to pull over to the side of the road (note:i was on a main street with heavy traffic), but when i tried the steering wheel would move/turn at all. then suddenly before i could get out of the car, it just burst into flames. i struggled the car to the side of the road and jumped out until it rolled into a complete stop on the side of a police station. my car is totaled out. and i have been without one for bout 4 months now. something needs to be done. daimler chrysler had it picked up to determined the cause(2 months ago), and brought it back, but i am yet to hear anything else regarding my claim. *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
10/05/200671000101/27/2006
 Tl* - the contact's vehicle caught fire in october 2006. the contact received a recall notice 06v001000 on december 28, 2006, dated april 2006. a representative from daimler chrysler took pictures of the vehicle and denied that the incident was related to the recall. the contact also received a letter from daimler chrysler denying the claim. the contact's insurance company has denied the claim and determined that the vehicle caught on fire due to a manufacturer's defect. the contact's loan department has also reported the contact to a collection agency since they didn't have any collateral to make payments. the manufacturer stated the fire was caused due to the power steering and anti freeze in the car. per the contact. the recall letter indicated the vehicle may prematurely heat and may result in an under hood fire. *ak updated 01/22/07. *jb
12/05/2006115000103/26/2006
 Tl* - the contact is calling to make a complaint concerning safety recall number yn105052. the contact stated that while making a left turn, in his 2000 dodge stratus into his driveway on the evening of december 5th, 2006, his car began smoking and caught on fire. the contact stated that the previous day the car was making a very very loud squeaking sound. the dealer has told the contact that he caused the problem with the car and that they will not repair it even though it falls under the safety recall. the contact also states that he has had no repairs and has only purchased new tires for the car.
07/11/2006111/23/2005
 Consumer complaint concerning 2000 stratus safety recall. *ts the consumers vehicle caught on fire, possibly as a result of the recall regarding the power steering hose. the recall was performed, however the vehicle still caught on fire. *jb
10/30/2006107000110/04/2000
 Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 mph, smoke appeared to be coming from the underbody of the vehicle. as the smoke began to spread throughout the vehicle, there was a loud noise. the contact presumed there was power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source. the fire department came to the scene and determined the fire was caused by an electrical problem. a police report was not taken. the service dealer was not alerted, however the manufacturer was notified through audix. there was a nhtsa recall# 06v001000 regarding the steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections. this vehicle had the same characteristics.
01/01/19011
 Consumer complaint concerning high pressure steering hose. *ts *jb
08/27/20051
 2000 stratus began smoking under hood. *ts the consumer was told the power steering pressure hose was leaking and that the vehicle could possibly catch on fire, however the consumer elected not to have the necessary repair made. two weeks later the vehicle caught on fire. *jb
07/27/20061
 2000 dodge stratus caught fire under the hood. received recall high pressure power steering hose. *kb *jb
08/02/20061
 2000 dodge stratus caught fire under the hood. consumer received recall after vehicle had caught fire about the high pressure power steering hose. *kb *jb
08/02/2006111/01/2001
 Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle had power steering problems after recall #06v001000 regarding steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections was performed on 08/02/06. at first, the contact heard a noise which got louder through time. the contact added power steering fluid to reduce the noise and noticed the power steering fluid was leaking. the vehicle was taken to the service dealer on 08/21/06 and the dealer claimed the new hose was fine, but they wanted to charge the contact for a power steering pump and new belts, which the dealer claimed was the issue. the contact expressed the recall work was not performed correctly and the hose caused the problem.
06/14/2006120000306/15/2001
 Dt*: the contact stated the chrysler manufacturer intentionally gave the wrong mailing address for reimbursement for nhtsa recall # 06v001000 which was pertaining to the high pressure power steering hose. the contact expressed concern that the manufacturer was ignoring the request for the reimbursement.
07/01/200582000103/22/2005
 2000 dodge stratus hose was replaced due to rupture. *kb 08/02/06 ruptured hose was leaking oil onto exhaust and smoked badly. *tt
08/02/2006104/26/2000
 Dt*: the contact stated the dealership refused to perform the recall repairs after the contact received a recall letter and arranged to have the work done. the letter was for nhtsa recall # 06v001000; regarding the steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections.
06/05/2006101/10/2001
 The wk 6-16-06 a letter from daimler chrysler came reg a safety recall e23-high pressure power steering hose.the week before 6-7-06, we took our car in for repairs to a local repair shop.what brings me to my complaint is, 7-10-06, another letter came stating they were unable to reach us.i don't see how it is possible, i gave 2 cell #'s on the letter i mailed.it records missed/incoming calls. i don't believe they made any attempts to call us.after receiving this letter my husband called daimler chrysler. while on the phone he was disconnected.i called them at right after at,8009921997 and spoke to cliff. she told me we were not going to be reimbursed.she stated the recall was over, and i think she said the deadline was 4-5-06.this couldn't be possible since we received the letter the week of 6-16-06.she said she couldn't help me.i told her i remember reading the letter and nowhere on the letter did it state there was a cut off deadline(which was beside the point, since we had just received it).i told her i was going to go pull my paperwork and call her tomorrow.i came home and pulled my paperwork.(i was really hoping i had kept the envelope, since it would have a postmark),but i only kept the letter.anyways, i re-read the letter.it is not dated (we have no idea when it was written)and the letter does not give a deadline/cut off date for repairs/reimbursements.how is it possible we aren't going to be reimbursed? i would like to make a point here, what if i had not had problems and had not done any repairs on my car yet (and without me even knowing it, my car may have been at the starting point of having problems?).does this mean they wouldn't have repaired it since the cut off deadline was over? i would like this situation to be investigated.we believe we're within our rights for reimbursement.i hope that your company can help resolve this and we can get our money back for the repairs we've already paid for.thank you, call me to further discuss my situation. *nm
05/10/2005450001
 Dt*: the contact stated there was an under the hood fire after 10 to 20 minutes of having the vehicle parked. there were no warning indicators before the fire. the vehicle was deemed totaled. a year after this incident, a recall letter, #06v001000, was received, regarding the steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections that would cause the same consequence. the manufacture was alerted however they offered no resolution for the incident.
12/01/20051
 2000 dodge stratus caught fire due to fluid leakage on the high pressure power steering hose. *kb ***nar*** the vehicle was declared a total loss. *nm
01/25/2006823471
 2000 stratus power steering problems. *ts the power steering pressure hose developed a leak. *nm
01/01/19011
 2000 dodge stratus recall repairs were made by independent mechanic, dealer refused to reimburse for repairs. *kb the manufacturer told the consumer they would only reimburse for the cost of the part. *jb
11/04/20051350001
 I was driving down highway 2 headed east and i needed to pull over and get some gas. i noticed that my steering was making the sound that it makes when you might be low on fluid. i pulled into an armor station that was self serve pay at the pump only. the first one did not work so i started my car again and pulled up to the second pump. i noticed smoke was coming out from under my hood. i got out and it started to shoot out flames. i panicked as i was trying to get my 2 year old son out of the car. the doors auto lock when you take off and hit 10 mph. two gentlemen came whipping in the station and helped me. his son called 911 and he got in my car to move it away from the pumps. he could only move it 5 feet because it was so hot in the car from the flames. the sheriff showed up and slammed into the back end of my car and moved it away from the pumps maybe 20 feet now. by the time the fire department showed up at least 5 minutes have past and my car is in major flames in the front end. the fire department put the flames out but my car could not be saved. the whole front end is damaged beyond repair. electrical system and everything. because of this fire my son and i were stranded in floodwood, mn about 1.5 hours from home. luckily my brother- in- law lived in that town and we stayed there until someone could come and get us. it was a very traumatic day, trying to get my son out of the car and then watching as my car burned up and i could not save it. i believe that the power steering may have been the cause of the fire. *jb
01/22/2005107/01/2000
 I own a 2000 dodge stratus and have that has a high pressure hose on the power steeering that is leaking. it is dripping onto the engine and causing smoke to come out from the engine compartment. i have contacted dodge but even though other 2000 dodge stratus with a 2.4 engine have been recalled, but mine was not included per dodge. i feel dodge needs to reevaluate this recall before someone else is harmed from there neglect. this car is smoking and could catch on fire.*ak
03/13/20035211/11/1999
 03/13/03 then 04/05 my vehicle caught fire while i was driving, both times the vehicle was repaired. the incident was investigated by chrysler. *nm
03/27/200584999101/15/2004
 I had a 2000 dodge stratus until today. today, march 27th, 2005, my stratus had a hydraulic line for the power steering rupture and caused my entire engine compartment to catch fire. prior to the fire, i had observed power steering fluid on the line fitting and the leak fluid dropped onto the exhaust pipe below. i bought the replacement hose. however, the car caught fire before i got a chance to replace leaky power steering hose. i was wondering if this was something that had a recall, or what i might do to research this more and find out if somehow this is a defect, because i know someone that had the same issue, but caught it in time and had it repaired. thank you for your time and reading this e-mail.
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
02/13/200671000110/03/2000
 My car was a dodge stratus se 2000, 2.4 cylinder. on feb.13th when pulling out from my garage i notice leakage on the ground from the car. i opened the hood and notice oil on top of the steering wheel hydraulic box. first thing in the morning i decided to have it checked out. when driving towards the body shop place the car started with fumes under the hood. 10 minutes later car was caught up on fire. i was able to get out of the car immediately and called the fire department. extremely dangerous situation being that 15 minutes prior to this incident i dropped off my kids at school. the car was burned in a matter of minutes. i reported to my insurance but believe that the company who built this car should be responsible and should consider how dangerous this situation is. the car has given me no problems for the last 5 years. i lost my car which i paid almost $22,000. insurance will recognize value from blue book. considering that i paid up the car two years ago i have lost $13,000. my car is a total loss. *nm
STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
04/01/200120000510/28/2000
 I have had this car since oct. of 2000 and about four months later, i was in an auto accident that was the other vehicle's fault. ever since then my brakes have not worked properly i have taken it to the dealer 4-5 times for vehicle failure to not stop in enough time and pulsating. the first two times i took it to the dealer they claimed the couldn't find anything even with a test drive. the third time they claimed my brakes were bad and replaced the brakes and not the rotors. after that the pulsating was not as noticeable for a few weeks then it was back to the way it was before. i had the dealer check them one or two more times and again they said nothing was wrong. shortly after that i had a small fender bender due to brakes not stopping my vehicle properly. i have to have my front and rear brakes changed twice a year, the front brakes go like they are made of paper, the rear brakes wear on one side more than the other. my outer tie rod have been replaced twice because they were broken, the rotors have been replaced 3 times. for the past two winters when i first start my car and turn the steering wheel, it screeches so loud and pops i think my tires are going fall off. i have two small children and find this very unsafe. when i have to come to a stop i have to almost stand on the brake pedal to make sure i stop in time. it is not always like this but 90-95% of the time it is and i know that my car is not the only one that this happens to. *jb
10/09/200697500112/27/1999
 While backing into a parking lot, a loud snapping noise was heard from the driver side front wheel. upon hearing this noise, the vehicle was unable to move more than a few feet, but was able to be partially parked in the parking spot. once parked and investigated, the tie rod assembly detached from the driver side front wheel. car had to be towed; tow truck driver was able to move/drag vehicle approximately 10 feet onto flatbed tow truck. left outer tie rod was replaced and vehicle front end was realigned. *nm
09/28/200568970104/14/2000
 Dt: contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. the incident happened on september 28, 2005. front end tie rod ends came apart from the wheel. had no warnings signs that anything was wrong with the vehicle. contact's 171/2 year old daughter went to pick up a friend, while pulling out from driveway the tie rod ends broke . as she was pulling out a friend's father heard the noise of the tie rod end breaking . he checked the vehicle, and told her what was wrong with it. vehicle was towed to contact's home. in the meantime contact found part available at advance automobile, and contact's husband fixed the tie rod ends. no crashes. no police reports. no fires.*ak
08/21/200095004
 While driving at any speed brake pads wore out excessively. dealer replaced the front pads and rotors twice. also, tie rods were replaced twice . however, the problems recurred at this time. *ak
03/05/2004430001
 While driving 65 mph, the driver applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. a loud squeaking noise was heard coming from the driver's side wheel. consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic replaced both rotors and other brake parts. *ak *sc the tie rods failed. *jb
12/05/2001
 When driving at low speeds there was a clunking noise. consumer contacted dealer, and they stated that front brake rotors were pitted and chipped. also,there was a squeaking noise.also, dealer replaced tie rods. please provide any further information. *ak
STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
02/01/20018
 When turning steering wheel there is a constant cracking sound, vehicle taken to dealer 8 times, steering column was replaced, but did not remedy the problem.*ak consumer stated that there was clicking noise on all turns and grinding type noise, dealer found rear inboard brake pad rattling, lubricated sliders and put anti squeal on inboard brake pad backing, consumer was also hearing noise over bumps, dealer found rear sway bar misaligned. *yd
12/24/2001
 Steering wheel feels like it has some play or looseness when moving it left to right. vehicle is making a creaking noise. contacted dealer.*ak