Two problems related to automatic transmission torque converter have been reported for the 1996 Dodge Stratus. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
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).