Engine Belts And Pulleys problems of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Stratus. The contact purchased the vehicle and noticed that the motor was not mounted down and was missing two screws. The motor jerks back and forth so severely that it seems as if the engine will fall out of the vehicle. In addition, the timing chain, fuel pump, ignition coil, serpentine belt, and muffler are failing. New brakes and struts are also needed. The contact did not discover these issues until after the vehicle was purchased. Two days later, the vehicle would not start and had to be towed back to the dealer. The failure mileage was 100,000.

While driving, my car stopped in the middle of a busy road. The timing belt had broken n. It took the dealer 3 weeks to fix it. With the head gasket, I brought the car to a service station 3 separate times to find out why it was running hot, before the problem was discovered. This happened only when the car leaked out all of the antifreeze. I have also replaced the front brakes 4 times and the rear brakes 3 times in this vehicle. I have never had to do this with any other car that I have owned.

While driving down the driveway floor mat became entangled within the steering column where it went down to the floor because thier was no protective cover to prevent this from happening. Head gasket and timing belt failed also.

Had problem with timing belt when first purchased. Now having problem with head gasket leakage and stalling of vehicle in operation. Just paid 790. 42 for head gasket repair on April 11, 2000 nad work is still not solving problem. It stalled on me 3 times in traffic and still leaks oil. A recall needs to be placed or vehicle replaced. Im sick to my stomach over this and will never buy another Chrysler or Dodge automobile again.

Premature failure without warning resulted in being stranded on capitol beltway. Replacement period is 100,000 miles. Actual failure at 45000. Failure cause reported mechanical with tensioner bearings.

I took my car into the dealer after immediately finding out what the problem is. I am financing this car and have an extended warranty. They stated that it is covered, but that they won't fix it do to me not keeping oil in the car. I have had regular maintenance/oil changes on this car and this is a crock of s---. I have been on the web and find that this is a common defect with Dodge neons and Stratuses. My mechanic has even offered to vouch for this problem. I refuse to pay for damages incurred by faulty construction of the car by the Chrysler company, especially when it is a *covered* part. I will never again buy a Dodge car. I have had to replace the brake pads/ rotors twice and seem to continuously need "belts and tune ups". I am thoroughly upset that my first car purchase turned out to be a piece of crap and nothing but trouble. If they will not fix this "covered" repair, they will see me in court. No safety defect listed in summary.

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.

There was a recall on the timing belt/tensioner, my car was built outside of the build date for recall. Chrysler has changed the parts for the gaskets several times, they know this problem exists, but they will not provide any assistance with it. Sounds like a class action suit is in order!.

I went to get an oil change. I was informed that I had an oil leak. I than went to my local garage to make an appointtment. I than discovered that it was leaking due to the head gasket. This also means that the timing belt needs to be done. I called peter kotch (where I purchased the car) and was informed that I did not purchase additional coverage and they could not help. I than called the Chrysler corp 800 number. I talked with a represenative about the problem. He stated that they could not help. But, he did inform me of several safty recalls for the car. I have since went searching into the web sights for recalls. There was a recall 1/97 for a timing belt problem. I was wondering if this could be something that could be causing the problems I have now. I am not sure if this one was taken care of before I purchased the car. I just do not believe that a car of only 2 years and 66093 miles should need this type of expense. All the work that is needed is costing me 937. 00 estimate.

The timing belt tensioner and pulley failed causing the car to totally shut down while driving.

Timing belt and idler pulley tensioner failed. Mjs (attorney for consumer).

While driving (70) mph on interstate vehicle cut down and picked back up, there was a loud noise and smoke and the car just died. The timing belt on the vehicle broke.

Recall 96 v 006 000. Vehicle is leaking oil from galley plug. This vehicle is not included in recall due to VIN. Manufacturer notified. Engine had massive amount of oil leaking, engine caught fire and consumer burned her hand, there was $2800 worth of damage, mecahnic replaced gully plug and head gaskets along with burned hoses and belts, mechanic stated head gasket was leaking very large amounts of oil, also stated that fire was probably related to gulley plug oil leak.

While driving the faulty bearings in the pulley, caused the timing belt to melt through the timing cover. Dealer has been contacted.

Timing belt failed after recall repair.

Timing belt tensioner and idler pulley failed.