Engine Head Gasket Failure problems of the 1996 Dodge Stratus - part 1

This vehicle was purchased in February of 1996. Since the date of purchase the headgasket on the vehicle has been replaced twice and is currently undergoing a third replacement. The first headgasket replacement was at the cost of the customer, the second at the cost of the dealer under a service bulletin agreement. The third replacement cost was turned down by daimler Chrysler but the local dealer offered a discount on labor to the customer for customers repeated business reasons. The head gasket should have never failed a third time after production and installation of the newly designed headgasket for the Chrysler vehicles. Customer requests full compensation for first headgasket replacement and third replacement per faulty design by daimler chysler.

A loss of oil while driving. Dealer was notified, and informed of a head gasket failure. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.

Tie-rod failed no steering,2 headgasket failures in past 5 years,brake rotors fail every 2 years. . . .

Headgasket failure should be covered under an extended warranty if the car has less than 50,000 miles. 0,000 miles.

Head gasket failure which causes oil leak that is reported as a possible fire hazard.

Head gasket failure, severe oil leak.

Have heard other reports of head gaskets failing on this model, apparantly is a big problem.

Complete head gasket failure- engine siezed- chryler denies any prob.

This is the second time that my 1996 Dodge Stratus has experienced head gasket failure and a cam seal leak. The first time, my vehicle was still under warranty. For this to happen twice on a car that not even five years old and with less than 50,000 miles on it is odd. I wondered if other consumers had the same problem and therefore decide to contact you in case this is a widespread problem so that there may be a recall. I would hope that I am the only one. I have all my repair receits if that will aid in the investigation, if there is any. Thank you for your time.

Cylinder head gasket failed at approximately 48,000 miles. Car is driving fine but leaking about two quarts of oil per day. Head gaskets should not fail at such low mileage. I also have reason to believe that this is a very common problem on 1995-1999 Dodge Stratus, Dodge neon, and Plymouth breeze.

Engine head gasket failed causing oil to leak on engine. Leak was severe and could have caused fire. Mechanic said this is not an unusual failure with these engines. Cost to repair is $500+.

Overhead gasket failed again,I was told that this problem and been fixed,but while checking my oil level noticed that the dip stick was bone dry,and that oil had been leaking from the head gasket,this is the second time so I contacted Chrysler and they told me that the problem had been fixed,well I'm here to let you know that the problem still exists.

Sudden massive oil leak detected at 3000 mi oil chg. Gasket replaced approx $800 at carlin Dodge, colo spgs CO inv docs229243.

Head gasket failure at rear driver's side of engine. Have read of many other failures, must be a common problem. Have read of a "secret warranty" where Chrysler will fix for $100 (constant complaining required). Obviously Chrysler knows of a problem, but will not admit one. Safety hazard of catching fire with oil dripping down hot engine block. Redesigned gasket put into production in 1998, all problems before that.

Head gasket failure.

After seeing oil under the vehicle, vehicle was brought to a mechanic. Mechanic stated that the leakage was due to the engine head gasketfailure. Engine head gasket has been replaced at owner's expense. Please provide further information.

I had the head gasket replaced the first time not even 20. 000 miles later I am going to have to replace it again. I would appreciate the Chrysler/Dodge corp. Helping to pay some if not all of the costs this time. If they do not I will not ever own another Dodge or Chrysler product again. I am very dissatisfied at this time. A haed gasket should not have to be replaced every 20,000 miles or so. Please respond a. S. A. P,. April d. Hott.

Head gasket failure causing oil leak.

Head gasket failed causing engine oil leakage. Mjs.

I bought a 1996 Dodge Stratus in February 1997. It had 16,000miles on it and is considered used. Due to numerous electrical problems I purchased an extended warranty through my credit union to protect myself from ongoing repairs. Since that warranty has taken effect, they have spent approximately $3,500. 00 on repairing my vehicle. A majority of this repair was a continous oil leak. I have taken my car to kernersville Dodge at least 6 times since may, 1999 to have this oil leak repaired, with no luck. They have reportedly replaced the gaskets twice, the cylinder head once(which they told me was faulty from the beginning), and the seals twice to stop this leak. Unfortunately they were not successful. Although most of these repairs were paid for by my extended warranty, I still had expense of my own, not to mention the inconvenience of them keeping my car for a week at a time only to not repair my car. I feel they have not made adequate effort and have a begun a letter to the Chrysler company. However, I do not expect much success or cooperation from them. My car is now at a private shop who have told me the head gaskets will need to be replaced. I was told by the mechanic that they were patching the leak instead of repairing however I was being charged for the replacement of parts. Why does it cost $3500. 00 to patch a leak? I hope that by writing to you, I will get some solution to this very frustrating and ongoing dilemna. I have all paperwork from repairs done on my car if copies are needed. Thank you for your time.

Engine gasket failure - massive loss of engine oil.

Excessive oil leak;-took to dealer. Needed head gasket replaced. Still leaking oil when I picked it up. Took back to dealer. Rear main seal leaking oil. Many others with same problem. Please make Chrysler recall these item.

The engine head gasket has failed twice within 44,000 miles. Leaked oil represented a major fire hazard. Potential fatal hazard if oil/water is gone and the vehicle is traveling at any rate of speed.

I have learned that numerous people have experienced this same problem and for some, Chrysler has reimbursed them for repairs. Our local news did a report on secret warranties for the Dodge Stratus head gasket replacement. I contacted Chrysler in January, 1999 after the repairs were made and they denied my claim. I called again today, 01/05/01 and was denied again. Help please! * no safety defect.

Oil light came on during right turns. Found oil tank to be dry. Noticed oil being sprayed out of engine block. Personal mechanic found no known cause. Dealer found faulty headgasket. Replaced headgasket 12/23/98. Problem still existed as of 1/4/99. Please explain. Bulletin noticed for 2. 4 engine. Not 2. 0. Owner extremely frustrated!.

Oil leaking from engine. Discovered at 33k miles on car. Leak isolated down to head gasket. Head gasket replaced at no charge( under warranty). Noted other individuals with similar failures in the same product line. Dealer mentioned to me that there is a know deficiency in the head gaskets that were installed in these vehicles. Recommend Chrysler investigate and determine need for recall. Not sure whether this is a potential fire hazard or not , but leaking oil is a safety hazard to the environment.

Headgasket replaced @57000. Need another replacement @ 120000.

Head gasket replaced at 54500 miles, needs to be replaced again after only driving 32,700 miles. Dealer wants to charge me $650. 00 again to replace. Dealer also replaced gasket with old model# and not new model#, but charged me to replace cam seals which was part of new TSB bulletin changes.

From all the people I've read about having so many problems with their Dodge Stratus. I believe something needs to be done. We had the head gasket replaced in 1998 and now it is failing again. The engine smells like it could start on fire from all the oil this car leaks. Chrysler knows about this but refuses to do anything about it. Hopefully you will help us. Thanks dt.

Engine head gasket failed, causing severe oil leakage .

Head gasket failed.

Severe oil leak. Dealer diagnosed as head gasket failure, but wants to charge me for repairs. Leaking 1-2 quarts per 250 miles.

Head gasket failed, causing engine oil leak.

Engine oil leaks due to a head gasket failure.

Engine head gasket failed/leaking.