Seven problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Stratus. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
White smoke and water coming out of tailpipe. More than likely blown head gasket. Seems to be a known problems for these cars. Dodge says its not on recall but I think it should be!!!!!!.
1997 Dodge Stratus 2. 4l has a blown head gasket. The car has 119000 miles and my repair technician says that this problem should really not occur at this point. The car has leaked oil since about 60,000 miles.
Exhaust manifold cracked and headgasket had to be replaced due to leaking oil.
Head gaskets blewout, leaking coolant onto engine and cracking the exhaust manifold. Dealer is inspecting and will repair vehicle. Consumer adds that the rear seal needed to be replaced due to the leak, total cost of repairs were $1600 dealer stated cold weather played a major part in damage.
A head gasket failure due to a loss of oil blowing out of the manifold dealer / manufacturer notified, and informed consumer vehicle was not covered under a recall. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.
Exhaust manifold - upon dealer replacing defective cylinder head gasket, was notified by dealer that the exhaust manifold has a crack and should be replaced. Prior to taking to dealer another garage had determined the cause for overheating to be from a defective head gasket. They did not mention anything about crack in exhaust manifold during their inspection of the vehicle. Owner feels damage was caused by the dealer upon removal of the cylinder head or due to excessive heat caused by overheating from the defective head gasket. Dealer refused to acknowledge responsiblity and refused to contact Dodge factory representative. They said it was safe to re-install the cracked exhaust manifold and drive the vehicle. We are concerned about exhaust fumes coming into the vehicle and feel it is unsafe. Steering rack - the power steering failed and caused vehicle to be virtually undriveable. When we contacted the manufacturer, we were told it was out of the warranty period. We therefore paid to have it replaced at a cost of almost $800. We feel that the rack and pinion steering rack assembly should not have failed with only 52,000 miles on the vehicle.
While driving consumer smelled oil burning which was leaking from engine head gasket, and getting into engine manifold. Dealer has repaired engine head gasket four times, but problem has returned.