Three problems related to radiator have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Stratus. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I had nothing but major problem with my Dodge Stratus it's only a 1997 with 86,582. I bought it used with 23,000 in January of 1999 from a car dealer. I have spent $2,335. 30 in repairs in 2002&2003 in may & June of 2003 I spent $1,678. 31 & $656. 99 in July 2002 starting with brakes being contamied ,water pump ,radiator replaced,and it's being driven locally never been out of this state. I feel this is a lemon car because of the major repairs and the mileage is only 74,153 when I started having repairs and keep having major repairs totally $2,400 only had it 3 1/2 yrs. I filed a report with the lemon law in washington state.
I have a 1997 Dodge Stratus that I took in for overheating they replaced the thermostat, flushed the radiator, and replaced a belt. Then three days later my car was still overheating so I brought it in again and this time the head gasket was blown due to oil leaking and the exhaust manifold was cracked. This was not cheap to fix all of this and prior to this happening I had to pay $650 to get brakes in front and back, roters, and replace the hydraulics in the rear brakes. Both tie rods have broke also in the past two years. So overall I have had to stick a lot of money in to a fairly new vehicle. I don't expect to replace this much stuff on vehicle unless it is 10 years or older. I would like to contact Chrysler to see if they would provide any help. I see by the other complaints listed that the head gasket seems to be a common problem.
The engine is leaking oil around the gasket. Appointment has been set at the dealer. Also, the vehicle is losing anti-freeze. There appears to be no leakage from the radiator. Will have an inspections performed at engine appointment.