Engine Head Gasket Failure Problems of Dodge Stratus - part 2

Dodge Stratus owners have reported 87 problems related to engine head gasket failure (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Dodge Stratus based on all problems reported for the Stratus.

36 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 08/27/2000

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

See all problems of the 1996 Dodge Stratus 🔎.

37 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1997 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 06/27/2000

Power steering went out (65 mph on curve hose came off, head gasket replaced, steering gear replaced, new rack was installed, replaced up-strem oxgen sensor, power steering leak, dealer could not find leak.

See all problems of the 1997 Dodge Stratus 🔎.

38 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 06/15/2000

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.

39 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1997 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 05/31/2000

The head gasket has been replaced twice.

40 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 05/13/2000

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.

41 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 04/20/2000

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+.

42 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1997 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 04/01/2000

Head gasket failed 3 times, consume believes this is excessive and is seeking reimbursement. Nlm.

43 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 03/19/2000

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.

44 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 02/28/2000

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

45 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1997 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 02/23/2000

Premature head gasket failure and ongoing body idle vibration.

46 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1997 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 02/15/2000

Vehicle experienced head gasket failure for the second time within 17,000 miles of first replacement. Dealer notified, and informed consumer vehicle was out of warranty and not under a manufacturer's recall.

47 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1997 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 02/11/2000

Consumer purchased car used and engine head gasket was replaced at 44,000 miles. Now at 61,000 miles it has blown out again. Dealer isn't going to replace it, but manufacturer wants the consumer to get the car to dealer, and they have a representative to look at it.

48 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1997 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 02/06/2000

Had two mechanics look at the engine, and both said that this is a common problem with this car. Then we took it to the dealer and they said our warranty is up and thers nothing they can do. They did offer us trade in. How ironic? upon looking at your complaints database I can see that I'm not the only one with a head gasket failure. Why can't something be done about this, I'll never, never buy another damn Dodge again.

49 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 02/01/2000

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.

50 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 02/01/2000

Head gasket failure.

51 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1997 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 01/12/2000

Engine head gasket has failed, causing engine to be replaced ($5200), as per dealer service center in redlands, CA.

52 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1997 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 12/31/1999

Valve cover gasket failure caused oil to leak. Yh.

53 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 12/15/1999

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.

54 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1997 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 11/23/1999

Head gasket failed, causing severe oil leak. This appears to be a common problem with this engine due to a design or manufacturing defect.

55 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1998 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 10/26/1999

Gasket replaced with new style gasket. Chrysler realizes the old one fails. Mechanics at this garage have done numerous ones.

See all problems of the 1998 Dodge Stratus 🔎.

56 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 09/23/1999

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.

57 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 07/08/1999

Head gasket failure causing oil leak.

58 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 06/21/1999

Head gasket failed causing engine oil leakage. Mjs.

59 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 05/01/1999

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.

60 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 05/01/1999

Engine gasket failure - massive loss of engine oil.

61 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 03/08/1999

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.

62 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 02/15/1999

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.

63 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 01/07/1999

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.

64 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 12/17/1998

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!.

65 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 12/01/1998

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.

66 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 10/27/1998

Headgasket replaced @57000. Need another replacement @ 120000.

67 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 10/21/1998

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.

68 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 08/04/1998

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.

69 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 05/01/1998

Engine head gasket failed, causing severe oil leakage .

70 Engine Head Gasket Failure problem of the 1996 Dodge Stratus

Failure Date: 01/12/1998

Head gasket failed.



Fuel Economy of Stratus Vehicles
Stratus Service Bulletins
Stratus Safety Recalls
Stratus Defect Investigations