Radiator Problems of Dodge Stratus

After an abrupt stop, the brake pedal went to the floor and braking ability was severely impaired. I went home immediately fearing for my safety. After an inspection under the vehicle, I noticed that a large amount of brake fluid in my driveway. Looking more closely I found the leak in the brake line. It appears that the parking brake cable had worn a spot on the left rear brake line. This combined with corrosion had caused the line to rupture. It looks as if the factory was concerned because there was a soft 3" piece of foam rubber tubing over the parking brake cable where it contacted the hydraulic line. This foam rubber may have actually contributed to the corrosion by trapping water between it and the steel brake line. Judging by the amount of rust stuck to the foam rubber I would say this is a fair assessment. Chrysler dealers and the main office offered no recourse. After experiencing all this and many other problems from a vehicle purchased new, I can say that I will never pay for another Chrysler vehicle again. If someone gives me one, I may consider the offer. P. S. Other problems included: oil pressure sending sensor, transmission speed sensors, front wheel bearing, radiator, lower control arm bushings, an unresolved pulling to the right not resolved after new tires and wheel alignment, etc.

See all problems of the 2000 Dodge Stratus 🔎.

Head gasket is blown. Oil in the coolant. All hoses and radiator cap have to be replaced and not covered by warranty. 62000.

See all problems of the 1998 Dodge Stratus 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 1997 Dodge Stratus 🔎.

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.

June 2000 - freeze plug popped out of radiator, caused the car to overheat, October 2000 - problems accelerating, December 2000 - learned that needed the head gasket replaced.

See all problems of the 1996 Dodge Stratus 🔎.

Vehicle leaks 1qt/day at start now it has increased to 3qt/day and oil is now leaking into radiator.

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.

Engine sends out light smoke due to a light smoke. This smoke has radiator fluid in it, could be dangerous if inhaled too long. Dealer charged consumer to look at engine. Then they said it was a common problem.

Engine oil leak. Dealer mechanic dignosed head gasket. Leak got progressively worse. Now have oil mixed in with coolant in radiator. Assume coolant in oil pan. Previously complied with recall 96v006, but unsure if this problem could be related.

While driving head gasket leaks and the oil runs into radiator. Please provide any further information.