1996 Dodge Stratus
Summary:
This car is the biggest and most expensive piece of junk that I have ever had the misfortune to own
Faults:
The tape deck ate my tapes whenever I would rewind or fast forward.
At 36,100 miles the windshield washer motor got stuck and had to be repaired.
The brakes have been replaced every two years since owning the vehicle.
The rear brakes have to be aligned and cleaned every six months.
The brakes constantly squeak regardless of rain or shine.
Around 40,000 miles we had to unclog the throttle body because the engine kept dying in park or reverse.
Thermostat got stuck and we had to have all of the fluids flushed.
Not more than two days later it happened again so we took it to another dealership and the mechanic said that the thermostat came out in three pieces. He had never seen anything like it.
Around 50,000 I noticed an oil leak. The head gasket had to be replaced.
Around 60,000 the fuel pump went bad and had to be replaced.
Around 70,000 I had to replace the tie rod ends because they had rusted through and of course I had to replace the brakes once again.
General Comments:
Daimler should be covering these head gaskets under a recall because the local mechanic told me that he sees at least four of these repairs each week.
Each one of these repairs has cost on average three hundred to four hundred dollars and I want my money back.
I have never owned a car that goes through brakes as much as this piece of crap.
The front right passenger freezes to death while the driver burns up because the heater doesn't work right.
The only thing I like about this car is the color.
This was my first Dodge vehicle and it will be my last.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 7th March, 2003
19th Sep 2006, 09:25
I had just about the same problems with my 1996 Dodge Stratus that you have. It's very frustrating, and I agree that replacing the head gasket should be a recall. My mechanic told me the same thing, and he even searched before he repaired it hoping there was a recall so I wouldn't have to pay for it. After research, I also wonder about the tie rod ends. I've never had to replace tie rod ends on any other vehicle, and have never known anyone else who has had this problem. I won't ever by a Dodge again!