1996 Dodge Stratus Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 7%of 554 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Dodge Stratus, 7% of the 554 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 10 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My mechanic stated that my engine is leaking oil from pretty much everywere, I have to add a quart of oil every 4 - 5 days. I have no interior lights, my odometer and tachometer do not function and display. My radio does not work, and now my brake lights aren't functioning. I checked and all of my fuses are fine. I can't afford the engine repairs for the oil. I have to get the electrical problem fixed. Chrysler should take care of these problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10068189, filed 2004-05, 92,880 miles“Three head gasket was replaced three times. The consumer had experienced problems with the vehicle after one year of purchase. The consumer had been without the vehicle every other month. The vehicle had a perpetual oil leak and since the vehicle was no longer under warranty, she had to seek help from an independent mechanic. The vehicle had so much oil leaking out, the consumer placed oil in the vehicle instead of gas. Chrysler would not do anything. …”
NHTSA complaint #10037844, filed 2003-08, 11,565 miles“Intermittently when vehicle started odometer and the RPM reader did not work. Consumer determined that the soldered connections behind the mechanisms needed to be redone.”
NHTSA complaint #10071414, filed 2004-04, 80,000 miles“They have tried to fix the recall item two times now with no success. The ignition locks up numerous times, the gear shifter is able to be moved when the car is turned off into gear, neutral, etc. It has caused a couple near serious accidents. I am wondering what kind of help your orginization can offer??????? I have no clue where to go from here. I am getting no response from daimlerchrysler and no support or direction from manassas Dodge service center.”
NHTSA complaint #708527, filed 1999-07“The contact owned a 1996 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle unexpectedly engulfed into flames. The vehicle was unoccupied and the fire department extinguished the flames, which originated underneath the hood. The vehicle was completely destroyed and remained at the residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10453099, filed 2012-03, 120,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 8 | 11% |
| 2005 | 5 | 8% |
| 2004 | 16 | 11% |
| 2003 | 10 | 13% |
| 2002 | 9 | 6% |
| 2001 | 19 | 10% |
| 2000 | 30 | 14% |
| 1999 | 34 | 14% |
| 1998 | 11 | 4% |
| 1997 | 31 | 9% |
| 1996 | 36 | 7% |
| 1995 | 41 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Stratus
335 complaintsBrakes
65 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsSteering
42 complaintsSuspension
32 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsEquipment
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge Stratus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology