1996 Dodge Stratus Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 335about this part
- Share
- 60%of 554 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 335 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Dodge Stratus, 60% of the 554 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 22 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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“My Dodge Stratus 1996 leaks oil like a siva. I believe this to be a global issue with this vehicle and the v6 engine used in it. I have cared for this care very well and it has been maintained better than recommended by Dodge.”
NHTSA complaint #10064221, filed 2004-03, 50,000 miles“I purchased my 1996 Dodge Stratus in the summer of 1996 and so far I have had nothing but trouble with this vehicle, one head gasket repair through the dealership at a cost of $1600, one timing chain replacement at a cost of $600 and now again another head gasket leak. In the year 2000 this car sat in the garage for a total of 11 months due to not having the money to fix the head gasket problem which caused a severe financial and a mentally frustrating time during those months without a car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070551, filed 2004-01, 58,000 miles“I own a 96 Dodge Stratus, I purchased it year of 97. I received numerous recalls on this vechicle since the day of purchased. I followed up on each recall that I received. As time went on I had numerous problems with this vehicle. Over the years I aways believe in chrysler products to be safe and sound.I feel that it's been truly unfair too loyal consumers such as myself many others. I don't understand why a company such as chrysler and engineers would engineered a product like the Dodge Stratus with so many defects. …”
NHTSA complaint #10142485, filed 2005-11, 167,000 miles“Currently own a 1996 Dodge Stratus 4 cylinder, and it is sitting in my driveway and I am unable to use it, as the head gasket blew out of it, and will cost over $1500 do replace(and so I hear even if you do replace it, the head gasket will blow again shortly after due to the improper design of the engine)..this is so well known a problem, and I am disgusted to think that with our family being lifetime Dodge/chrysler people, the company would ignore safety and allow this problem to continue in later models. What is it going to take to get some help here!!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10064317, filed 2004-04, 78,000 milesRelated recalls
- 96V006000Jan 11, 1996In certain vehicles, the engine cylinder head oil galley plug does not seal properly and engine cylinder head oil is not adequately retained.Covers: Dodge Stratus 1995–1996, Chrysler Cirrus 1995–1996, Dodge Caravan 1996 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 14 | 19% |
| 2005 | 14 | 23% |
| 2004 | 22 | 15% |
| 2003 | 6 | 8% |
| 2002 | 48 | 32% |
| 2001 | 58 | 31% |
| 2000 | 23 | 11% |
| 1999 | 53 | 21% |
| 1998 | 121 | 44% |
| 1997 | 158 | 45% |
| 1996 | 335 | 60% |
| 1995 | 106 | 33% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Stratus
65 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsSteering
42 complaintsElectrical system
36 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