1996 Dodge Stratus Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 3%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 16 complaints about the fuel system of the 1996 Dodge Stratus, 3% of the 554 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When my fuel goes below 3/4 of a tank, it dies on me. It starts to jerk like its shifting hard, then looses power. When I try to start it back up, it turns over but doesn't act like its getting any fuel. Then the battery goes dead. If I get gas and fill it back up it runs fine. I have spent many hrs broke down on the hwy. I was never in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10206713, filed 2007-10, 80,000 miles“I have taken my vehicle in for the head gasket to be replaced 4 times now. I am taking it in again for the 5th time for the same problem. All the dealer keeps doing is putting another head gasket on and charging me my $50 deductable. This is getting very tiring. My brakes went out completely in 1997 after the factory re-call had been preformed. I was informed that the mechanic had put the seal in wrong. The last time I took my vehicle in for the head gasket, number 4, the dealer found that the cv boot needed replaced. Durring the repair the axel just fell apart. …”
NHTSA complaint #711943, filed 1999-09“Vehicle parked. Left vehicle & few minutes. Later was informed vehicle was on fire. Contacted fire & police departments who refused to come out, indicating vehicle was on private property. Prior to fire, vehicle was inspected for leakage in o rings which was replaced. Vehicle's engine was cleaned. Oil proceeded to leak again. There was a recall #96v006000.”
NHTSA complaint #855126, filed 2000-01“Due to an oil leak on the intake manifold, head gasket caused the vehicle to catch on fire. Fire department was called to the scene. The consumer contacted the insurance company, no action taken. The vehicle is at the dealer, where they completed work on the vehicle. But the consumer stated that she did'nt know if the dealer fixed the problem. The case number is #d-55-11585.”
NHTSA complaint #827295, filed 1998-08“Son was driving, smelled something burning. Other drivers noticed flames under vehicle. Pulled off thoroughfare & parked vehicle; got out of vehicle; vehicle burst into flames. Fire dept arrived & put flames out. Insurance adjustor said it was gas line rupture. Vehicle totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #812201, filed 1997-06Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 5 | 7% |
| 2005 | 3 | 5% |
| 2004 | 12 | 8% |
| 2003 | 8 | 11% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 24 | 11% |
| 1999 | 11 | 4% |
| 1998 | 5 | 2% |
| 1997 | 11 | 3% |
| 1996 | 16 | 3% |
| 1995 | 12 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Stratus
335 complaintsBrakes
65 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsSteering
42 complaintsElectrical system
36 complaintsSuspension
32 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsOther or unknown
18 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 30, 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