1996 Dodge Stratus Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 2%of 554 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 Dodge Stratus, 2% of the 554 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“R&r front left wheel bearing fix, hub & bearing assembly total cost $214.55 clean engine total cost $83.46 engine oil leak, tried oil stop leak & seems to be working for the time being. Radiator/antifreeze leak, I'm spending $150 month for antifreeze. Putting in 1-2 bottles a day. Probably will have radiator fixed soon. Muffler fell off, can't afford a new one. Needs new spark plugs, can't afford that either. Needs manifold gasket, can't afford that either. Needs oil pan gasket, can't afford that either. Needs new wipers, can't afford that either.”
NHTSA complaint #10681330, filed 2015-02, 167,000 miles“Ltr fm jovan mathews (tx) re problems with his 1996 Dodge Stratus and asking daimler chrysler to initiate a recall. The A/C leaked, electric circuits malfunctioned, transmission problems, premature brake wear, head gasket, and poor drive ability. The consumer had replaced the timing belt, hydraulic tensioner, water pump, alternator, alternator belt, rotors, brake shoes, rear wheel cylinders, pcv valve, dryer, A/C compressor, tires, all filters, and fluids. The vehicle was in need of an exhaust manifold, windshield, struts, shocks, steering wheel, and a head gasket. …”
NHTSA complaint #10040045, filed 2003-09“Defrogger does not adequately defrost all side windows, including upper portion of windshield, impairs driver's vision, nearly caused a crash. According to dealer, normal problem.”
NHTSA complaint #809967, filed 1997-04Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 1 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 6 | 3% |
| 2000 | 10 | 5% |
| 1999 | 10 | 4% |
| 1998 | 7 | 3% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
| 1996 | 13 | 2% |
| 1995 | 16 | 5% |
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 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsEquipment
14 complaintsBody and structure
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 28, 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