1997 Dodge Stratus Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 158about this part
- Share
- 45%of 349 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 158 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Dodge Stratus, 45% of the 349 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Head gasket failed at approx. 72,000 miles. It seems like this is a common problem in Dodge Stratus and Dodge neon based on all the complaints I have read on the internet. I would like Dodge/chrysler to take some responsibility for the problem, as I was told they are aware a problem exists and have since change the style of gasket used.”
NHTSA complaint #10054538, filed 2004-01, 72,000 miles“As my '97 Dodge Stratus es (2.4l) approaches 58,000 mi, it appears to be self-destructing, of course the engine is leaking oil (1 qt/week) at the infamous head gasket, cooling system is fouled (heater quit, flush+clean didn't solve) , and I just got a check engine light on my to work! I have been a chrysler customer for decades, but having a car that runs fine for 55k and then dies by 60k will make me buy foreign how many complaints about the oil leaks will it take to get a recall? …”
NHTSA complaint #10008411, filed 2003-03, 56,500 miles“A very small drip...drip...drip of oil started around 47k miles. Drip became a gush by 50k miles. Oil was flowing out of the head gasket as fast as I could put it in. (yeah, big surprise, huh?!) thanks, chrysler, for standing behind your product and making good on your screw-ups. Typical american big biz attitude! You can bet my next vehicle will be a toyota! Oh gee! I almost forgot - yes, I'll be sure to tell everyone I know to steer clear of anything chrysler . No pun intended I assure you... Especially since your crappy engineers just cost me $1000.”
NHTSA complaint #10068460, filed 2004-05, 47,000 miles“Head gasket blew and had to be replaced about around 70,000 miles. Now the car is overheating again and there appears to be oil in the coolant, leading me to believe that similar problems have resurfaced again. Given the tremendous number of similar complaints logged by consumers on this website and others, the company should take immediate action.”
NHTSA complaint #10041449, filed 2003-10, 70,000 miles“While having the heater core repaired dealership indicated that head gasket was leaking oil into the cooling system and onto the ground. This was a common failure with this vehicle, and there were numerous complaints listed on this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10099971, filed 2004-11, 46,000 milesRelated 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 1997 Dodge Stratus
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
36 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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