1997 Dodge Stratus Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 10%of 349 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Dodge Stratus, 10% of the 349 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Have contacted Dodge/daimler-chrysler several times about transmission on my 1997 Dodge Stratus going out. Hesitation on shifting into gear, slipping out of gear and back in on turns, trans leaks, slipping into gear suddenly and jerking the car, and so on. Car has only 66,000 miles on it now and I got it in 2001 when my father passed away. It had only 53,000 miles on it then. A trans shouldn't be going out at 50-60,000 miles. If Dodge has a bad product they should correct it themselves. I shouldn't have to pay to repair a problem Dodge already knows about and isn't doing anything about. …”
NHTSA complaint #10173208, filed 2006-11, 58,000 miles“Automatic transmission would intermittently shift out of drive into neutral while driving 40 MPH or more. Consumer was concerned that the vehicle may be involved in a rear end collision because of this condition. Dealer was not notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10116972, filed 2005-03, 44,400 miles“Auto transmission. 1997 Dodge Stratus 2.5l with auto stick. Transmission leakage and failure of transmission. Vehicle will not shift above second gear, and gear slips.”
NHTSA complaint #10168929, filed 2006-09, 80,000 miles“It would stick when I would put my car into drive or reverse and the engine started sounding louder than it should when I accelerated. Then on friday october 1, 1999 as I was increasing speed from 35 to 45mph the RPM gage started spinning. Though I had my foot on the gas the speed did not increase and it felt like my wheels locked up. I have been told that I am missing third gear.”
NHTSA complaint #712975, filed 1999-10“I have contacted Dodge without any help. The representative I talked to was very insensitive to the problem I called in about. I know of 2 different individuals that had the same problem and got it fixed, even after the warranty was out. I had no option but to have the car towed and fixed. The car is only 2 and 1/2 years old and is only driven on the expressway. I don't understand how this could happen. Please contact me with any info. No safety defect listed in the summary.”
NHTSA complaint #720564, filed 2000-03Related recalls
- 04V021000Jan 13, 2004On certain passenger vehicles, the floor shifter ignition-park interlock may fail and allow the shifter to be moved out of the park position with the key…Covers: Dodge Stratus 1995–1999, Intrepid 1993–1999, Chrysler Concorde 1993–1999 +6 more
- 98V183000Aug 6, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The adjustment of the cable connecting the console shifter mechanism to the…Covers: Dodge Stratus 1995–1998, Chrysler Cirrus 1995–1998, Sebring 1996–1998 +1 more
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2005 | 3 | 5% |
| 2004 | 12 | 8% |
| 2003 | 6 | 8% |
| 2002 | 21 | 14% |
| 2001 | 20 | 11% |
| 2000 | 21 | 10% |
| 1999 | 34 | 14% |
| 1998 | 24 | 9% |
| 1997 | 36 | 10% |
| 1996 | 60 | 11% |
| 1995 | 55 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Stratus
158 complaintsBrakes
44 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 29, 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