1999 Dodge Stratus Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 53about this part
- Share
- 21%of 251 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 53 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1999 Dodge Stratus, 21% of the 251 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,500 miles. 8 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 1999 Dodge Stratus has a head gasket oil leak with only 43,000 miles. It will cost $800 to repair. After doing extension research, I discovered that this is an ongoing problem with Dodge Stratus. Now I have read that this could be fatal to Dodge owners due to the fire risk. I would like to see an investigation of the Dodge Stratus and to have a recall issued.”
NHTSA complaint #10060757, filed 2004-03, 38,000 miles“Engine caught on fire on my 1999 Dodge Stratus. Parked vehicle and went inside the store, and came out and vehicle was on fire. Had the vehicle towed to my house. Contacted Dodge, they sent out an inspector to review the vehicle. The inspector said, the vehicle should have exploded and do not fix the vehicle, Dodge will fix this for you. Rec'd a letter from Dodge, stating they denied my claim to fix vehicle, but would not offer any reason. …”
NHTSA complaint #10136386, filed 2005-09, 90,000 miles“A fire started under the hood of my car (Dodge Stratus 1999) after I parked it after driving for about half an hour. There was no prior indication of anything amiss. Fire department put out the fire, but I am told the car cannot be repaired. I have had regular maintenance on this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10023622, filed 2003-06, 60,000 miles“Took vehicle to dealership due to a problem with my manual transmission. Upon looking over the car they found several (about 4) oil leaks. These were repaired and covered under the power train warrenty since my car only had a little over 40,000 miles on it at the time.”
NHTSA complaint #10003002, filed 2003-01, 40,000 miles“Took my '99 Stratus to my mechanic for an oil leak. I was told it was a head gasket problem and that is common in that year. Did some research on the internet and found a number of complaints confirming this. I called Dodge and they deny having any knowledge of the problem. When I told them about the complaints on this and other sites he again denied any knowledge of it. I was told that it's my problem not theirs. After this experience there is no way I will ever buy a chrysler product again and I don't think anyone should.”
NHTSA complaint #10021297, filed 2003-06, 67,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10223854Sep 7, 2016Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies…
- 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 1999 Dodge Stratus
49 complaintsBrakes
42 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
34 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsEquipment
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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