What are the most common Dodge Stratus problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 530+ owner reports, the 1997 Dodge Stratus has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2.4L DOHC Head Gasket Failure, Automatic Transmission Solenoid Pack Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Dodge Stratus reliable?

The 1997 Dodge Stratus has 2 known issues documented across 530+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 2.4L DOHC Head Gasket Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Stratus problems?

Repair costs for known Dodge Stratus issues range from $200 to $2,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2.4L DOHC Head Gasket Failure, typically costs $600-$1,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1995-2006 Dodge Stratus 2.4L DOHC Head Gasket Failure?

The 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder engine (used across both Stratus generations) is prone to head gasket failure, particularly when overheating occurs. The aluminum cylinder head warps more easily than cast iron, and once warped, the head gasket cannot maintain a proper seal. Coolant mixin… Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 1995-2006 Dodge Stratus Automatic Transmission Solenoid Pack Failure?

The 41TE (1st gen) and 42RLE (2nd gen) automatic transmissions in the Stratus suffer from solenoid pack failures that cause harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and limp mode. The solenoid pack contains the shift solenoids, torque converter clutch solenoid, and pressure control so… Repairs typically run $200-$2,800. Severity: medium.

1997 Dodge Stratus Problems: 2 Known Issues

1997 Dodge Stratus Problems: 2 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls10 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 21, 2005, and 2001-2005 Dodge Stratus vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 22, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the passenger side sun visor may detach.

Campaign #15V33800002/06/2015

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Campaign #09E02500011/05/2009

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SOLD AS FOUR PART NUMBERS, D10945, D10946, G10945, AND G10946. THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS, D10945 AND D10946, ARE STAMPED WITH THE FOLLOWING DATES ON THE BALL JOINTS: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, AND 116609. THE G10945 AND G10946 ARE THE SAME PART AS THE D10945 AND D10946 RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE LABELED DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON THE AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER.

Campaign #09E05600009/10/2009

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING.

Campaign #10E05900027/12/2010

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Campaign #07E02300029/03/2007

+ 5 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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1997 Dodge Stratus Problems: 2 Known Issues

All 2 Known Issues

1995-2006 Dodge Stratus: 2.4L DOHC Head Gasket Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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1995-2006 Dodge Stratus: Automatic Transmission Solenoid Pack Failure#