What are the most common Dodge Stratus problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 530+ owner reports, the 1998-1998 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 1998-1998 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.

1998 Dodge Stratus Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

1998 Dodge Stratus Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 2 Known Issues

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280 owners

On the 1995-2006 Dodge Stratus 2.4L DOHC, 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 mixing with oil or exhaust gases entering the cooling system are the primary failure modes. While more reliable than the 2.7L V6, the 2.4L still requires careful cooling system maintenance. The factory composite head gasket has been superseded by improved MLS (multi-layer steel) designs.

This issue also affects: Citroën C3, Acura TL, Audi A7

Common Symptoms

White smoke from exhaust (coolant burning)
Coolant loss with no visible external leak
Engine overheating
Milky residue on oil dipstick or filler cap
Bubbling in coolant overflow reservoir

How to Fix

Confirm head gasket failure with a cooling-system pressure test, combustion-gas/block test, and compression or leak-down test, then inspect for coolant in the oil and check the cylinder head and block deck for warpage after disassembly. Repair requires removing the cylinder head, machining or replacing the head if out of spec, and installing an updated MLS head gasket with new torque-to-yield head bolts; the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, and radiator cap should also be inspected or replaced if overdue to prevent repeat overheating. Flush contaminated oil and coolant, refill with the correct fluids, and verify radiator fan operation and overall cooling-system condition before returning the car to service. Typical repair cost is about $1,200-$2,500 depending on machine-shop work, related cooling-system parts, and whether the head must be replaced.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 280+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeMulti-layer steel head gasket set for a reliable, long-lasting seal (Fel-Pro Head Gasket Set)
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UpgradeHigh-strength head studs provide even clamping force and prevent repeat failures (ARP Head Stud Kit)
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Typical repair cost:$600 - $1,500

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280+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence280 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

250 owners

On the 1995-2006 Dodge Stratus, 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 solenoid. Electrical connector corrosion is a common contributing factor. The solenoid pack is accessible through the oil pan without removing the transmission, making it a relatively affordable repair compared to a full transmission rebuild.

This issue also affects: Acura TL, Acura ILX, Acura MDX

Common Symptoms

Harsh or erratic shifting between gears
Delayed engagement when shifting to Drive or Reverse
Transmission stuck in limp mode (2nd gear)
Check engine light with P0700 series codes
Intermittent shifting issues that worsen when cold

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 250+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeTransmission flush kit for complete fluid exchange to address shudder (Liqui Moly Transmission Flush Kit)
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UpgradeFull synthetic ATF designed to reduce shudder in automatic transmissions (Valvoline MaxLife ATF Full Synthetic)
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Typical repair cost:$200 - $2,800

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250+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence250 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls10 recalls

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

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus vehicles, equipped with beige interiors. The affected vehicles were previously repaired for a recall issue using an incorrect part. The incorrect part may not prevent the passenger side sun visor from detaching if the passenger frontal air bag deploys and the passenger side sun visor is folded down in a certain position.

Campaign #16V40100003/06/2016

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

+ 5 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

1998 Dodge Stratus Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

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

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

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

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Dodge Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Dodge Stratus problems?

Is the Dodge Stratus reliable?

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

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

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