MYRModel Year Report

1996 Dodge Stratus

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1996 Dodge Stratus
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
554
Recalls
11

Campaigns on file for 1996

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

64% of complaints

Complaints per year

1992: 1 complaint 1992 1995: 318 complaints 1996: 554 complaints 1996 554 1997: 349 complaints 1998: 272 complaints 1998 1999: 251 complaints 2000: 216 complaints 2000 2001: 186 complaints 2002: 150 complaints 2002 2003: 75 complaints 2004: 144 complaints 2004 2005: 62 complaints 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 2 complaints
1992: 1 complaint 1992 1995: 318 complaints 1995 1996: 554 complaints 1996 554 1997: 349 complaints 1997 1998: 272 complaints 1998 1999: 251 complaints 1999 2000: 216 complaints 2000 2001: 186 complaints 2001 2002: 150 complaints 2002 2003: 75 complaints 2003 2004: 144 complaints 2004 2005: 62 complaints 2005 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 2 complaints 2007
1992: 1 complaint 1992 1995: 318 complaints 1995 1996: 554 complaints 1996 554 1997: 349 complaints 1997 1998: 272 complaints 1998 1999: 251 complaints 1999 2000: 216 complaints 2000 2001: 186 complaints 2001 2002: 150 complaints 2002 2003: 75 complaints 2003 2004: 144 complaints 2004 2005: 62 complaints 2005 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 2 complaints 2007

1996: 554 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19921
1995318
1996554
1997349
1998272
1999251
2000216
2001186
2002150
200375
2004144
200562
200674
20072

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

64% · 353 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While in motion, the vehicle's passenger compartment began to fill with smoke and the warning lights began to flash. While trying to come to a stop, consumer found that the brakes and power steering were inoperable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-08

Consumer states vehicle caught fire while driving. Dealer diagnosed fire was result of the engine cylinder head plug being loose. This caused oil to leak which resulted in engine fire. Related recall 96V006000, consumer's v.I.n. Not included.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-02

Consumer was driving the vehicle when the vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-23

Service brakes

14% · 75 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

12% · 65 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Steering

9% · 48 reports

Most commonly citing tie rod assembly and linkages.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Rupture in power steering hose caused power steering fluid to to contact hot exhaust manifold, resulting in a fire that melted ignition wires, distributor, and power steering return fluid line.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-03

Electrical system

7% · 38 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and module.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 1996 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle unexpectedly engulfed into flames. The vehicle was unoccupied and the fire department extinguished the flames, which originated underneath the hood.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-26

Driving on hwy 80, vehicle started to smoke, pulled over, went to next exit, checked under hood, flames engulfed vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-08

Safety timeline

11 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1996Complaint volume 554 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    1996-04-22Engine and engine cooling96V006000 In certain vehicles, the engine cylinder head oil galley plug does not seal properly and engine cylinder head oil is not adequately retained.

    Remedy: Dealers will install an expansion plug and retaining bracket over the cylinder head oil galley plug.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1996-06-10Service brakes, hydraulic96V075000 The brake master cylinder can leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear brake master cylindr piston assembly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    1996-07-08Service brakes, hydraulic96V074000 Corrosion of the ABS hydraulic control unit can cause the solenoid valves to stick in the open position.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a plate and silicone grease injected into the solenoid cavity to eliminate the potential for this condition.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    1997-07-14Structure97V095000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The secondary hood latch spring can disengage from its retention hole if the hood is slammed shut.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch spring with a longer end hook spring.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    1997-09-29Engineering analysisClosed 1997-11-20 Lower control arm ball joint failure
  7. R
    1997-12-15Suspension97V201000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ball joint end housing cover seal for leakage with a high pressure air tester and the rubber boot will be visually inspected for damage. If the cover seal leaks or the boot…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    1998-10-26Power train98V183000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The adjustment of the cable connecting the console shifter mechanism to the ignition key can cause a trapped key…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect for proper operation of the system. Any vehicles that are not functional after the inspection will have the shift mechanism and cable replaced with a "Self-adjusting" Design.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. I
    2002-11-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-04-23 Safety belt cinching latch plate
  10. I
    2003-07-17Engineering analysisClosed 2004-01-30 Auto trans ignition-park interlock
  11. R
    2004-06-14Power train04V021000 On 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 removed. An inoperative interlock may also…

    Remedy: Dealers will install a new load-limiting push rod into the floor shifter lever of the affected vehicles. Owner notification began on June 14, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    2006-10-06Fuel system, gasoline06E088000 Certain tigas fuel pump modules manufactured between June 1 and September 24, 2006, sold under various brand names and p/nos. These fuel pump modules are sold as aftermarket for use in certain…

    Remedy: Ti automotive will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pump modules free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2006. Owners may contact ti automotive toll-free at 1-877-461-1834.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. R
    2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E091000 Certain airtex fuel pump modules, p/nos. E7089m, E7094M, E7113M, and E7129M, manufactured between June 1 and September 24, 2006. These fuel pump modules were sold as aftermarket for use in certain…

    Remedy: Airtex will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pump modules free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact airtex toll-free at 1-866-867-3759.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. R
    2009-11-09Suspension09E056000 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…

    Remedy: Qualis automotive will replace the ball joints free of charge. The safety recall began on November 9, 2009. Owners may contact qualis automotive at 1-800-493-4128.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  15. R
    2011-01-28Suspension10E059000 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…

    Remedy: Federal-mogul will notify owners of record and replace the affected control arms free of charge. The safety recall began on January 28, 2011. Owners may contact federal-mogul at 1-877-489-6659.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Dodge Stratus — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 353 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 75 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 65 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 96V006000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 96V075000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 96V074000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 97V095000 · Structure
  • Recall 97V201000 · Suspension
  • Recall 98V183000 · Power train
  • Recall 04V021000 · Power train
  • Recall 06E088000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 06E091000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 09E056000 · Suspension
  • Recall 10E059000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1996 Dodge Stratus reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Dodge Stratus is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Dodge Stratus?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Dodge Stratus have?
11 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.