Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Dodge Stratus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that the horn would activate without command at anytime and the airbag light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The dealer repaired the failure, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified, but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 80,000. Updated 08/31/11 the steering column was replaced twice. The last time, the dealer placed a horn button on the dashboard. Updated 12/05/11
Drivers side tie rod separated out of socket, causing total loss of all steering control, the car is too new to have this failure, dealer inspected car two months prior and should have seen the wear on both tie rod joints.
My 1996 Dodge Stratus has 37,000 miles. In February 2002 I took it to sears for an oil change. Also asking them to see where oil was leaking (noticed oil on concrete in garage). They said valve cover gasket so I got that fixed for about $72.00 all along thinking that there were not that many miles driven. And to bad the warranty had just expired. I think it was 5 years or 25,000 miles. Within the next 2 months oil was leaking again. Took it in and end up paying $702.00 because the head gasket was bad. The mechanic showed it to me and jokingly said isn't it funny how this can be so cheap that it almost was deteriorated and the warranty 5yrs is up. Even though I had not drove 25,000 miles yet. Well the final blow , on oct 10,2002 I kept hearing a clunk when I made left or right turn. Took it to the rhoden Dodge. …
Since the purchase of this vehicle it has been in the repair shop 9 times. Several of these repairs have been repeat repairs. The manual transmission started giving us problems on 10/18/1999. It took them until 08/28/2001 to repair it. Then we had to bring it back on 10/22/2001 because a seal was leaking on the transmission. At that time I had them listen to the car, because the transmission was making the same noise it started with in 10/1999. They said they didn't hear anything, which is what they told us up until 08/28/2001. Now this car is getting ready to go back to the shop for the transmission. In the 3 years we have owned this car it has had $5201.48 worht of repairs done to it. In addition to the defective parts I have listed, it also had an ignition coil, injectors, ball joints, and tie rod ends replaced. …
Ltr fm jovan mathews (tx) re problems with his 1996 Dodge Stratus and asking daimler Chrysler to initiate a recall. The A/C leaked, electric circuits malfunctioned, transmission problems, premature brake wear, head gasket, and poor drive ability. The consumer had replaced the timing belt, hydraulic tensioner, water pump, alternator, alternator belt, rotors, brake shoes, rear wheel cylinders, pcv valve, dryer, A/C compressor, tires, all filters, and fluids. The vehicle was in need of an exhaust manifold, windshield, struts, shocks, steering wheel, and a head gasket. …
My wife called me to report that she was experiencing some binding in the steering as she was leaving the parking lot of a shopping mall, and had decided to return to the parking lot. I went to the lot to investigate the matter and drove the car in the lot, turning both left and right frequently, and the steering seemed to be alright. I decided to drive the car home, and then noticed that a slight clunking noise could be heard when driving over rough spots in the pavement. I decided to jack up the right front wheel to try and determine what might be loose. While manuvering the car into position in my garage, the right tie rod end ball stud separated from its socket, which of course is the connection to the right side steering knuckle. …
2nd request fax FWD email fm behalf of [redacted] (tx) re numerous defects on a 1996 Dodge Stratus (VIN#[redacted]). The A/C leaked, electrical circuits malfunctioned, transmission problems, premature brake wear, head gasket problems, and poor driveability. There was steering oscillation when driven above 50 MPH, rough ride when there was an irregular surface, erratic idle, performance loss, overheating in traffic and or the A/C would become inoperative, warm-up sag, hesitation/die out, rear grid defogger indicator light malfunctioned, inside lights worked improperly, erratic late harsh transmission shifts, frequent rumble or gear noise from the front between 50 and 70 MPH, musty odor and defogger failed to clear the glass. The vehicle was also in need of an exhaust manifold and struts.
Computer controller,idler arm and pulley,timing belt,and bottom crank gear all went out at same time.head gasket was found to be defective while in shop for timing belt repairs.Chrysler has agreed to pay for 500 of the 725 dollars it would cost to fix head gasket,but nothing on all the timing belt related problems at 525.00.auto was 4,000 miles and 1 year out of warranty when problems occurred.just seems odd that the computer and all the timing belt related problems happened at the same time.the computer was replaced under warranty.after computer was replaced the timing belt problems were discovered.
The rack and pinion has failed twice. I have also complained to the dealer of a buzzing and/or grinding noise coming from the steering column. I have taken the car in at least 2 other times for this problem and am going to take it in this Thursday (10/21/99) again for the same buzzing noise. Each time I take it in it is there for a minimum of 2 days if not longer. I am concerned for the safety of my family due to the steering column noise. This Thursday I will also take it in for some type of electrical failure - the car will sometimes not start on me.
Transmission: auto was parked, but would not go into reverse. Auto would have to be stopped and restatred to procedd a few hundred feet. Called for tow. Cyl. Head: auto leaked oil, went to dealer. Dealer said it was cyl. Head, but I never saw the problem. Tie rods: noise in front end. Tie rods were ready to fall off. Still a noise; maybe stabilizer bars or ball joint. I have owned many vehicles, but this was my first Chrysler product--- and the last! Numerous other problems, but dealer did respond.
Steering complaints in other Stratus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Dodge Stratus?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Dodge Stratus, 8% of the model year's 554 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Stratus steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1996 Dodge Stratus, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Stratus steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.