Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Dodge Stratus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge Stratus. While driving 30 MPH, the contact rear ended another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. A police report was filed. The road conditions were normal. She noticed oil leaking after the crash. The repair shop stated that a new head gasket was needed. The current and failure mileages were 81,000. Updated 03-04-08
Dt: the vehicle is a 1997 Dodge Stratus. At 27,000 the oil light came on while the consumer was driving and the vehicle cut off. When the consumer had it towed to the dealership they replaced the timing belt and pulleys. At 39,000 the engine would not start. When it was towed to the dealership again, they found that one coil was shorted, the PCM was bad, the timing belt had to be replaced again, they had to replace the module, the relay, and the plug wire. The whole electrical system had to be replaced. Later at 62,000 miles it was leaking oil and would not start. It was towed to the dealer were the timing belt had to be replaced a third time, the head gasket and package, the plug and plug wires, and the spark plugs were also replaced. Currently at 89,000 the timing belt and head gasket need replacing. The vehicle is over heating and will not start. …
I had nothing but major problem with my Dodge Stratus it's only a 1997 with 86,582. I bought it used with 23,000 in January of 1999 from a car dealer. I have spent $2,335.30 in repairs in 2002&2003 in May & June of 2003 I spent $1,678.31 & $656.99 in July 2002 starting with brakes being contamied ,water pump ,radiator replaced,and it's being driven locally never been out of this state. I feel this is a lemon car because of the major repairs and the mileage is only 74,153 when I started having repairs and keep having major repairs totally $2,400 only had it 3 1/2 yrs. I filed a report with the lemon law in washington state.
As my '97 Dodge Stratus es (2.4l) approaches 58,000 mi, it appears to be self-destructing, of course the engine is leaking oil (1 qt/week) at the infamous head gasket, cooling system is fouled (heater quit, flush+clean didn't solve) , and I just got a check engine light on my to work! I have been a Chrysler customer for decades, but having a car that runs fine for 55K and then dies by 60K will make me buy foreign how many complaints about the oil leaks will it take to get a recall? (I hope I add to this count) maybe if I get the next stage, an engine fire, at least the insurance might help pay for my Toyota...
A very small "drip...drip...drip" of oil started around 47K miles. Drip became a gush by 50K miles. Oil was flowing out of the head gasket as fast as I could put it in. (yeah, big surprise, huh?!) thanks, Chrysler, for standing behind your product and making good on your screw-ups. Typical American big biz attitude! You can bet my next vehicle will be a Toyota! Oh gee! I almost forgot - yes, I'll be sure to tell everyone I know to "steer clear of anything Chrysler". No pun intended I assure you... Especially since your crappy engineers just cost me $1000.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at no particular speed, the check engine light illuminates and the vehicle completely stalls. After stalling, the vehicle restarts following an extended period of time. Although the vehicle has been seen by a dealer and multiple repairs have been made, the dealer was unable to remedy the stalling problem. The rear freeze plug was leaking. Updated 03/09/06.
Head gasket blew and had to be replaced about around 70,000 miles. Now the car is overheating again and there appears to be oil in the coolant, leading me to believe that similar problems have resurfaced again. Given the tremendous number of similar complaints logged by consumers on this website and others, the company should take immediate action.
Head gasket failed at approx. 72,000 miles. It seems like this is a common problem in Dodge Stratus and Dodge neon based on all the complaints I have read on the internet. I would like Dodge/Chrysler to take some responsibility for the problem, as I was told they are aware a problem exists and have since change the style of gasket used.
Consumer's brother started vehicle up to drive vehicle over to consumer's house. In process of driving, smoke coming from underneath. Consumer smelled the smoke. Backseat started to evaporate. Everything that was inside off vehicle was demolished. The clogged exhaust system caused the engine to blow out.
Battery light came on and stayed on while driving, the dealer was contacted and appointment was scheduled. While driving car 13 miles for repairs, 50-55 MPH, the engine light came, on and the engine caught on fire. Fire department came. The dealer cannot duplicate the problem.
Engine complaints in other Stratus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Dodge Stratus?
NHTSA has 158 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Dodge Stratus, 45% of the model year's 349 complaints. The component named most often is engine (117 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Stratus engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Dodge Stratus, though it has 4 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 1997 Dodge Stratus engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 8 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.