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 1997 Dodge Stratus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My Dodge Stratus had am engine fire on 12-10-2006 as I walked away from the car after driving about 20-25 miles to my destination . A man ran up and asked me if that was my car that was on fire as I took a look I immediatealy called the fire dept and the fire was put out with out any one bring hurt.
The power steering hose (part number # 4764-347a / 0777c/ 25517 df 3251 3/8" id # 03067f1) is located behind the cylinder block and runs along the top of it from the pump( located on the left side of the vehicle's motor) to the right side of the engine down to the rack & pinion. Because of the location of the hose when it rupturs/leaks onto the exhust pipe/manifold and ignites the power steering fluid starting a fire. This should be corrected so that it is placed lower or away from the exhust pipe/maifold.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge Stratus. The power steering high pressure hose was leaking into the engine. The 2.4 liter engine had a leak directly above the exhaust system. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was called and informed him that there were no recalls or warranties for the failure. The failure mileage was 147,000.
1997 Dodge Stratus 2.0 sohc motor, blown head gasket, broken power steering pump, EGR valve stopped working, leaks alot of oil out of camshaft position sensor, heater core ruptured, heater hose ruptured also, oil pressure sending unit stopped working .
Notice a smell from under the hood while driving open the hood fire put the fire out notice power hose had leak in it I feel Dodge should be held accountable for this malfunction
The moving steering shaft between the steering wheel and floor of the passenger compartment is exposed. A clamp on the steering shaft caught the floor mat and made it almost impossible to steer the car. I talked to the dealer and was told all Stratus are made this way. The steering shaft needs a shield. If Chrysler doesn't fix this, I May sell the car. I have had numerous other problems, including timing belts/iginition key/ head rests/body, electric mirrors,etc.. This May be the last straw. I am a mechanical engineer with 20 years experience and I have worked on cars since grade school. A design flaw like this borders on criminal!!! If there is an accident caused by this design, I would be glad to testify. It would be an open and shut case!!! I would appreciate a reply to this message if possible.
Both the right and left side lower control arm and ball joint assemblies had to be replaced. This problem was addressed by recall #750. The repair work was performed at the dealer and paid for before consumer was advised of the recall. I have attempted to obtain reimbursement for the $633.00 cost and the $49.95 plus 8% sales tax with no luck. Request was denied for the reason that "although the recalled parts failed they didn't fail for the recall reason." consumer was also not given the old parts for an independent inspection. Daimler Chrysler denied reimbursement stating that this case fell into general maintenance.
ABS brake system broke at about 13000 miles. Olympic Dodge says that I must replace both the left and right front spindles. That they are cracked. I brought the car into the dealer on 07/10/2002. They have ordered the parts which cost over $300.00. How can 2 spindles fail at the same time. How can they fail with only 13000 miles on the odometer.
Power steering hoses developed holes through the whole hose massive fluid loss now power steering pump has froze and the car only has 67 thousand miles for 97 year 95 % of miles highway also A/C compressor and A/C dash switch both non working with fully charged compressor and all relays and fuses replaced.
Consumer states that the front right tie rod snapped. The vehicle was driven all that day. It was parked in the garage until later on. Consumer's husband attempted to back up but didn't have no control of the front end. Vehicle was towed for repairs the following morning.
Steering complaints in other Stratus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Dodge Stratus?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Dodge Stratus, 6% of the model year's 349 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Stratus steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires 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.