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 1998 Dodge Stratus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
At approx 60,000 miles my 1998 Dodge Stratus, developed an oil leak at the head gasket, a cracked exhaust manifold, a timing belt tensioner and cover that have failed, a leaking water pump that needs replacing. My mechanic estimates $2150.00 to replace and repair all these items. To top this off my mechanic tells me that it will take 2 to 3 weeks to get the timing belt tensioner and cover because there's a big back order on these items. Meanwhile I'm without a car! By reveiwing the complaints on the web, I see that this vehicle's head gasket was redesigned by Chrysler since 1998, also the timing belt tensioner has been redesigned. The car has been great up to this point. However I feel, all these recent problems are clearly pre-mature especially since Chrysler has had to redesign the head gasket and tensioner in order to correct the problems with these items. …
I have a 1998 Dodge Stratus and like many others the head gasket needs replacing. I was told about this in July 2002. I was told by service that this was a known problem and that Chrysler would participate in the expense of the repair and it would only cost me $200. At the time I could not afford the repair. Also, the leak was not that bad. I was LED to believe that the $200 would be the cost when I had the repair work done. When I called to make the appointment jan 20, 2003 because the leak was starting to get worse, I asked the service person if this $200 cost was still in effect. He said he checked on it and was told it was. After I dropped off the car, I got a call later in the morning telling me it would cost me full price. My issue is that since this is a known problem on the 98 Stratus why hasn't Chrysler (Dodge) been made to issue a recall. …
"the famous head gasket failure that nobody wants to touch". Yes, I have a 98 Dodge Stratus that is leaking at the head gasket. I had to buy one of those flat pans to catch the oil in while the car is parked in the garage. My 2 year old got out there the other day and decided to play in the used oil. Is this not a safety issue? Having to keep a pan of dirty oil under a car? I drain it once a week and get at least 1 quart. (and have to pay to dispose of it) come on here! So, on top of the fire hazard (hot oil on a hot catalyst), now we have poisoning issues with our children. Is anybody going to help us, or should we just start the whole class action lawsuit? I am sure there are enough people here to back me up on this. According to all of the complaints here, Dodge already knows about it and made a stronger gasket to replace it with.
I have a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder Dodge Stratus that has 49,000 miles on it. It has developed a head gasket leak. I've obtained several estimates ranging from $700-$950 to repair the problem. Daimler Chrysler will not issue any type of recall for this car or many other models like the breeze, neon, avenger and cirrus. They are aware of this problem and have been for some time yet they refuse to cover the problem under warranty nor have they attempted to redesign these engines so the head gaskets don't leak. When you put an aluminum head on a cast-iron block, there will be leaks. The two different metals have too many differences in how they react to temperature changes. As long as these metals are paired together (and the unsuspecting public keeps buying this ill-thought-out design) there will be leaks.
First horn was blowing out of control, than the engine we got it fixed, or so we thought ,than got the starter fix drove it 2 weeks and now it turns over but does nothing so it's sitting in my yard not working and am sick of it so far I have paid out over a grand and this car don't work just why,oh god just why.I have paid some of everything you think of one that car I have had it towards so much state farm wanted to cancel my insurance, okay let's begin.starter replaced,eg road valve senser,valley + pipe, ignition coil,ignition relay,temperature senser,ignition wire, rotor, injector, brush, bearing ball, December frame not to mention the labor my god. And now it sits in my yard am tired really.
My 1998 dodage Stratus leaks oil to the tune of at least 1 qt every other day. I have to keep a case of oil in my trunk to keep up with the leak. And then it still barely registers on the dip stick. I have a large oil stain in the grass of my driveway. I was told the leak was due to a faulty head gasket. It hasn't blown (yet) but it is only a matter of time before the rest of the car falls to pieces. I emailed a complaint to daimlerchrysler and I got a "we are sorry for your dissatisfaction". That was it. I have read all of these complaints and I was just wondering where the responses to them are? Has anyone gotten anywhere with this issue?
Timing belt tensioner broke while driving full speed on the freeway. The engine stalled and I was lucky to get to the side of the road safely. Now the car has been at the shop for two weeks and Dodge states the parts are not in production and unavailable until a later unknown date. I have been told that the part is being remanufactured to eliminate the problem, but the new part hasn't been produced yet. There is not a date set for when the part will be available. Dodge obviously knew the part was defective or they would not have improved it for replacement. Why was my safety put at risk for a part they knew was a problem?
Having issues with dash and headlight dimming,also radio goes off and looses memory,door locks won't work when radio goes off. Burnt out defogger relay and power amp fuse with no power amp, also had to replace horn relay yet taking all those relays out and problem still happens. Already checked lighter assembly, that was popping amp fuse. Fixed that still happening. Also goes through 1 quart of oil a month but no leaks under the car when moved. ?????? Help!!!!!! The oil problem should fall under hazardous meterials act if all these cars are dumping used oil all over this country.
1998 2.7 v-6 engine in Dodge Stratus vehicle. Oil light came on and then the engine quit running. When attempting to obtain information on cost of repairs, I was told by many individuals that this engine has failed in this same manner for all of the vehicles. The oil was changed every 3000-5000 miles, more often that suggested by the owners manual. The owners manual states to change it every 7500 miles or 6 months which every comes first. Most of the repair places that I spoke to said that this engine should have been recalled due to this failure.
Dt: consumer stated vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle was smoking , and took it to the repair shop. They could not find anything wrong with it. The fire started while the vehicle was in use. It started smoking where the oil filter was the vehicle has not been inspected to see why the fire started. The fire department did come, but the report should be available today or tomorrow. This happened on Sunday July 24, 2005. The brakes were serviced about 5 days ago. Also a police report was issued.
Engine complaints in other Stratus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Dodge Stratus?
NHTSA has 123 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Dodge Stratus, 45% of the model year's 272 complaints. The component named most often is engine (77 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Stratus engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1998 Dodge Stratus, though it has 3 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 1998 Dodge Stratus engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 4 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.