AC & Heater complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dt: the consumer took vehicle to a dealership and repair shop several times for a squeaking noise that came from the left driver's side by the wheel. The source of the squeaking noise was unknown. The engine, a caliber to the steering wheel, air conditioning, brakes, and the flywheel were replaced. There is a still a squeaking noise and consumer does not know where it I comes from. The consumer is concerned about the safety of this vehicle.
I bought my Dodge Stratus in feb. Of 2004, it is a 2003. Since then it has been in the shop 5 times due to the motor in the window going out, the air conditioning going out, the cruise control went out, the cd player is not functioning correctly and now the safety feature (air bag system) is failing as well. I have owned other cars in the past with higher miles than this vehicle and I never had the problems that I am having with this one. I am upset with this vehicle. I feel that buying a newer car with low miles should leave the buyer feeling happy and safe with their decision. However, I am neither happy with this vehicle and I do not feel safe in this vehicle knowing now that there is something wrong with my air bag system. The service department has fixed most of the problems so far (they are unable to get the air bag system looked for a few days...so much for safety matters!). …
Blower/resister has been replaced 3 times and needs to be replaced once again. After a few months, the fan only works on high setting which is very annoying and inefficient. It was first replaced in 2004 and worked until recently when stopped working at the lower levels and was replaced in (2006) May, then August and stopped working again in October.
Ac blower only works on high speed, replaced resistor 3 times. Diode is blowing on resistor. This will be #4. Dealership doesn't seem to know what is going on. Im not the only one having this problem. Lets get someone to help us figure this out.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that the power steering failed. The vehicle began smoking underneath the hood , and the mechanic replaced the power steering pump and hose. Also, the contact stated that the transmission failed and caused the indicators on the instrument panel to malfunction. This failure prevented her from determining how fast she was driving. In addition, the gears failed to shift from second gear. The mechanic stated that a sensor in the transmission and the air conditioning system failed. Also, the cooling system failed, and the water pump and timing belt were replaced twice. The failure began when the vehicle ran hot. She will collect the work reports and receipts from the dealer regarding the other failures that occurred. The current mileage is 105,000, and failure mileage was 79,000.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Dodge Stratus. When it rains, the instrument panel gauges, windshield wipers, and air conditioner become inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle was a lemon because it has been included in two recalls and the windows did not work at the time of purchase. The contact believes that Chrysler should repair the vehicle since the failures have been occurring since the day it was purchased. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown. The current mileage was 5,000.
I've started experiencing both head gasket leaks as well as air condition issues. I have paid out over $2,500 combined over the past 18 months. Now, I read that this is something that everyone that has a 1998 Dodge Stratus.
I have had numerous problems with this vehicle, other than those listed, plus there is much more information to support the problems I have listed. I have experienced a heater core failure, brakes replaced already twice on the vehicle with less than 40,000 miles on the car. I have had a defective seat belt (passenger), the timing chain is a major engine repair that I just had down. Now I am still dealing with the residule prodblem with my heating/defrost since k & m replaced my water pump on 10/17/01. Overall I consider this car to be a real piece of crap and I absolutely would never buy another Stratus and in fact, I will never buy another Chrysler vehicle ever. I feel I have stung with a lemon and basically I no legal recourse which is very unfair to me, the consumer. I am still paying on this piece of crap. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Stratus years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (18), 1996 (16), 2000 (9), 1997 (7) and 1998 (6) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Dodge Stratus ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for any Dodge Stratus model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Dodge Stratus ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles; 64% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the appliance › air conditioner (45 mentions), followed by the defroster/defogger/hvac system (11).
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.