1996 Dodge Stratus

Introduction: The 1996 Dodge Stratus is a midsize sedan that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.0L four-cylinder with 132 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. A 2.4L four-cylinder with 150 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque was also available. Both engines could be paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The Stratus was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and affordable price. However, it was criticized for its lack of power and poor fuel economy.

Engine

• 2.0L Four-Cylinder
  • Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include a loss of coolant, oil leaks, and rough idling. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500
  • PCV valve failure: The PCV valve can fail, causing oil to leak into the intake manifold. Symptoms include a loss of oil, rough idling, and increased emissions. The solution is to replace the PCV valve. Estimated cost to fix: $50 - $100
  • Timing belt failure: The timing belt can fail, causing the engine to lose power or stall. Symptoms include a loss of power, rough idling, and a rattling noise from the engine. The solution is to replace the timing belt. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $700
• 2.4L Four-Cylinder
  • Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include a loss of coolant, oil leaks, and rough idling. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500
  • Water pump failure: The water pump can fail, causing the engine to overheat. Symptoms include a loss of coolant, overheating, and a squealing noise from the engine. The solution is to replace the water pump. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400

Transmission

• Five-Speed Manual
  • Clutch failure: The clutch can fail, causing the transmission to slip or become difficult to shift. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $700
  • Shifter linkage failure: The shifter linkage can fail, causing the transmission to become difficult to shift. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears and a loose shifter. The solution is to replace the shifter linkage. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400
• Four-Speed Automatic
  • Transmission fluid leak: The transmission fluid pan gasket can fail, causing transmission fluid to leak. Symptoms include a loss of transmission fluid, slipping gears, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the transmission fluid pan gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200
  • Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip or become difficult to shift. Symptoms include slipping gears, difficulty shifting gears, and a shuddering feeling when shifting. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $700

Suspension

• Front struts: The front struts can wear out, causing the vehicle to ride rough and handle poorly. Symptoms include a rough ride, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. The solution is to replace the front struts. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $600
• Rear shocks: The rear shocks can wear out, causing the vehicle to ride rough and handle poorly. Symptoms include a rough ride, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. The solution is to replace the rear shocks. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400

Electrical

• Battery: The battery can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include a dead battery, dim headlights, and a slow starter. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200
• Alternator: The alternator can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include a dead battery, dim headlights, and a slow starter. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500
• Starter: The starter can fail, causing the vehicle to fail to start. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the vehicle and a dead battery. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400

Exterior

• Headlights: The headlights can become cloudy or dim over time. This can reduce visibility at night and make it difficult to see other vehicles. The solution is to clean or replace the headlights. Estimated cost to fix: $50 - $200
• Taillights: The taillights can become cloudy or dim over time. This can make it difficult for other vehicles to see the Stratus at night. The solution is to clean or replace the taillights. Estimated cost to fix: $50 - $200

Interior

• Door lock actuator failure: The door lock actuator can fail, causing the door to become difficult or impossible to lock or unlock. Symptoms include a door that will not lock or unlock, a clicking noise when trying to lock or unlock the door, and a loose door handle. The solution is to replace the door lock actuator. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200
• Power window failure: The power window motor or switch can fail, causing the window to become stuck or difficult to operate. Symptoms include a window that will not open or close, a slow window, and a noisy window motor. The solution is to replace the power window motor or switch. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200

Summary: The 1996 Dodge Stratus is a reliable and affordable midsize sedan. However, it does have some potential issues that owners should be aware of. These issues include intake manifold gasket failure, PCV valve failure, timing belt failure, clutch failure, shifter linkage failure, transmission fluid leak, torque converter failure, front strut wear, rear shock wear, battery failure, alternator failure, starter failure, headlight clouding, taillight clouding, door lock actuator failure, and power window failure. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but most can be fixed for a relatively low cost.