1999 Dodge Stratus

Introduction

The 1999 Dodge Stratus is a midsize sedan that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and affordable price tag. However, it also had some issues that owners should be aware of before buying one.

The Stratus was available with the following engine options:

• 2.0L SOHC I4: 132 hp and 160 lb-ft of torque
• 2.4L DOHC I4: 150 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque
• 2.5L V6: 168 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque

The Stratus was also available with the following transmission options:

• 5-speed manual
• 4-speed automatic
• CVT (2.4L I4 only)

Engine

• 2.0L SOHC I4
  • Head gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms of a head gasket failure include overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and coolant leaks.
    • Solution: The head gasket will need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms of an intake manifold gasket failure include vacuum leaks, rough idling, and decreased engine performance.
    • Solution: The intake manifold gasket will need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.4L DOHC I4
  • Timing belt failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms of a timing belt failure include a sudden loss of power, engine noise, and a check engine light.
    • Solution: The timing belt will need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
    • Recalls: None Found
• 2.5L V6
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms of an intake manifold gasket failure include vacuum leaks, rough idling, and decreased engine performance.
    • Solution: The intake manifold gasket will need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve cover gasket leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms of a valve cover gasket leak include oil leaks, a burning oil smell, and decreased engine performance.
    • Solution: The valve cover gasket will need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 5-speed manual
  • Shifter cable failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms of a shifter cable failure include difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises, and a loose shifter.
    • Solution: The shifter cable will need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found
• 4-speed automatic
  • Transmission slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms of transmission slipping include difficulty shifting gears, delayed engagement, and a loss of power.
    • Solution: The transmission may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque converter failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms of a torque converter failure include shuddering, slipping, and a loss of power.
    • Solution: The torque converter will need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• CVT
  • Transmission slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms of transmission slipping include difficulty shifting gears, delayed engagement, and a loss of power.
    • Solution: The transmission may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut mount failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms of a strut mount failure include excessive noise, vibration, and handling problems.
  • Solution: The strut mounts will need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway bar link failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms of a sway bar link failure include clunking noises, vibration, and handling problems.
  • Solution: The sway bar links will need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms of an alternator failure include a dead battery, dim lights, and electrical problems.
  • Solution: The alternator will need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms of a starter failure include difficulty starting the engine, clicking noises, and a dead battery.
  • Solution: The starter will need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Clear coat peeling
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms of clear coat peeling include a faded or discolored paint appearance.
  • Solution: The clear coat will need to be reapplied.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Door panel rattles
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms of door panel rattles include loose or rattling door panels.
  • Solution: The door panels will need to be tightened or repaired.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Center console squeak
  • Description/Symptoms: Symptoms of a center console squeak include a squeaking noise coming from the center console.
  • Solution: The center console will need to be tightened or repaired.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1999 Dodge Stratus is a solid midsize sedan that offers a lot of value for the money. However, it does have some issues that potential buyers should be aware of. The most serious issues include head gasket failure, transmission slipping, and electrical problems. The cost to fix these issues can be significant, so it is important to factor that into the purchase price of the vehicle.