1997 Dodge Stratus Problems & Reliability

When it comes to classic ’90s sedans, the 1997 Dodge Stratus often pops up in conversations, especially among car enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of nostalgia and practicality. If you’re a 30-year-old who grew up seeing these cars on the road or maybe even had one in the family, you might have a soft spot for this mid-sized sedan. But like any vehicle that’s been around for a couple of decades, the 1997 Dodge Stratus has its fair share of quirks and issues. In this blog post, we’ll dive into some of the common problems owners have faced over the years and take a closer look at the overall reliability of this iconic ride. Whether you’re considering buying a used Stratus or just curious about how it holds up today, understanding its strengths and weaknesses is key. From engine troubles to transmission woes, we’ll cover the main areas where the Stratus has shown its age. But it’s not all doom and gloom—many owners have found ways to keep their Stratus running smoothly with a bit of TLC. So, buckle up as we explore the ins and outs of the 1997 Dodge Stratus, and see if this old-school sedan still has what it takes to be a reliable companion on the road.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Recall to inspect front, lower ball joints

Analysis:

The 1997 Dodge Stratus has had some issues over the years, with one of the notable recalls being the inspection of the front, lower ball joints. This recall was important because faulty ball joints could lead to steering problems or even loss of control while driving. Overall, while the Stratus had its share of mechanical concerns, addressing these recalls helped improve its reliability for many owners.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Starting Issues and Trouble Code Due to Defective Cam/Crankshaft Sensor

Analysis:

The 1997 Dodge Stratus has been known to experience starting issues and trouble codes due to defective camcrankshaft sensors. This problem can lead to frustrating situations where the car wont start or runs poorly, impacting its overall reliability. If youre considering this model, its worth keeping an eye on these sensors to avoid unexpected headaches.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • Failure in Spark Plug Tube Seals May Cause Misfire and Poor Fuel Economy

Analysis:

The 1997 Dodge Stratus has some reliability issues, particularly with the spark plug tube seals. When these seals fail, it can lead to engine misfires and poor fuel economy, which are pretty annoying problems to deal with. While it’s not the end of the world, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on if you’re considering this car.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Automatic Transmission May Fail Due to Internal/Electrical Component Failure

Analysis:

The 1997 Dodge Stratus has had some issues with its automatic transmission, mainly due to internal or electrical component failures. This problem can lead to unexpected transmission malfunctions, which might be a hassle for owners. While not every Stratus will experience this, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering this model.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Oil Leak May Develop at Cam Sensor O-Ring

Analysis:

The 1997 Dodge Stratus has a known issue where an oil leak may develop at the cam sensor O-ring. While this problem can be a bit of a hassle, it’s generally not a deal-breaker for the car’s overall reliability. Just keep an eye on it and address any leaks promptly to keep your Stratus running smoothly.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

  • Revised Windshield Washer Nozzles Available to Prevent Plugging

Analysis:

The 1997 Dodge Stratus had some issues with the windshield washer nozzles getting plugged, but revised nozzles are now available to tackle this problem. This update should help improve the overall reliability of the washer system, making it less of a hassle for owners. If you’re dealing with this issue, swapping out the old nozzles for the revised ones could be a simple fix.

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

  • Broken wires in wiring harness may cause engine problems

Analysis:

The 1997 Dodge Stratus has had some issues with broken wires in the wiring harness, which can lead to engine problems. This kind of issue can be a bit of a headache, as it might cause unexpected stalls or difficulties starting the car. While it’s not the most common problem, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on if you’re considering this model.

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

  • Revised EGR valve to correct EGR issues

Analysis:

The 1997 Dodge Stratus had its fair share of issues, but one of the notable fixes was the revised EGR valve, which aimed to tackle the common EGR problems. This update generally improved the reliability of the vehicle’s emissions system, reducing the frequency of related engine performance issues. While it didn’t solve all the Stratus’s quirks, it was a step in the right direction for those dealing with EGR-related headaches.

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

  • Head Gasket May Fail Prematurely

Analysis:

The 1997 Dodge Stratus has a known issue with the head gasket potentially failing prematurely, which can be a major headache for owners. This problem can lead to engine overheating and costly repairs if not addressed promptly. While the car might have other redeeming qualities, this particular issue can definitely impact its overall reliability.

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Onboard & Powertrain Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

  • Defective Speed Sensors May Cause Cruise Control/Speedometer/Shifting Problems

Analysis:

The 1997 Dodge Stratus has some reliability issues, particularly with defective speed sensors that can mess with the cruise control, speedometer, and even cause shifting problems. These sensor issues can be a bit of a headache, especially if you’re relying on cruise control for long drives or need accurate speed readings. While it’s not a deal-breaker, it’s definitely something to keep in mind if you’re considering this car.

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

  • Check Engine Light Due to Pinched Leak Detection Pump Vacuum Lines

Analysis:

The 1997 Dodge Stratus has a known issue with the check engine light coming on due to pinched leak detection pump vacuum lines. This problem can be a bit of a hassle, as it might require some attention to ensure the vacuum lines are properly routed and not pinched. Overall, while this issue is a common annoyance, it doesn’t necessarily reflect the entire reliability of the vehicle, but it’s something to keep an eye on if you’re considering this model.

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

  • Cleaner/Disinfectant Issued to Address Musty Odor in AC System

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Conclusion

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