The vehicle dossier US · 2000

2000 Dodge
STRATUSProblems & recalls

216 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Steering appears in 66 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 216 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Steering66 reports
Brakes30 reports
Electrical system30 reports
Other components27 reports
Engine25 reports
Fuel system24 reports
Transmission & drivetrain21 reports
Suspension12 reports
Visibility10 reports
Air bags9 reports
Body & structure6 reports
See original component labels
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS47
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION14
STEERING9
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE8
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY7
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING7
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP6
SUSPENSION6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD5
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER5
AIR BAGS4
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE3
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER3
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR3
INTERIOR LIGHTING2
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD2
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR2
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY2
POWER TRAIN2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM2
SUSPENSION:FRONT2
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER2
ENGINE2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD1
STRUCTURE1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM1
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:TORSION BAR1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DRUM1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT1
SEAT BELTS1
AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS1
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM1
SEATS1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL1
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT1
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:WATER HEATER1
VISIBILITY1
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:TANK VALVE/GAUGE1
STRUCTURE:BODY1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Feb 26, 2018
Mileage, where supplied

88,000 miles is the median among 116 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 61,181–125,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

9 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Dec 27, 2010 Safety recallSUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARMCampaign 10E059000

Reported concern

FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING.

Manufacturer’s stated response

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.

Read campaign 10E059000 at NHTSA
Oct 9, 2009 Safety recallSUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINTCampaign 09E056000

Reported concern

QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SOLD AS FOUR PART NUMBERS, D10945, D10946, G10945, AND G10946. THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS, D10945 AND D10946, ARE STAMPED WITH THE FOLLOWING DATES ON THE BALL JOINTS: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, AND 116609. THE G10945 AND G10946 ARE THE SAME PART AS THE D10945 AND D10946 RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE LABELED DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON THE AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER.

Manufacturer’s stated response

QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.

Read campaign 09E056000 at NHTSA
Jul 7, 2009 Safety recallEQUIPMENTCampaign 09E043000

Reported concern

IMPORT PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 30,351 FUEL FILTERS SOLD TO AND BRANDED BY THE AFFINIA GROUP AS CARQUEST P/N 86523, NAPA P/N 3523, AND WIX P/N 33523 FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE FILTERS MAY DEVELOP A LEAK IN THE HOSE ASSEMBLY AND/OR CONNECTORS DUE TO IMPROPERLY ADHERED LINE CONNECTORS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

THE AFFINIA GROUP WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE FILTERS WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WIX FILTER RETURN CENTER AT 1-704-869-7411 OR IMPORT PRODUCTS AT 1-508-279-8207.

Read campaign 09E043000 at NHTSA
Oct 23, 2006 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPCampaign 06E088000

Reported concern

CERTAIN TIGAS FUEL PUMP MODULES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AND P/NOS. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES ARE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURE OF THE FLAPPER VALVE WAS OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESS SWELL OF THE FLAPPER VALVE RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.

Manufacturer’s stated response

TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-461-1834.

Read campaign 06E088000 at NHTSA
Jan 5, 2006 Safety recallSTEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONSCampaign 06V001000

Reported concern

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Manufacturer campaign: E23

Read campaign 06V001000 at NHTSA
Nov 9, 2000 Safety recallCHILD SEATCampaign 00V366000

Reported concern

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.

Manufacturer’s stated response

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.

Manufacturer campaign: 957

Read campaign 00V366000 at NHTSA
Jul 17, 2000 Safety recallSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 00V196000

Reported concern

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE WELD BETWEEN THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE BLOCK AND THE STAND-OFF BRACKET.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL ADD A BRAKE LINE BRACKET TO THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE TUBE.

Manufacturer campaign: 888

Read campaign 00V196000 at NHTSA
Mar 2, 2000 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTINGCampaign 00V067000

Reported concern

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH UNPAINTED FUEL TANK STRAPS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS.

Manufacturer campaign: 869

Read campaign 00V067000 at NHTSA
Mar 2, 2000 Safety recallEQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSCampaign 00V066000

Reported concern

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INCORRECT CHILD LOCK INSTRUCTION LABELS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS.

Manufacturer campaign: 868

Read campaign 00V066000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

50 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jul 22, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions9004275KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program …NHTSA ID 10229256

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10229256 at NHTSA
Jul 22, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions9004275KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program …NHTSA ID 10221686

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10221686 at NHTSA
Apr 22, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions08-049-20Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replaceme…NHTSA ID 10175735

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10175735 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions3100519Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.NHTSA ID 10220101

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10220101 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions3100319Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.NHTSA ID 10220099

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10220099 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions3100619Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.NHTSA ID 10220097

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Components: EQUIPMENT · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10220097 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions31-005-19Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.NHTSA ID 10169249

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Components: EQUIPMENT · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10169249 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions31-003-19Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.NHTSA ID 10169247

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10169247 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions31-006-19Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.NHTSA ID 10169245

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10169245 at NHTSA
Sep 7, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions68332810Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installat…NHTSA ID 10223854

Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar® Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make a complete oil pan gasket. 5. Lay the oil pan gasket(s) onto the oil pan flange.~ 6. Ensure the oil pan gasket segment joints are properly aligned. 7. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the top of the oil pan gasket.~ 8. Install the oil pan. Starting from the center and working outward, tighten the oil pan bolts to 28 N·m [21 ft. lbs.].

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10223854 at NHTSA
Feb 26, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsR2118796AValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.NHTSA ID 10191460

Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10191460 at NHTSA
Mar 20, 2013 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions900251982212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Was…NHTSA ID 10129008

82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio). Mopar offers an alternative product (82213192) which is a water based product approved for sale in the aforementioned states.~ ~ Please inform the customer & your prep dept that spraying excessive amounts of the fabric protector on load floors will result in the breaking down of the adhesive (glue) that is used to create the bond between the fabric (carpet) and the load floor. This will apply to any vehicles equipped with rear load floors such as WK, WD, PM, MK, KA, KK. The carpet will appear to be loose, wrinkly, or bunch up~

Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10129008 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Nov 7, 2005 ClosedPOWER STEERING FLUID FIRESEA05019

ODI HAS RECEIVED 29 REPORTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES THAT APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKAGE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 AND 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS, DODGE STRATUS AND PLYMOUTH BREEZE VEHICLES (JA-CARS) EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINES.THESE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE FIRE RESULTED FROM A POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK OR THAT IT OCCURRED AFTER AN EXTENDED DRIVE AND SHORTLY AFTER BEING PARKED - CONDITIONS CONSISTENT WITH IGNITION OF POWER STEERING FLUID ON A HOT ENGINE OR EXHAUST SURFACE DURING THE VEHICLE HOT SOAK PERIOD. ON JANUARY 6, 2006, DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT ON MY 1999 AND 2000 JA-CARS BUILT FROM JULY 1, 1998 TO JULY 31, 2000 AND EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINES (RECALL 06V-001).THE NOTIFICATION STATED THAT ?THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT, AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK. POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.DCC INDICATED THAT IT WAS AWARE OF 94 COMPLAINTS AND FIELD REPORTS THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THIS CONDITION WHEN IT MADE THE DEFECT DETERMINATION.TO REMEDY THE DEFECT CONDITION, DCC WILL REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH A NEW PART MADE FROM A HOSE MATERIAL WITH INCREASED HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY. CONSEQUENTLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI WILL MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REMEDY AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED.

Recorded closure: Jan 12, 2006

Find investigation EA05019
Opened Jun 29, 2005 ClosedENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESPE05036

ON JUNE 29, 2005, ODI OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE05-036 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS, DODGE STRATUS AND PLYMOUTH BREEZE PASSENGER CARS (JA CARS). THE JA CARS WERE INTRODUCED IN MY 1995 AND ENDED WITH MY 2000.THEY WERE PRODUCED WITH 2.0L, 2.4L AND 2.5L ENGINES.THE INCIDENT DATA IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY OF THIS RESUME ARE FOR SUBJECT VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES FOR ALL CAUSES. ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYSLER, EVIDENCE COLLECTED FROM FIELD INSPECTIONS OF FIRE INCIDENT VEHICLES INDICATE THAT FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE IS THE MOST LIKELY CAUSE OF THE FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE IS USED IN JA CARS WITH BOTH THE 2.4L AND 2.0L ENGINES IN MY 1995 THROUGH 2000.THE FIRE INCIDENT RATE IN THE MY 1999 THROUGH 2000 JA VEHICLES WITH 2.4L ENGINES IS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN IN THE PRIOR MODEL YEAR VEHICLES USING THAT ENGINE AND IN ANY OF THE VEHICLES WITH THE 2.0L OR 2.5L ENGINES.DAIMLERCHRYSLER IS CONTINUING ITS INVESTIGATION OF THE ISSUE AND HAS PROVIDED PERIODIC UPDATES TO ODI. AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-019) HAS BEEN OPENED TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE AND FREQUENCY OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.

Recorded closure: Nov 7, 2005

Campaign reference in the source: 06V001000

Find investigation PE05036
Opened Nov 6, 2002 ClosedSAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATEPE02082

THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.

Recorded closure: Apr 23, 2003

Find investigation PE02082

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