Stratospheric Stratus Problems

Teri of Sunnyvale, CA, writes:
I have a 1995 Dodge Stratus and a unbelievable story. The problems started when I first bought the car, I should have known it was a lemon then.

When I bought the car in September of 1995 the window door moldings warped from heat or the sun, Capitol Dodge was aware of the problem and said they will take care of this. They did.

I found a dent in the front hood and several spots of paint discoloration, complained about it several times. Their last comment was, why don't you wait and see if it really bothers you. I let it go, sick of complaining.

I will give you a list of the problems, since if I told you about everything word for word I would have endless pages. My Dodge Stratus has 45,000 miles on it now and here is the list.

They replaced:

• blown horn,
• blown radio,
• squeaky brakes,
• tierod ends,
• piston calipers,
• trunk latch release at least 8 to 10 times (my father and husband finally fixed the problem),
• rear seat belts,
• several times in shop for driver and passanger doors leaking water on the floor board,
• visor light,
• scuff plate cracked,
• emission problems, catalytic converter 20,000 mile range.

Just recently -- August of 99 --my car lost power. I took it to Goodyear, they ran a test and replaced the thermostat. I picked the car up the next day and told them it was still running rough, they said it will work itself out. I did not trust their word and dropped the car off around the corner.

The next day I had the car towed to Rafael Tonts Auto, recommended by a friend. He told me I had a blown head gasket due to the manufacturer's original design malfunction and failure.

December of 99 the car overheated, I had it towed to Stevens Creek Dodge; they replaced faulty thermostat. Very pleasant service people there.

I had requested several times from Capitol Dodge my complete service record for my vehicle. They would not comply.

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