NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
30 reportsClear category filter154,000 miles · Jun 7, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemSteering
MY DODGE STRATUS STARTED BLOWING HORN WITHOUT ME TOUCHING. EVERYTIME I TURN THE WHEEL THE HORN BLOWS. THEN TWO DAYS LATER THE LIGHT CAME IN THE CAR WOULD NOT GO OFF. THEN LOCKS START GOING UP AND DOWN AND DOOR MAKE BEEP AS IF A DOOR HIS OPEN. I HAD TO REMOVE THE FUSES TO STOP HORN FROM BLOWING, CUT INSIDE LIGHTS OFF AND STOP LOC…
Read full complaint
MY DODGE STRATUS STARTED BLOWING HORN WITHOUT ME TOUCHING. EVERYTIME I TURN THE WHEEL THE HORN BLOWS. THEN TWO DAYS LATER THE LIGHT CAME IN THE CAR WOULD NOT GO OFF. THEN LOCKS START GOING UP AND DOWN AND DOOR MAKE BEEP AS IF A DOOR HIS OPEN. I HAD TO REMOVE THE FUSES TO STOP HORN FROM BLOWING, CUT INSIDE LIGHTS OFF AND STOP LOCKS FROM GOING UP AND DOWN. THE CAR STILL MAKES BEEP NOISE AS IF DOOR OPEN WHOLE TIME DRIVING AND STOPS AND START BACK WHEN I HIT A BUMP. MY FRONT WHEEL MAKING A NOISE AS IF THE WHEEL IS GOING TO BREAK OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT IS ALSO DRINKING GAS AS IF IT IS LEAKING. I DONT SEE ANY GAS ON THE GROUND BUT I CAN SMELL FUMES OFF AND ONE AND SOMETIMES UNDER THE HOOD. IT IS LIKE I AM LOSING GAS PRESSURE BECAUSE CAR STALLS AND I AM LOSING GAS SOMEWHERE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10515764
53,000 miles · Aug 30, 2010
Electrical System
HAD DODGE STRATUS 2000 ES FOR TEN YEARS. MILEAGE AT APPROXIMATELY 53,000. THIS YEAR WHEN INTERIOR HOT THE FOLLOWING DO NOT WORK: WINDSHIELD WIPERS, DASH GAUGES, SECURITY SYSTEM, DASH INDICATOR FOR TRANSMISSION GEAR, COOL AIR THROUGH AIR CONDITIONER. SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING THIS PROBLEMS HAPPENS AND AM UNABLE TO SEE WHAT GEAR …
Read full complaint
HAD DODGE STRATUS 2000 ES FOR TEN YEARS. MILEAGE AT APPROXIMATELY 53,000. THIS YEAR WHEN INTERIOR HOT THE FOLLOWING DO NOT WORK: WINDSHIELD WIPERS, DASH GAUGES, SECURITY SYSTEM, DASH INDICATOR FOR TRANSMISSION GEAR, COOL AIR THROUGH AIR CONDITIONER. SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING THIS PROBLEMS HAPPENS AND AM UNABLE TO SEE WHAT GEAR CAR IS IN, WHAT SPEED, FUEL LEFT, WIPERS NOT FUNCTIONING ALL WHICH ARE SAFETY ISSUES. WHEN INTERIOR COOL, ALL FUNCTIONS RETURN. WORKED WITH A GOOD MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED FAULTY BODY CONTROL MODULE ALSO CALLED A MULTI FUNCTION MODULE. $750 DOLLARS LATER, CAR OK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10352738
Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2010
Electrical System
MY 2000 DODGE STRATUS SE I HAVE HAD FOR ABOUT 5YRS NOW EXCELLENT RUNNING CAR BUT HAS STARTED MAKING ITS OWN DECISIONS WHEN IT COMES TO COLD AIR IN THE SUMMER,MILEAGE,DOOR LOCKS & SPEED. IF YOU WANT ALL GAUGES & DOOR LOCKS PLUS COLD AIR IN THE SUMMER TIME THEN YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE YOUR WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN AND YOU ARE PARKED…
Read full complaint
MY 2000 DODGE STRATUS SE I HAVE HAD FOR ABOUT 5YRS NOW EXCELLENT RUNNING CAR BUT HAS STARTED MAKING ITS OWN DECISIONS WHEN IT COMES TO COLD AIR IN THE SUMMER,MILEAGE,DOOR LOCKS & SPEED. IF YOU WANT ALL GAUGES & DOOR LOCKS PLUS COLD AIR IN THE SUMMER TIME THEN YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE YOUR WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN AND YOU ARE PARKED IN THE SHADE. IF NOT YOU WILL DRIVE AROUND UNTIL THE SUN GOES DOWN AND THE CAR IS COOL ENOUGH FOR THE GAUGES AND AIR TO KICK BACK ON. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL MECHANICS ABOUT THIS AND NO ONE CAN COME UP WITH A SOLUTION FOR IT. I LOVE MY CAR AND I WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON!!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10345140
Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2010
Electrical System
MY 2000 DODGE STRATUS SE I HAVE HAD FOR ABOUT 5YRS NOW EXCELLENT RUNNING CAR BUT HAS STARTED MAKING ITS OWN DECISIONS WHEN IT COMES TO COLD AIR IN THE SUMMER,MILEAGE,DOOR LOCKS & SPEED. IF YOU WANT COLD AIR IN THE SUMMER TIME THEN YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE YOUR WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN AND YOU ARE PARKED IN THE SHADE. IF NOT YOU WILL…
Read full complaint
MY 2000 DODGE STRATUS SE I HAVE HAD FOR ABOUT 5YRS NOW EXCELLENT RUNNING CAR BUT HAS STARTED MAKING ITS OWN DECISIONS WHEN IT COMES TO COLD AIR IN THE SUMMER,MILEAGE,DOOR LOCKS & SPEED. IF YOU WANT COLD AIR IN THE SUMMER TIME THEN YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE YOUR WINDOWS ARE ROLLED DOWN AND YOU ARE PARKED IN THE SHADE. IF NOT YOU WILL DRIVE AROUND UNTIL THE SUN GOES DOWN AND THE CAR IS COOL ENOUGH FOR THE GAUGES AND AIR TO KICK BACK ON. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL MECHANICS ABOUT THIS AND NO ONE CAN COME UP WITH A SOLUTION FOR IT. I LOVE MY CAR AND I WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON!!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10345137
80,000 miles · Sep 16, 2008
Electrical SystemFire
2000 DODGE STRATUS CAUGHT FIRE WHILE CAR WAS PARKED. FIRE DEPT. BELIEVES THE PROBLEM WAS ELECTRICAL. FIRE BEGAN ON DRIVER SIDE NEAR FUSE BOW AND DOOR PANEL AREA. FUSES DID NOT BLOW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10242382
174,000 miles · Jul 12, 2008
Electrical SystemFire
THE CAR'S ENGINE WENT UP IN FLAMES THE CAR WAS PARKED, AND OFF. THE FIREFIGHTER SAID THAT IT APPEARS TO HAVE STARTED IN THE CAR'S BATTERY BOX. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10234064
150,000 miles · Sep 29, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFireInjury
I OWNED UNTIL LAST NIGHT A 2000 DODGE STRATUS, WELL NOW I AM ANOTHER FIRE VICTIM I GUESS. CAR WAS PARKED HAD IGNITION IN THE AUX POSITION TO LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE I WAS CLEANING UP OUR STORAGE AREA. GOT INTO CAR TO START IT UP AND BOOM. FIRST HEARD A POP FOLLOWED BY IMMEDIATE ENGULFING FIRE UNDER HOOD ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WHOLE T…
Read full complaint
I OWNED UNTIL LAST NIGHT A 2000 DODGE STRATUS, WELL NOW I AM ANOTHER FIRE VICTIM I GUESS. CAR WAS PARKED HAD IGNITION IN THE AUX POSITION TO LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE I WAS CLEANING UP OUR STORAGE AREA. GOT INTO CAR TO START IT UP AND BOOM. FIRST HEARD A POP FOLLOWED BY IMMEDIATE ENGULFING FIRE UNDER HOOD ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WHOLE THING BURNT TO THE GROUND IN LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES. I HAVE PICTURES IF YOU NEED THEM. THANKS TERRI *TR
NHTSA ODI #10204458
144,000 miles · May 29, 2007
Electrical SystemFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY NEIGHBORS THAT HER VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ONLY FIVE MINUTES. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO HER RESIDENCE. THE WEATHER WAS APPROXIMATELY 75-78 DEGREES AND CLOUDY. THE # OF…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY NEIGHBORS THAT HER VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ONLY FIVE MINUTES. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO HER RESIDENCE. THE WEATHER WAS APPROXIMATELY 75-78 DEGREES AND CLOUDY. THE # OF CYLINDERS WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 144,000.
NHTSA ODI #10191939
Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2007
Electrical System
ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO MY HEATER STOPPED WORKING ONLY FROM LOW TO MEDIUM. IF IT IS PUT ON HIGH IT WORKS NO PROBLEM. THE LIGHTS ON THE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONING KNOBS HAVE ALL STOPPED WORKING AS WELL EXCEPT FOR THE DEFROST LIGHT. THE KNOB FOR THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL IS ALSO VERY HARD TO TURN. I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE. THE DRIV…
Read full complaint
ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO MY HEATER STOPPED WORKING ONLY FROM LOW TO MEDIUM. IF IT IS PUT ON HIGH IT WORKS NO PROBLEM. THE LIGHTS ON THE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONING KNOBS HAVE ALL STOPPED WORKING AS WELL EXCEPT FOR THE DEFROST LIGHT. THE KNOB FOR THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL IS ALSO VERY HARD TO TURN. I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW HAS ALSO DECIDED TO WORK WHEN IT LIKES. I KNOW THIS IS NOT THE BUTTON BECAUSE I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BUTTON ON THE PASSENGER WINDOW. WHY IS IT WHEN THE CAR IS COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY THEY GIVE YOU THE RUN AROUND BUT WHEN THE PROBLEM IS NOT COVER ANY MORE THEY WANT TO CHARGE A LOT OF $ TO FIX IT? *JB
NHTSA ODI #10186825
87,000 miles · Mar 2, 2007
Electrical SystemFire
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON 07/30/06 THE 2000 DODGE STRATUS WAS PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANY INDICATION OF A FAILURE. SHE STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT ABLE TO TELL TH…
Read full complaint
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON 07/30/06 THE 2000 DODGE STRATUS WAS PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANY INDICATION OF A FAILURE. SHE STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT ABLE TO TELL THE CONTACT WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE DUE TO THE EXTENT DAMAGE. THE CONTACT DIDN'T HAVE ANY REPORTS FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE FIRE DAMAGED ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS PARKED NEXT TO HER VEHICLE. SHE STATED THAT SHE HAD NO INSURANCE ON HER VEHICLE, AND HAD TO PAY FOR THE DAMAGE OF THE OTHER VEHICLE OUT OF POCKET. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN THE INSURANCE CLAIM FROM THE OTHER VEHICLE OWNER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 87000.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10183995
Official recalls
5Jan 5, 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: 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.
Nov 9, 2000
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.
Jul 17, 2000
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE STAND-OFF BRACKET FROM THE BLOCK COULD CAUSE FATIGUE DAMAGE OF THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE TUBE AND RESULT IN A HALF SYSTEM BRAKE LOSS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BRAKE LINE BRACKET TO THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE TUBE.
Mar 2, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INCORRECT CHILD LOCK INSTRUCTION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE INCORRECT LABELS COULD CAUSE CONFUSION AS TO WHETHER THE CHILDPROOF SAFETY LOCK WAS ACTIVATED.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS.
Mar 2, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH UNPAINTED FUEL TANK STRAPS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE PAINT PROVIDES CORROSION PROTECTION NECESSARY TO ENSURE THE STRAPS DO NOT LOOSEN OVER TIME.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3EA05019 · Power Steering Fluid Fires
Opened Nov 7, 2005 · Closed Jan 12, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling
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.
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections
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.
PE05036 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Jun 29, 2005 · Closed Nov 7, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline
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.
PE02082 · Safety Belt Cinching Latch Plate
Opened Nov 6, 2002 · Closed Apr 23, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
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.