NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
216 reports115,000 miles · Dec 22, 2006
SteeringFire
TL* - THE CONTACT IS CALLING TO MAKE A COMPLAINT CONCERNING SAFETY RECALL NUMBER YN105052. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, IN HIS 2000 DODGE STRATUS INTO HIS DRIVEWAY ON THE EVENING OF DECEMBER 5TH, 2006, HIS CAR BEGAN SMOKING AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS DAY THE CAR WAS MAKING A…
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TL* - THE CONTACT IS CALLING TO MAKE A COMPLAINT CONCERNING SAFETY RECALL NUMBER YN105052. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, IN HIS 2000 DODGE STRATUS INTO HIS DRIVEWAY ON THE EVENING OF DECEMBER 5TH, 2006, HIS CAR BEGAN SMOKING AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS DAY THE CAR WAS MAKING A VERY VERY LOUD SQUEAKING SOUND. THE DEALER HAS TOLD THE CONTACT THAT HE CAUSED THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR AND THAT THEY WILL NOT REPAIR IT EVEN THOUGH IT FALLS UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATES THAT HE HAS HAD NO REPAIRS AND HAS ONLY PURCHASED NEW TIRES FOR THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10176834
133,000 miles · Nov 13, 2006
Fuel System, GasolineFire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON PARKING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS SMOKING FLOWING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT RAISED THE HOOD, AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE DEALERSHIP SENT A REPRESENTATIVE, WHO DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED IN THE FUEL LINE.
NHTSA ODI #10173357
39,039 miles · Nov 10, 2006
Visibility
BLOWER/RESISTER HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ONCE AGAIN. AFTER A FEW MONTHS, THE FAN ONLY WORKS ON HIGH SETTING WHICH IS VERY ANNOYING AND INEFFICIENT. IT WAS FIRST REPLACED IN 2004 AND WORKED UNTIL RECENTLY WHEN STOPPED WORKING AT THE LOWER LEVELS AND WAS REPLACED IN (2006) MAY, THEN AUGUST AND STOPPED …
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BLOWER/RESISTER HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ONCE AGAIN. AFTER A FEW MONTHS, THE FAN ONLY WORKS ON HIGH SETTING WHICH IS VERY ANNOYING AND INEFFICIENT. IT WAS FIRST REPLACED IN 2004 AND WORKED UNTIL RECENTLY WHEN STOPPED WORKING AT THE LOWER LEVELS AND WAS REPLACED IN (2006) MAY, THEN AUGUST AND STOPPED WORKING AGAIN IN OCTOBER. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10173117
107,000 miles · Nov 7, 2006
SteeringFire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED TO BE COMING FROM THE UNDERBODY OF THE VEHICLE. AS THE SMOKE BEGAN TO SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT PRESUMED THERE WAS POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME TO THE SCENE AND …
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED TO BE COMING FROM THE UNDERBODY OF THE VEHICLE. AS THE SMOKE BEGAN TO SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT PRESUMED THERE WAS POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME TO THE SCENE AND DETERMINED THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT TAKEN. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS NOT ALERTED, HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED THROUGH AUDIX. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL# 06V001000 REGARDING THE STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS. THIS VEHICLE HAD THE SAME CHARACTERISTICS.
NHTSA ODI #10172858
Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2006
SteeringFire
CONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING 2000 STRATUS SAFETY RECALL. *TS THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, POSSIBLY AS A RESULT OF THE RECALL REGARDING THE POWER STEERING HOSE. THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE STILL CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10173286
97,500 miles · Oct 11, 2006
Steering
WHILE BACKING INTO A PARKING LOT, A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL. UPON HEARING THIS NOISE, THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO MOVE MORE THAN A FEW FEET, BUT WAS ABLE TO BE PARTIALLY PARKED IN THE PARKING SPOT. ONCE PARKED AND INVESTIGATED, THE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY DETACHED FROM THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL.…
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WHILE BACKING INTO A PARKING LOT, A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL. UPON HEARING THIS NOISE, THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO MOVE MORE THAN A FEW FEET, BUT WAS ABLE TO BE PARTIALLY PARKED IN THE PARKING SPOT. ONCE PARKED AND INVESTIGATED, THE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY DETACHED FROM THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED; TOW TRUCK DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MOVE/DRAG VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET ONTO FLATBED TOW TRUCK. LEFT OUTER TIE ROD WAS REPLACED AND VEHICLE FRONT END WAS REALIGNED. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10170586
Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2006
Steering
CONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING HIGH PRESSURE STEERING HOSE. *TS *JB
NHTSA ODI #10170168
Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2006
SteeringFire
2000 STRATUS BEGAN SMOKING UNDER HOOD. *TS THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE WAS LEAKING AND THAT THE VEHICLE COULD POSSIBLY CATCH ON FIRE, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER ELECTED NOT TO HAVE THE NECESSARY REPAIR MADE. TWO WEEKS LATER THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10170167
Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2006
SteeringFire
2000 DODGE STRATUS CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. RECEIVED RECALL HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE. *KB *JB
NHTSA ODI #10170129
182,000 miles · Sep 14, 2006
Electrical SystemFire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. THE CONTACT NOTICED A SMELL OF BURNT PLASTIC INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE POWER DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT WENT TO SCHOOL AND RETURNED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE A COUPLE HOURS LATER. THE RADIO DID NOT TURN ON AND WHITE…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. THE CONTACT NOTICED A SMELL OF BURNT PLASTIC INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE POWER DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT WENT TO SCHOOL AND RETURNED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE A COUPLE HOURS LATER. THE RADIO DID NOT TURN ON AND WHITE SMOKE WAS NOTICED COMING FROM THE POWER MIRROR CONTROLS. A 6 INCH FLAME ERUPTED 2-3 MINS LATER. THE CONTACT POURED WATER ON THE FLAME NEAR THE POWER MIRROR CONTROLS, WHICH EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE OR POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE, AND REFUSED TO TAKE A SAFETY COMPLAINT.
NHTSA ODI #10168279
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.
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