The 1996 Dodge Stratus has 360 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 46% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
360
Engine complaints
46%
Share of year
1
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Defect
IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL IS NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINED.
Consequence
INADEQUATE SEALING AND RETENTION OF THE PLUG CAN RESULT IN OIL LEAKAGE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN EXPANSION PLUG AND RETAINING BRACKET OVER THE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG.
“VEHICLE PARKED. LEFT VEHICLE & FEW MINUTES. LATER WAS INFORMED VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. CONTACTED FIRE & POLICE DEPARTMENTS WHO REFUSED TO COME OUT, INDICATING VEHICLE WAS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. PRIOR TO FIRE, VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR LEAKAGE IN "O" RINGS WHICH WAS REPLACED. VEHICLE'S ENGINE WAS…”
NHTSA has 360 complaints about the 1996 Dodge Stratus engine — 46% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 96V006000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.