Illustration2000 DODGE STRATUS DRIVER'S POWER SEAT MOVES FORWARD WHILE COMING TO A STOP. *KB THE CONSUMER HEARD A WHINNING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN MAKING TURNS. *NM
2000 Dodge Stratus
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2000 Dodge Stratus do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 168.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Stratus years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
90–25K
1025–50K
2250–75K
2675–100K
31100–150K
18150K+
116 reports with mileage · 100 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
16 crash reports64 fire reports11 injury reports
Steering complaints
66 reportsI WAS DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY 2 HEADED EAST AND I NEEDED TO PULL OVER AND GET SOME GAS. I NOTICED THAT MY STEERING WAS MAKING THE SOUND THAT IT MAKES WHEN YOU MIGHT BE LOW ON FLUID. I PULLED INTO AN ARMOR STATION THAT WAS SELF SERVE PAY AT THE PUMP ONLY. THE FIRST ONE DID NOT WORK SO I STARTED MY CAR AGAIN AND PULLED UP TO THE SE…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY 2 HEADED EAST AND I NEEDED TO PULL OVER AND GET SOME GAS. I NOTICED THAT MY STEERING WAS MAKING THE SOUND THAT IT MAKES WHEN YOU MIGHT BE LOW ON FLUID. I PULLED INTO AN ARMOR STATION THAT WAS SELF SERVE PAY AT THE PUMP ONLY. THE FIRST ONE DID NOT WORK SO I STARTED MY CAR AGAIN AND PULLED UP TO THE SECOND PUMP. I NOTICED SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM UNDER MY HOOD. I GOT OUT AND IT STARTED TO SHOOT OUT FLAMES. I PANICKED AS I WAS TRYING TO GET MY 2 YEAR OLD SON OUT OF THE CAR. THE DOORS AUTO LOCK WHEN YOU TAKE OFF AND HIT 10 MPH. TWO GENTLEMEN CAME WHIPPING IN THE STATION AND HELPED ME. HIS SON CALLED 911 AND HE GOT IN MY CAR TO MOVE IT AWAY FROM THE PUMPS. HE COULD ONLY MOVE IT 5 FEET BECAUSE IT WAS SO HOT IN THE CAR FROM THE FLAMES. THE SHERIFF SHOWED UP AND SLAMMED INTO THE BACK END OF MY CAR AND MOVED IT AWAY FROM THE PUMPS MAYBE 20 FEET NOW. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP AT LEAST 5 MINUTES HAVE PAST AND MY CAR IS IN MAJOR FLAMES IN THE FRONT END. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT THE FLAMES OUT BUT MY CAR COULD NOT BE SAVED. THE WHOLE FRONT END IS DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND EVERYTHING. BECAUSE OF THIS FIRE MY SON AND I WERE STRANDED IN FLOODWOOD, MN ABOUT 1.5 HOURS FROM HOME. LUCKILY MY BROTHER- IN- LAW LIVED IN THAT TOWN AND WE STAYED THERE UNTIL SOMEONE COULD COME AND GET US. IT WAS A VERY TRAUMATIC DAY, TRYING TO GET MY SON OUT OF THE CAR AND THEN WATCHING AS MY CAR BURNED UP AND I COULD NOT SAVE IT. I BELIEVE THAT THE POWER STEERING MAY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. *JB
2000 DODGE STRATUS CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO FLUID LEAKAGE ON THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE. *KB ***NAR*** THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. *NM
2000 STRATUS POWER STEERING PROBLEMS. *TS THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE DEVELOPED A LEAK. *NM
2000 DODGE STRATUS RECALL REPAIRS WERE MADE BY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, DEALER REFUSED TO REIMBURSE FOR REPAIRS. *KB THE MANUFACTURER TOLD THE CONSUMER THEY WOULD ONLY REIMBURSE FOR THE COST OF THE PART. *JB
MY CAR WAS A DODGE STRATUS SE 2000, 2.4 CYLINDER. ON FEB.13TH WHEN PULLING OUT FROM MY GARAGE I NOTICE LEAKAGE ON THE GROUND FROM THE CAR. I OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICE OIL ON TOP OF THE STEERING WHEEL HYDRAULIC BOX. FIRST THING IN THE MORNING I DECIDED TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. WHEN DRIVING TOWARDS THE BODY SHOP PLACE THE CAR …
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MY CAR WAS A DODGE STRATUS SE 2000, 2.4 CYLINDER. ON FEB.13TH WHEN PULLING OUT FROM MY GARAGE I NOTICE LEAKAGE ON THE GROUND FROM THE CAR. I OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICE OIL ON TOP OF THE STEERING WHEEL HYDRAULIC BOX. FIRST THING IN THE MORNING I DECIDED TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. WHEN DRIVING TOWARDS THE BODY SHOP PLACE THE CAR STARTED WITH FUMES UNDER THE HOOD. 10 MINUTES LATER CAR WAS CAUGHT UP ON FIRE. I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IMMEDIATELY AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION BEING THAT 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT I DROPPED OFF MY KIDS AT SCHOOL. THE CAR WAS BURNED IN A MATTER OF MINUTES. I REPORTED TO MY INSURANCE BUT BELIEVE THAT THE COMPANY WHO BUILT THIS CAR SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE AND SHOULD CONSIDER HOW DANGEROUS THIS SITUATION IS. THE CAR HAS GIVEN ME NO PROBLEMS FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS. I LOST MY CAR WHICH I PAID ALMOST $22,000. INSURANCE WILL RECOGNIZE VALUE FROM BLUE BOOK. CONSIDERING THAT I PAID UP THE CAR TWO YEARS AGO I HAVE LOST $13,000. MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. *NM
I OWN A 2000 DODGE STRATUS AND HAVE THAT HAS A HIGH PRESSURE HOSE ON THE POWER STEEERING THAT IS LEAKING. IT IS DRIPPING ONTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSING SMOKE TO COME OUT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I HAVE CONTACTED DODGE BUT EVEN THOUGH OTHER 2000 DODGE STRATUS WITH A 2.4 ENGINE HAVE BEEN RECALLED, BUT MINE WAS NOT INCLUDED PE…
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I OWN A 2000 DODGE STRATUS AND HAVE THAT HAS A HIGH PRESSURE HOSE ON THE POWER STEEERING THAT IS LEAKING. IT IS DRIPPING ONTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSING SMOKE TO COME OUT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I HAVE CONTACTED DODGE BUT EVEN THOUGH OTHER 2000 DODGE STRATUS WITH A 2.4 ENGINE HAVE BEEN RECALLED, BUT MINE WAS NOT INCLUDED PER DODGE. I FEEL DODGE NEEDS TO REEVALUATE THIS RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE IS HARMED FROM THERE NEGLECT. THIS CAR IS SMOKING AND COULD CATCH ON FIRE.*AK
DT: CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED ON SEPTEMBER 28, 2005. FRONT END TIE ROD ENDS CAME APART FROM THE WHEEL. HAD NO WARNINGS SIGNS THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. CONTACT'S 171/2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WENT TO PICK UP A FRIEND, WHILE PULLING OUT FROM DRIVEWAY THE TIE ROD ENDS BROKE . AS SHE WAS P…
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DT: CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED ON SEPTEMBER 28, 2005. FRONT END TIE ROD ENDS CAME APART FROM THE WHEEL. HAD NO WARNINGS SIGNS THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. CONTACT'S 171/2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WENT TO PICK UP A FRIEND, WHILE PULLING OUT FROM DRIVEWAY THE TIE ROD ENDS BROKE . AS SHE WAS PULLING OUT A FRIEND'S FATHER HEARD THE NOISE OF THE TIE ROD END BREAKING . HE CHECKED THE VEHICLE, AND TOLD HER WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CONTACT'S HOME. IN THE MEANTIME CONTACT FOUND PART AVAILABLE AT ADVANCE AUTOMOBILE, AND CONTACT'S HUSBAND FIXED THE TIE ROD ENDS. NO CRASHES. NO POLICE REPORTS. NO FIRES.*AK
03/13/03 THEN 04/05 MY VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING, BOTH TIMES THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE INCIDENT WAS INVESTIGATED BY CHRYSLER. *NM
I HAD A 2000 DODGE STRATUS UNTIL TODAY. TODAY, MARCH 27TH, 2005, MY STRATUS HAD A HYDRAULIC LINE FOR THE POWER STEERING RUPTURE AND CAUSED MY ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CATCH FIRE. PRIOR TO THE FIRE, I HAD OBSERVED POWER STEERING FLUID ON THE LINE FITTING AND THE LEAK FLUID DROPPED ONTO THE EXHAUST PIPE BELOW. I BOUGHT THE RE…
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I HAD A 2000 DODGE STRATUS UNTIL TODAY. TODAY, MARCH 27TH, 2005, MY STRATUS HAD A HYDRAULIC LINE FOR THE POWER STEERING RUPTURE AND CAUSED MY ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CATCH FIRE. PRIOR TO THE FIRE, I HAD OBSERVED POWER STEERING FLUID ON THE LINE FITTING AND THE LEAK FLUID DROPPED ONTO THE EXHAUST PIPE BELOW. I BOUGHT THE REPLACEMENT HOSE. HOWEVER, THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE BEFORE I GOT A CHANCE TO REPLACE LEAKY POWER STEERING HOSE. I WAS WONDERING IF THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT HAD A RECALL, OR WHAT I MIGHT DO TO RESEARCH THIS MORE AND FIND OUT IF SOMEHOW THIS IS A DEFECT, BECAUSE I KNOW SOMEONE THAT HAD THE SAME ISSUE, BUT CAUGHT IT IN TIME AND HAD IT REPAIRED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND READING THIS E-MAIL.
Official recalls
506V001000 · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections
Jan 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.
00V366000 · Child Seat
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.
00V196000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
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.
00V066000 · Equipment:other:labels
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.
00V067000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting
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.