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2001 Dodge Stratus

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Dodge Stratus do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 168.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

116 reports with mileage · 70 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.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports2 fire reports6 injury reports

Structure complaints

9 reports
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217,000 miles · Dec 19, 2014
Service BrakesSteeringStructure

I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 2 YEARS NOW WITH LITTLE PROBLEMS. HAD A FEW OIL CHANGES AND SOME BRAKE WORK DONE TO IT. BUT IN THE LAST YEAR I HAVE CHANGED ALL THE CALIPERS IN THIS CAR 2 TO 3 TIMES THE BREAK PADS MANY TIMES THE BALL JOINTS THE ROADERS THE SWING ARM AND THE CLUSTER DASH. THIS WAS A GREAT CAR TILL IT STOPPED GOING OVER 30…

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I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 2 YEARS NOW WITH LITTLE PROBLEMS. HAD A FEW OIL CHANGES AND SOME BRAKE WORK DONE TO IT. BUT IN THE LAST YEAR I HAVE CHANGED ALL THE CALIPERS IN THIS CAR 2 TO 3 TIMES THE BREAK PADS MANY TIMES THE BALL JOINTS THE ROADERS THE SWING ARM AND THE CLUSTER DASH. THIS WAS A GREAT CAR TILL IT STOPPED GOING OVER 30 WITHOUT A TERRIBLE SHAKE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10667226

87,500 miles · Jul 31, 2012
StructureInjury

TRUNK DOOR DESIGN HAS A DEFECT THAT WILL CAUSE THE TRUNK DOOR TO SLAM DOWN WITH EXCESSIVE AND UNIMPEDED FORCE WITHOUT WARNING AND WILL DO SO ON ITS OWN, EVEN IN CALM WINDS. MULTIPLE INCIDENT HAVE OCCURRED WHERE THE TRUNK DOOR HAS SLAMMED DOWN WHILE THE DRIVER OR THE PASSENGER WAS REACHING INTO THE TRUNK TO RETRIEVE ARTICLES FRO…

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TRUNK DOOR DESIGN HAS A DEFECT THAT WILL CAUSE THE TRUNK DOOR TO SLAM DOWN WITH EXCESSIVE AND UNIMPEDED FORCE WITHOUT WARNING AND WILL DO SO ON ITS OWN, EVEN IN CALM WINDS. MULTIPLE INCIDENT HAVE OCCURRED WHERE THE TRUNK DOOR HAS SLAMMED DOWN WHILE THE DRIVER OR THE PASSENGER WAS REACHING INTO THE TRUNK TO RETRIEVE ARTICLES FROM THE TRUNK. CURRENTLY THE ONLY WAY TO SAFELY USE THE TRUNK IS TO HAVE A SECOND PERSON HOLD THE TRUNK DOOR WHILE THE FIRST PERSON PLACES OR RETRIEVES ARTICLES FROM THE TRUNK. INJURIES THAT HAVE OCCURRED WERE MOMENTARY BACK PAIN AND ON ONE OCCASION A CONCUSSION (WHEN THE TRUNK DOOR HIT THE VEHICLE OWNER IN THE HEAD). NONE OF THE INJURIES REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. PROBLEM GETS WORSE WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED ON AN INCLINE (PARTICULARLY IF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IS FACING DOWNHILL), EVEN IF THE INCLINE IS SLIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10468522

30,000 miles · Nov 2, 2010
Structure

I LIKE TO BRING YOUR ATTENTION TO WINDOWS IN THE CARS. I WAS IN CLOSE CALL ACCIDENT AND I, WITNESS ANOTHER INCIDENT IN MINER DAMAGES TO CAR. I WAS CROSSING INTERSECTION AT SHARP ANGLE AND DID NOT SEE CAR CROSSING IT AT HI SPEED, NEAR MISS. I WITNESS INTERSECTION WHERE CAR MERGING IN TO TRAFFIC, FORCE VEHICLE OF THE ROAD TO…

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I LIKE TO BRING YOUR ATTENTION TO WINDOWS IN THE CARS. I WAS IN CLOSE CALL ACCIDENT AND I, WITNESS ANOTHER INCIDENT IN MINER DAMAGES TO CAR. I WAS CROSSING INTERSECTION AT SHARP ANGLE AND DID NOT SEE CAR CROSSING IT AT HI SPEED, NEAR MISS. I WITNESS INTERSECTION WHERE CAR MERGING IN TO TRAFFIC, FORCE VEHICLE OF THE ROAD TO SIDE, DAMAGING RIMS ON THE CAR OVER THE CURB SIDE WALK. SIMPLY EGG DESIGN CARS ARE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE!!!! IT IS WORST THEN DISTRACTIVE DRIVING IS BLIND DRIVING ALL THE TIME. I RECOMMEND 80'S. AS A COMPARISON AND INSPIRATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10363641

70,000 miles · Oct 9, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingStructure

DROVE THE VEHICLE THE NIGHT BEFORE THERE WERE NO SIGNS, WARNINGS OF ANYTHING WRONG. WENT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE THE NEXT AFTERNOON AND UPON START UP VEHICLE WAS MAKING A RATTLING, CLICKING NOISE, TURNED IT OFF IMMEDIATELY. HAD CAR TOWED, WAS TOLD OIL WAS SLUDGY , ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACE, AT A COST OF MINIMUM END OF $5700. ME…

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DROVE THE VEHICLE THE NIGHT BEFORE THERE WERE NO SIGNS, WARNINGS OF ANYTHING WRONG. WENT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE THE NEXT AFTERNOON AND UPON START UP VEHICLE WAS MAKING A RATTLING, CLICKING NOISE, TURNED IT OFF IMMEDIATELY. HAD CAR TOWED, WAS TOLD OIL WAS SLUDGY , ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACE, AT A COST OF MINIMUM END OF $5700. MECHANIC STATED HE HAD TWO MORE VEHICLES OF EXACT YEAR, MAKE, MODEL AND 2.7L ENGINE ON HIS LOT WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. HE STATED FURTHER, HE WAS SORRY, BUT WOULD HAVE TO DECLINE HIS SERVICE TO REPAIR/REPLACE THE ENGINE AS HE WAS ALREADY FED UP WITH DEALING WITH MANUFACTURER WITH THE OTHER TWO VEHICLES. HE WENT ON TO STATE THAT THE MANUFACTURER IS CLAIMING OWNER FAULT, OF NOT MAINTAINING 3000 MILE OIL CHANGES, EVEN THOUGH ONE OF THE OWNERS HAD EVERY RECEIPT PROVING OTHERWISE. HERE I SIT WITHOUT A VEHICLE NOW, HAVE NO FINANCIAL MEANS TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THIS VEHICLE AS I BECAME DISABLED IN APRIL OF 2005 AND HAVE A VERY LIMITED BUDGET. I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW VEHICLE SO I DIDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ANY MAJOR EXPENSE OR PROBLEMS AND IT WOULD LAST ME 15-20 YRS, NOT 5. I ALSO DIDN'T EXPECT TO PAY OVER $20,000 FOR A VEHICLE THAT WOULD ONLY LAST 70,000 MILES. THIS WASN'T THE ONLY ITEMS I HAD TO HAVE FIXED, IN 2003 I HAD TO HAVE THE FAN FIXED FOR THE AC/HEATING AS IT ONLY WORKED ON ONE SPEED, THANK GOODNESS IT WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY. WHICH I NEVER DID RECEIVE ANY RECALL LETTER OR ANY NOTIFICATION OF THIS PROBLEM. IN 2005 THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WENT OUT AND HAD TO HAVE THEM REPLACED. THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE GET WATER IN WHEN IT RAINS, HAVE TAKEN IT IN TO DEALER, THEY HAVE NO CLUE AS TO WHAT AND WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. THIS IS THE FIRST BRAND NEW VEHICLE I HAVE EVER PURCHASED AND WAS SO PROUD OF IT, TOOK METICULOUS CARE OF IT AND NOW I FEEL AND LOOK LIKE A COMPLETE FOOL, AS THE MANUFACTURER IS LAUGHING ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK, PLUS HAS A VEHICLE THAT RUNS! THEIR OLD SLOGAN DODGE TUFF, THE NEW IS YOUR DODGE DOESN'T RUN, THAT'S TOUGH. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10170261

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2005
Structure

1. NO WARNING 2. VEHICLE HAS A LEAK WHICH CAUSES WATER(FROM RAIN OR SNOW) TO LEAK ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD. I HAVE VACUUMED OUT AS MUCH AS 5 GALLONS OF WATER AT A TIME. I HAVE LOOKED VERY CAREFULLY AND CANNOT DETERMINE THE LEAK PATH. 3. NO CORRECTION HAS BEEN FOUND. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10110406

47,000 miles · Jan 16, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

DODGE STRATUS ENGINE DIE OUT DUE TO CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR THAT CAME IN CONTACT W/ A PROTECTIVE SHIELD, WHICH CONSEQUENTLY CAUSED A GROUTED CIRCUIT. THEREBY CAUSING MY ENGINE TO DIE OUT. MY VEHICLE IS A LEASE, AND THE WARRANTY IS UP, AND I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL INFORMATION. RECALL INFO ON THIS CALL, AND THE PRIOR YEAR…

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DODGE STRATUS ENGINE DIE OUT DUE TO CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR THAT CAME IN CONTACT W/ A PROTECTIVE SHIELD, WHICH CONSEQUENTLY CAUSED A GROUTED CIRCUIT. THEREBY CAUSING MY ENGINE TO DIE OUT. MY VEHICLE IS A LEASE, AND THE WARRANTY IS UP, AND I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL INFORMATION. RECALL INFO ON THIS CALL, AND THE PRIOR YEAR ARE NUMEROUS DEADLY ONE. THOSE WHICH CAN POSSIBLY CAUSE INJURY, OR DEATH. I WAS ALMOST A STATISTIC TODAY WHEN MY VEHICLE DIED OUT COMPLETELY IN AN EXIT RAMP OFF THE HIGHWAY. PLEASE HELP ME FIND OUT HOW RESPONSIBLE THE DEALERSHIP IS BECAUSE I NEVER RECEIVED ANY!!!! RECALL LETTERS. I RECEIVED THEIR BILL, BUT YET NO RECALL INFO. THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY THREE YEARS OLD. I HAVE PRIOR TO THIS VEHICLE PURCHASED THREE OTHER VEHICLES FROM YONKERS AVENUE DODGE, AND HAVE TRADED THEM IN FOR NEW ONES, BUT THEY TOO HAD PROBLEMS, AND THE DEALER NEVER GAVE ME ANY BREAKS IN PRICE. THEY JUST SAW A FEMALE WALK IN, AND READ THE "SUCKER" SIGN ON MY FOREHEAD. ANYHOW MY CAR IS NOW STUCK IN A SHELL GAS STATION, WHICH WAS CONSEQUENTLY OFF THE RAMP I WAS STUCK ON. I WAS PUSHED THERE TO GET ME OUT OF HARMS WAY. I WILL NOT ALLOW THIS DEALER TO CONTINUE TO STICK PEOPLE, OR CHRYSLER TO STICK PEOPLE WITH THE BILL TO A CAR THAT DIES OUT BEFORE THE LEASE IS UP!! IF YOU CAN HELP PLEASE EMAIL ME. AS WELL AS LET OTHER DODGE STRATUS SE OWNERS KNOW THAT THE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS THESE CARS SUFFER FROM BEFORE THESE OWNERS GET KILLED, OR KILL OTHERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. RESPECTFULLY, [XXX]. *CB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10054244

49,800 miles · Dec 17, 2003
Structure

WHILE DRIVING REAR LEFT TIRE SHIFTED INWARD, AND VEHICLE WAS HARD TO STEER. DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE BOLT THAT CONNECTED THE UNDER BODY TO THE REAR SUSPENSION BROKE IN HALF. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10051701

Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2003
Structure

THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR IS WET. TOOK TO DEALER, AND THE WEATHER STRIPPING WAS REPLACED. FLOOR IS STILL GETTING WET. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER. *PH

NHTSA ODI #10039858

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2001
Structure

ON TWO OCCASIONS POWER DOOR LOCKS LOCKED WITHOUT KEY BEING IN IGNITION. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK CONSUMER STATES AFTER UNLOCKING THE FRONT DRIVERS DOOR AND PULLING UP ON ANY OTHER DOOR, ALL THE DOOR LOCKS LOCK. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #890907

Official recalls

10

16V401000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jun 3, 2016

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus vehicles, equipped with beige interiors. The affected vehicles were previously repaired for a recall issue using an incorrect part. The incorrect part may not prevent the passenger side sun visor from detaching if the passenger frontal air bag deploys and the passenger side sun visor is folded down in a certain position.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify the affected owners. Dealers will install the correct tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2016, owners will be sent a second email when parts are available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

15V338000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jun 2, 2015

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 21, 2005, and 2001-2005 Dodge Stratus vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 22, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the passenger side sun visor may detach.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

Remedy: MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-005. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R30.

01V011002 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines

Jan 16, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A HOSE MANUFACTURING PROCESS ALLOWED THE REINFORCEMENT YARD TO BREACH THE INNER LAYER OF SOME AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HOSES WEAKENING THE INNER WALL WHICH COULD RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE COOLER HOSES CAN CAUSE TRANSAXLE DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS AND SMOKE IF THE OIL CONTACTS THE FRONT EXHAUST PIPE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER HOSES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

01V005002 · Seats

Jan 8, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A NUMBER OF INCORRECT DRIVER SIDE SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS WERE INSTALLED INTO VEHICLES.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE BOLTS MAY NOT PROPERLY SECURE THE SEAT AND COULD CAUSE INCREASED INJURY TO THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS AND THEN REPLACE THE BOLTS IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 5, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD 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.

00V306000 · Air Bags:frontal

Oct 12, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. PASSENGER AIR BAGS WERE BUILT WITH SUSPECT ALUMINUM EXTRUSION SECTIONS WHICH MAY NOT RETAIN THE AIR BAG DOOR DURING AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT EVENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A SEPARATED AIR BAG DOOR COULD INJURE A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG.

00V299002 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Oct 2, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HARNESS FOR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH A NEW PROTECTIVE SHIELD CAUSING A GROUNDED CIRCUIT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: PROLONGED WIRING HARNESS CONTACT WITH THE HEAT SHIELD WILL CAUSE THE WIRING INSULATION TO WEAR AND EVENTUALLY TO GROUND OUT. THIS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO DIE-OUT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR HARNESS.

00V278000 · Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields

Sep 18, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THROUGH DEGRADATION OF THE BOND BETWEEN THE SILENCER PAD AND A SHEET METAL PANEL (QUARTER INNER UPPER), THE PAD MAY FALL ONTO THE MAP LIGHT LOCATED IN THE REAR SEATING AREA NEAR THE C-PILLAR TRIM PANEL (LH AND RH). THIS CONTACT COULD CAUSE THE PAD TO MELT, CREATING A HOT SMELL AND/OR SMOKE DURING LONG PERIODS OF ILLUMINATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: SMOKE INHALATION COULD BE HARMFUL TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE INSULATION PAD FROM BEHIND BOTH REAR MAP LIGHTS.

00V225002 · Steering:gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion)

Aug 10, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A NUT IN THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED, RESULTING IN SYMPTOMS RANGING FROM STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION TO STIFF STEERING, AND IN THE WORST CASE, NO ABILITY TO TURN LEFT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY IF A LOOSE NUT CONNECTION IS FOUND.

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

1

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.