I also have the same problem with a 1996 Dodge Stratus. I had to replace a transmission in Sept 1997 and paid $1400 for it, May 1998 I had to replace the transmission again. They replaced for free only because it was within the 12 month warranty. They REFUSED to put me into a rental either time.
When I let them know 1 month after the second repair, I brought the Stratus back as there was an ooil leak where the transmission goes into the engine. Larry Miller Dodge Service Advisor told me this was not the transmission but a well known problem with the older Dodge models where the head gasket is no longer good at about 50,000 miles.
I only had 38,000 miles at this time. We called the Corporation Headquarters in Michigan and were told by 2 different customer service reps and 2 managers "We are aware of this problem and we are not going to recall it, it is your own problem". We had to get the head gasket repaired, another $2000.00 and no rental again for 2 weeks.
Then 4 weeks later, the engine was having trouble and the A/C went out, in the summer time in Phoenix (Whew!). Well, when the engine had been put back together, the air flow sensor molding had not been placed correctly onto the alternator area per another repair shop, I took the Stratus to Larry Miller Dodge again and they said it was just the air flow sensor that is going out.
They refused to repair this also. So we had to get this repaired for $438. No rental again. THEN, the computer went out in the vehicl 5 months after the air flow sensor. We again took to Larry Miller Dodge, they would not repair, again. We took to 6, yes 6 other dealerships and repair shops for quotes.
We finally took the Stratus to Lou Grubb autonation (which has a great reputation in Phoenix) and they explained the computer in a Dodge is under warranty for 10 YEARS!
We could not believe the Corporation and other Dodge representatives could not disclose this information, which the warranty was made under Federal Law.
This shows that Daimler Chrystler does not stand behind their products and are very deceptive to the public. This head gasket problem should have been taken care of since they were aware of this problem prior to mine.
I will never own a Chrystler product again and I make sure to tell everyone I can about this.
I would enjoy hearing from Chrystler to find out why they would not make their reputation stronger by recalling the head gaskets, I know they are not hurting for the money! They own Mercedes-Benz!
Remember, if someone has a bad experience they will tell 35 people, if someone has a good experience they will tell 3 people.
Kline
FT WA, Alaska