In 1999 we bought a new Dodge stratus. This car was well taken care of, served regularly (we have records), and no problem left unattended. We had no problems except for the normal wear and tear. It had approximately 150,000 over the road miles on it. My husband drove it to work at Seimans aka Daimler Chrysler.
In October my husband noticed an unfamiliar smell of some sort of fluid coming from the engine. He checked all the normal fluids, nothing was low, everything worked properly, never the less he planned to have it checked on as soon as possible He drove to work that afternoon arriving just befor 2:30 P.M. He said he noticed the smell was different but went on in the plant.
About 3:45 someone came to ask if he had a red Dodge stratus.
Yep, it was burnig in the parking lot. We had dropped the full coverage on this vehicle about 5 mo. Before. We had expected this car to run well at least until my new car was paid for.
Of course it was a total loss. Not only the vehicle, we had to buy another for him to drive to work. He works 30 miles from home and it had to be towed here.
On May 1 we recieved a letter from daimler chrysler. This is an exert:
"The high pressure power steering hose on your vehicle (VIN: 0000) may crack and develop a power steering fluid leak. Power steerig fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire."
We contacted the number provided (same as above) I spoke with Leslie, she gave me a reference # (14887346) and passed me onto someone who told me they could do nothing.
I called the NHTSA. Latha, suggested some different people for me to call and that I file a report we them. I called the new Daimler Chrysler #. It routed me back to the same place.
I called the Alabama Att. Generals office. They said I should get a lawyer and gave me the Bars no. The Bar Association that is, although the bar is just as well I fear.
So we're out a vehicle, towing fees, having to buy another used car I would more than welcome any suggestions or help you can offer.
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