2001 DODGE STRATUS COUPE

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Sudden knocking or ticking from bottom end, Loss of oil pressure, Metal shavings in oil, Engine seizes or loses compression, Often occurs without warning after oil change or highway drive

Fix: Complete engine replacement or full rebuild required. Short block replacement is minimum, typically needs crank grinding, all bearings, pistons/rings. 18-25 hours labor depending on machine shop work needed. Most owners opt for used engine swap at 12-16 hours.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant (strawberry milkshake in overflow), Coolant in transmission (slipping, delayed engagement), Transmission overheating, Hard shifts or no movement, Pink residue in radiator

Fix: Requires radiator replacement (integral cooler design), full transmission fluid flush with filter, often transmission replacement if coolant entered ATF. 4-6 hours for cooling system fix; add 8-12 hours if transmission is damaged. Preventive cooler line replacement at 60k strongly recommended.

Estimated cost: $800-1,200 (if caught early), $2,500-4,000 (with transmission damage)

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Severe clunking on acceleration or deceleration, Vibration at idle in gear, Shifter shake, Visible engine movement in bay during throttle blips

Fix: Rear mount (dog bone) tears due to fluid-filled design breakdown. 1.5-2 hours for replacement. Often done with front mount as preventive measure.

Estimated cost: $180-320

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: External coolant leaks at head mating surface, White smoke from exhaust, Overheating, Coolant loss without visible leaks, Rough idle when cold

Fix: Both heads typically done together due to access. Requires timing belt replacement during job. 12-16 hours labor. Often discovers cracked heads or warpage requiring machine work.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Hard starting, Stumbling or hesitation under load, Loss of power at highway speeds, Check engine light with lean codes, Fuel pump noise

Fix: Often neglected since it's out of sight under vehicle near tank. Should be replaced every 30k. 0.5-1 hour labor. Failure can damage fuel pump.

Estimated cost: $120-200

Typical onset: 120,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (quart per 1,000 mi or worse), Blue smoke on startup, Fouled spark plugs, Loss of compression, Carbon buildup on valves

Fix: Requires engine disassembly, honing, new rings at minimum. Often finds worn bores requiring oversized pistons. 14-18 hours if doing properly. Many owners drive until failure then swap engines.

Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800