2002 DODGE STRATUS COUPE

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Knocking or ticking noise from lower engine, Metal shavings in oil, Sudden loss of oil pressure, Seized engine in severe cases, Check engine light with misfire codes

Fix: The 2.4L DOHC engine has inadequate oil passages that promote sludge buildup, starving rod and main bearings. Requires complete engine rebuild or replacement. Rebuild involves crankshaft grinding, new bearings, pistons, rings, and often head gasket work. Expect 18-25 labor hours for rebuild, 12-16 hours for used engine swap.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Pink or milky transmission fluid, Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Coolant mixing with ATF, Overheating transmission, Complete transmission failure if driven after contamination

Fix: Cooler lines rust through or leak at crimp connections where they enter the radiator. Coolant contaminates ATF, destroying clutch packs and valve body. Requires radiator replacement, transmission flush, and often full transmission rebuild if contamination occurred. If caught immediately (within days), flush may save it. Prevention: replace cooler lines proactively at 70k. 8-12 hours for transmission R&R and rebuild.

Estimated cost: $2,200-4,000

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive, Excessive engine movement during acceleration, Vibration at idle, Difficulty shifting smoothly

Fix: Front transmission mount deteriorates from heat and engine torque, allowing excessive drivetrain movement. Rubber separates from metal brackets. Replacement is straightforward but requires supporting engine/transmission. 1.5-2.5 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $180-350

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating, Milky oil, Rough idle and misfire

Fix: The 3.0L V6 can blow head gaskets, typically on the rear bank first due to cooling system issues. Requires both heads off for proper repair since access is difficult and you don't want to repeat the job. Includes resurfacing heads, new gaskets, timing belt replacement while in there. 12-16 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $2,000-3,200

Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Hard starting, Stalling at idle, Loss of power under acceleration, Sputtering at highway speeds, Check engine light with fuel trim codes

Fix: In-tank fuel filter on pump assembly clogs from sediment, especially if vehicle sat for extended periods or used questionable fuel. Requires fuel tank drop and pump assembly replacement. Filter is not serviceable separately. 2-3 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $400-650

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: No-start condition with cranking, Stalling while driving without warning, Intermittent starting issues, No spark or fuel delivery

Fix: Sensor fails from heat exposure on the 2.4L engine, mounted near exhaust manifold. Vehicle dies instantly and won't restart until sensor cools or is replaced. Common stranding issue. Replacement is quick once diagnosed. 0.8-1.2 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $150-280