Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar® Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make a complete oil pan gasket. 5. Lay the oil pan gasket(s) onto the oil pan flange.~ 6. Ensure the oil pan gask
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Dodge Stratus engine problems
severe 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 17 engine complaints filed for the 2006 Dodge Stratus, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 23% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 14 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2006 Dodge Stratus engines report a troubling pattern of failures starting as early as 17,000 miles. Front crankshaft seals blow out repeatedly; one owner had the seal replaced at 52,000 miles, only to have it fail again within weeks, and another had the same issue recur three additional times. Oil leaks progress from puddles in driveways to massive dumps covering the underside of the vehicle, creating a fire hazard.
One owner discovered during engine disassembly that the factory installed the wrong lower main thrust bearing—all thrust bearings were identical instead of including a flanged bearing—causing excessive crankshaft end play and seal failure. Another owner's engine seized from sludge clogging the oil pickup tube despite faithfully changing oil every 3,000 miles, requiring engine replacement.
Valve cover gaskets fail and leak repeatedly; one case saw three separate failures in under one year, with the third causing an engine fire. Owners also report sudden throttle failures causing uncontrolled acceleration, complete engine shutdowns at highway speeds with no warning lights, sudden lockup in cold weather, and loss of fuel delivery. One engine simply quit while warming up and would not restart. A dealership refused warranty coverage, claiming owner negligence. Multiple owners were told to just seal leaks and sell the car elsewhere rather than address root causes.
Same Dodge Stratus engine reports on nearby years: 2005
Failure modes owners describe
Front crankshaft seal failure and repeat leaking
The front or main crankshaft seal comes out of its seat or fails prematurely, causing oil leaks. Multiple owners report the seal failing repeatedly after replacement, sometimes within months.
When: 17,000 to 54,000 miles; one case at 52,000 miles with recurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Oil puddles under vehicle; Oil indicator light illuminated; Oil covering underside and driveway; Smoke from rear of vehicle; Strong gasoline odor
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership or mechanic replaces front seal and timing belt. Owners cite costs around $5,500 for full bottom-end engine repair. One case required engine replacement after seal failure destroyed the crankshaft.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case mentions a service bulletin for crankshaft replacement. Dealership staff reportedly advised owners to just replace the seal and 'get rid of it down the road' at another dealership rather than address the root cause.
Wrong main thrust bearing installation
Factory assembly installed the wrong lower main thrust bearing (no flanged thrust bearing; instead all lower main bearings were the same), causing excessive crankshaft end play and seal failure.
When: Failure discovered during engine disassembly following oil seal failure
Symptoms owners cite: Oil seal failure; Massive oil leak; Fire danger from oil covering underside
Repairs/costs cited: Requires engine removal and disassembly to diagnose. Owner had to pay for this discovery and repair.
Engine sludge blocking oil pickup tube
Sludge accumulates on the pickup tube screen, clogs it, and causes engine seizure even with regular oil changes every 3,000 miles.
When: Mileage and timing not specified; owner reports never having experienced this in 30 years of driving other vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine seizure; Engine requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports mechanic said engine needs replacement. States this required dropping the pan and cleaning the pickup tube, which is not a routine oil-change procedure.
Valve cover gasket leaks with warping
Valve cover gasket leaks oil repeatedly. Each repair is followed by the gasket failing again after engine operation warps the cover.
When: January 2013, February 2013, November 2013 (three times in less than one year)
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from valve cover; Engine fire on third occurrence
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced at least three times in under one year. Owner states repair shop indicated engine warps the valve cover after each fix.
Throttle failure and secondary oil pump failure
Engine throttle fails, causing uncontrolled acceleration. Dealer diagnostic also identified secondary oil pump failure.
When: 35,856 miles; first episode at slightly lower mileage one month prior
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine revving while driving at 60 mph; Dramatic acceleration downhill at 55 mph, unresponsive to braking; Engine continued running after driver shut it off and restarted
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer identified throttle failure and oil pump failure; engine was in repair process at time of complaint.
Sudden complete engine shutdown while driving
Engine shuts down completely and suddenly without warning while driving at highway speeds, disabling power steering and brakes.
When: 34,000 miles; vehicle purchased four months prior
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete engine shutdown at 60-70 mph; Loss of power steering; Loss of power brakes; No warning lights prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Towed to dealer; $400 diagnostic fee required before dealer would inspect vehicle. No repair details provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer representative stated they do not cover diagnostic costs, only repairs. Vehicle was within warranty period (four months after purchase).
Engine overheating and smoke from hood
Temperature gauge indicates overheating; smoke observed coming from engine hood.
When: 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge showing overheating; Smoke from hood
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired by owner at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified.
Loss of fuel delivery and power during driving
Vehicle loses fuel delivery to engine and cannot accelerate; loses power while driving at highway speed.
When: Mileage not specified; occurred during rental
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle slows from 60 mph to 35 mph unable to accelerate; No fuel reaching engine; Complete power loss
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided.
Engine lockup and failure to start
Engine becomes locked up and will not start, happening while vehicle was warming up in cold weather.
When: Mileage not specified; cold winter day
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off during warm-up; Engine locked and will not restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed as locked up; did not provide repair details.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused to honor warranty, claiming owner negligence.
Engine stalling and failure to restart
Engine sputters, stalls, and will not restart after stalling a second time while in traffic.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sputtering; Engine died and would not restart
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired at time of complaint; ongoing communication with dealership and manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner in communication with manufacturer for resolution; no outcome reported.
HVAC drain tube leak into cabin
Water leaks into passenger compartment when using defroster or air conditioning, indicating a blocked or improperly designed drain tube.
When: Ongoing for over one year
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaking into passenger compartment; Occurs when running defroster or air conditioning
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; dealership stated they cannot help because car does not have recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall on 2006 model; recall exists for 2008 Dodge Caravans and Chrysler Town/Country vehicles for the same issue. Dealership declined to assist.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
The front oil seal came out of its seat causing massive oil leak. After engine removal and disassembly I found the wrong lower main thrust bearing was installed. This caused excessive stress on the top thrust bearing causing bearing failure causing end play in crankshaft resulting in oil seal failure. Fire danger from oil covering underside of vehicle. The lower main bearings were all the same.…
Vehicle is 2006 Dodge stratus 2.7l v6. No events leading up to engine failure. Was warming up vehicle on cold winter day. Made it back to front door, car had shutoff, went to restart car, car would not start. Took to dealership that said engine was locked up. Dealership would not honor warranty stating negligence of owner. *tr
Valve gasket cover on engine leaks oil. This is now the 3rd time this has happened in less than a year. It happened in january, february and now in november 2013. The 3rd time the oil leak caused a fire on the engine. The auto place told me every time they fix this, the engine somehow eventually warps the valve gasket cover. This would suggest a defect within the vehicle. It has become both…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge stratus. She smelled a strong odor of gasoline in her vehicle after filling up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The technician ordered the gas tank but it will cost her $1000.00 to replace the component. The manufacturer was notified, and she was advised that there were no recalls. The failure mileage was 53,000. Updated 12/09/09 *bf…
My car leaks water into the passenger compartment when I run defrosters/air conditioning. I looked this up on line and it is a problem with the drain tube on Dodge/ chrylser car. This is not a recall on my car but a complaint on the car. There is a recall on 2008 Dodge caravans/Chrysler town/country's. The Dodge dealerships says it cannot help me because my car does not have recall. I have had…
Had engine trouble with your 2006 Dodge Stratus?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2006 Dodge Stratus?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 36,818 and 76,636 miles, with the median around 53,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,818; a quarter make it past 76,636. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Dodge/Stratus.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.