I too have a 1998 Dodge Stratus. I noticed rust at the tip of my hood. I started looking at other dodge stratus and Plymouth Breeze and saw the same rust. Obviously, a manufacturing flaw that never had, and should have, a recall. To solve this problem, I had a new hood installed. Only cost $400. Heck, a brake job cost at least that much. The rest of the car is fine and I am in my 10th year of ownership. I wish somebody would start a class action suit with Chrysler.