1997 Dodge Stratus

High concern

Owners filed 349 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine and engine cooling › engine. It has been recalled 7 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

47 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles; the median is 95,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine101
031
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline23
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission19
000
Air Bags › Frontal18
16113
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip16
200
Vehicle Speed Control15
503
Engine and Engine Cooling8
000
Unknown or Other7
000
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood7
060
Electrical System7
060

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm10E059000
Filed Dec 27, 201022,689 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Corporation

Defect. FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING.

Risk. IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint09E056000
Filed Oct 9, 20095,787 vehiclesQualis Automotive Llc

Defect. QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SOLD AS FOUR PART NUMBERS, D10945, D10946, G10945, AND G10946. THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS, D10945 AND D10946, ARE STAMPED WITH THE FOLLOWING DATES ON THE BALL JOINTS: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, AND 116609. THE G10945 AND G10946 ARE THE SAME PART AS THE D10945 AND D10946 RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE LABELED DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON THE AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER.

Risk. SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy. QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump06E088000
Filed Oct 23, 200639,243 vehiclesTi Group Automotive Systems, Llc

Defect. CERTAIN TIGAS FUEL PUMP MODULES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AND P/NOS. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES ARE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURE OF THE FLAPPER VALVE WAS OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESS SWELL OF THE FLAPPER VALVE RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.

Risk. FUEL RESTRICTION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR ENGINE STALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-461-1834.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift04V021000
Filed Jan 13, 20042,315,768 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.

Risk. EITHER CIRCUMSTANCE MAY RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AWAY WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOAD-LIMITING PUSH ROD INTO THE FLOOR SHIFTER LEVER OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch98V183000
Filed Aug 6, 1998685,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE CABLE CONNECTING THE CONSOLE SHIFTER MECHANISM TO THE IGNITION KEY CAN CAUSE A TRAPPED KEY CONDITION WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOW FORCE REQUIRED TO DEPRESS THE SHIFT BUTTON. A COMBINATION OF APPLYING A MIS-ADJUSTED RELEASE BUTTON WITH A LOW FORCE ATTEMPT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITH THE KEY IN THE LOCKED POSITION, CAN BREAK THE CONNECTING PIN IN THE SHIFTER.

Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE "IGNITION-PARK" INTERLOCK SYSTEM WILL BE NONFUNCTIONAL.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM. ANY VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL AFTER THE INSPECTION WILL HAVE THE SHIFT MECHANISM AND CABLE REPLACED WITH A "SELF-ADJUSTING" DESIGN.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint97V201000
Filed Nov 13, 1997599,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN SEPARATE DUE TO LOSS OF LUBRICATION.

Risk. SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BALL JOINT END HOUSING COVER SEAL FOR LEAKAGE WITH A HIGH PRESSURE AIR TESTER AND THE RUBBER BOOT WILL BE VISUALLY INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE. IF THE COVER SEAL LEAKS OR THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WILL BE REPLACED.

Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and Attachments97V095000
Filed Jun 6, 1997219,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING CAN DISENGAGE FROM ITS RETENTION HOLE IF THE HOOD IS SLAMMED SHUT.

Risk. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS SIMULTANEOUSLY WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PRIMARY LATCH, THE HOOD WOULD NOT BE RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING WITH A LONGER END HOOK SPRING.

What owners reported

Newest filings
SteeringFire
Filed Oct 4, 202090,000 milesVA

NOTICE A SMELL FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING OPEN THE HOOD FIRE PUT THE FIRE OUT NOTICE POWER HOSE HAD LEAK IN IT I FEEL DODGE SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS MALFUNCTION

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 4, 2018CA

TAKATA RECALL, HORN DON`T WORK, MILLAGE DON`T WORK ,GAS LIGHT COMES ON AND NEDDLE MOVES UP AND DOWN ALOT

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 22, 2013170,000 milesWV

EITHER THE OIL LIGHT OR CRUISE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND CAR LOSES ALL POWER. I HAVE TO PULL OFF ROAD AND PUT CAR IN PARK TURN IT OFF AND SOMETIMES IT WILL JUST START RIGHT BACK AND SOMETIMES I HAVE TO WAIT FOR ABOUT 30 MINS FOR IT TO START BACK. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR SINCE MARCH OF 2013 AND IT HAS DONE THIS 10-12 TIMES SINCE THEN. I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED A FEW TIMES CAUSE WITH NO POWER IT IS HARD TO GET CAR OFF THE ROAD. I HAVE CONTACTED DODGE BUT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM YET. *TR

Tires
Filed Dec 31, 2011153,559 milesMI

TIRE HAD A BULGE AT THE BEAD LINE. HAD A SLOW LEAK AND WAS OUT OF BALANCE. I RETURNED THE TIRE TO FIRESTONE. THEY SHOWED ME THAT THE TIRE WAS MISSING RUBBER AT ALONG THE TIRE BEAD AND WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AT NO CHARGE. *KB

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 8, 2011168,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL FILLER HOSE WAS LOOSE AND WOULD NOT KEEP FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 168,000.

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections
Filed Nov 16, 2010147,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. THE POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE HOSE WAS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. THE 2.4 LITER ENGINE HAD A LEAK DIRECTLY ABOVE THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 19, 2010171,000 milesCT

CAR WAS SITTING FRONT OF MY DAUGHTER'S HOUSE AND IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. CAR WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 18, 2009137 milesPA

LOSS OF POWER AND STALLING. WHILE ON HILLS IT HAS NO POWER ON ME SHUTS OFF ON ME EVERY WEEK. SAID THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR FIXING THAT DODGE DEALER ISN'T RESPONSIBLE FOR CHARGES. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 28, 2009150,000 milesMO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DEACTIVATE. HE MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL MECHANISM, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN; HOWEVER, THE ENGINE REVVED HIGHLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 28, 2008150,000 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT PROPERLY RETRACT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM BOLTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL. HE ATTEMPTED TO LOCATE THE PARTS AT VARIOUS JUNK YARDS AND NOTICED THAT EVERY VEHICLE WITH THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL HAD THE SAME FAILED COMPONENT. AS OF AUGUST 28, 2008, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000.

Structure
Filed Jul 17, 2008MS

THE CLEAR COAT ON THE PAINT BEGAN COMING OFF. IT STARTED ON THE ROOF AND TRUNK LID AND HAS NOW BEGUN TO SPREAD TO OTHER PARTS OF CAR. *TR

Steering
Filed Jun 22, 2008670,000 milesTX

POWER STEERING HOSES DEVELOPED HOLES THROUGH THE WHOLE HOSE MASSIVE FLUID LOSS NOW POWER STEERING PUMP HAS FROZE AND THE CAR ONLY HAS 67 THOUSAND MILES FOR 97 YEAR 95 % OF MILES HIGHWAY ALSO A/C COMPRESSOR AND A/C DASH SWITCH BOTH NON WORKING WITH FULLY CHARGED COMPRESSOR AND ALL RELAYS AND FUSES REPLACED. *TR

Air BagsCrash
Filed Nov 29, 200781,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NORMAL. SHE NOTICED OIL LEAKING AFTER THE CRASH. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT A NEW HEAD GASKET WAS NEEDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 81,000. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Aug 24, 2007GA

I WAS GOING TO MY COUSINS GRADUATION AND HAD ASKED AN OFFICER ABOUT PARKING WHEN HE DIRECTED ME WHERE TO GO WHEN I TURNED I HEARD A POP AND SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED OUT AND THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO A TOWING YARD, AND THE NEXT DAY TOWED TO MY PROPERTY. EVERYTHING IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT BURNED. I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT IT WAS PROBABLY AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Aug 10, 2007105,000 milesWI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO ENGAGE WHEN ACTIVATED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. THE VIN APPEARED TO BE INVALID.

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and ConnectionsFire
Filed Feb 22, 2007120,000 milesCA

MY DODGE STRATUS HAD AM ENGINE FIRE ON 12-10-2006 AS I WALKED AWAY FROM THE CAR AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 20-25 MILES TO MY DESTINATION . A MAN RAN UP AND ASKED ME IF THAT WAS MY CAR THAT WAS ON FIRE AS I TOOK A LOOK I IMMEDIATEALY CALLED THE FIRE DEPT AND THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT WITH OUT ANY ONE BRING HURT. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 11, 200658,000 milesCO

HAVE CONTACTED DODGE/DAIMLER-CHRYSLER SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT TRANSMISSION ON MY 1997 DODGE STRATUS GOING OUT. HESITATION ON SHIFTING INTO GEAR, SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR AND BACK IN ON TURNS, TRANS LEAKS, SLIPPING INTO GEAR SUDDENLY AND JERKING THE CAR, AND SO ON. CAR HAS ONLY 66,000 MILES ON IT NOW AND I GOT IT IN 2001 WHEN MY FATHER PASSED AWAY. IT HAD ONLY 53,000 MILES ON IT THEN. A TRANS SHOULDN'T BE GOING OUT AT 50-60,000 MILES. IF DODGE HAS A BAD PRODUCT THEY SHOULD CORRECT IT THEMSELVES. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY TO REPAIR A PROBLEM DODGE ALREADY KNOWS ABOUT AND ISN'T DOING ANYTHING ABOUT. I NEVER HAUL OR PULL ANYTHING AND I ONLY PUT 13,000 MILES ON IT IN FIVE YEARS. NOT HEAVY DRIVING. I SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL AND DODGE REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING OR PAY FOR REPAIR- JUST SAYING "IT'S PAST WARRANTY". I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPAIR BUT I SHOULD HAVE A VEHICLE COMPANY THAT IS PROUD OF IT'S PRODUCT ENOUGH TO STAND BEHIND IT. I ONLY GET $867 A MONTH RETIREMENT AND I'M 60 YEARS OF AGE. DAIMLER-CHRYSLER SHOULD HAVE MADE REPAIRS WHEN I FIRST CONTACTED THEM A YEAR AGO. THIS IS A DAILY PROBLEM AND GETTING WORSE. HUNDREDS OF FAILURES. I HAVE TO USE THE CAR FOR PET CARE SO JUST CONTINUE TO PUTT ALONG UNTIL IT (THE TRANS) GOES OUT COMPLETELY. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 22, 200680,000 milesHI

AUTO TRANSMISSION. 1997 DODGE STRATUS 2.5L WITH AUTO STICK. TRANSMISSION LEAKAGE AND FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT ABOVE SECOND GEAR, AND GEAR SLIPS. *NM

Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed Aug 21, 2006GA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL WIRE ACCORDING TO THE FIRE MARSHAL. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND NOT BEING DRIVEN. THE FIRE WAS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE WAS NOTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT THE WAY THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING BEFORE THE FIRE.

Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Mar 30, 2006128,000 milesOH

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE CHANGING THE OIL THE HINGE FOR THE HOOD SEEMED LOOSE. THERE IS NHTSA RECALL # 97V095000 REGARDING THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.*AK

20 of 349 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1996
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20072010Routine
200674330Routine
200562620Routine
2004144710Routine
200375600Routine
2002150640Routine
20011861421Fatalities reported
20002169640High concern
19992517592Fatalities reported
19982727170Above average
1997 — this page3497320High concern
199655411361Fatalities reported
199531811130Above average
19921000Routine

Compare every Stratus year →

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 27, 2010. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.