2004 Dodge Stratus

Routine

Owners filed 144 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension. It has been recalled 7 times.

Not among the Dodge Stratus years to avoid. Which Dodge Stratus years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
66,887 milesMedian miles at failure

113 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2004 Dodge Stratus problems

30 of the 144 complaints (21%) are about the suspension.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension › Rear16
100
Suspension12
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration10
504
Air Bags · airbags10
509
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine8
000
Structure · body and frame5
100
Steering5
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine5
100
Electrical System5
100
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission4
000

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module15V338000
Filed Jun 2, 2015443,442 vehiclesMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Defect. Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 21, 2005, and 2001-2005 Dodge Stratus vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 22, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the passenger side sun visor may detach.

Risk. If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

Remedy. MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-005. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R30.

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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder07E023000
Filed Mar 29, 200713,128 vehiclesCardone Industries, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Risk. LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings04V313000
Filed Jun 29, 20048,108 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE IMPROPERLY MOLDED.

Risk. BREAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A LEAKAGE OF FUEL AND IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, IT COULD RESULT A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON AUGUST 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump03V443000
Filed Nov 4, 20035,911 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE RESTRICTED, CAUSING EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE MAY RESULT IN A LEAK IN THE FUEL RETURN HOSE.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP PRESSURE. THOSE VEHICLES EXHIBITING HIGHER THAN NORMAL FUEL PUMP PRESSURE WILL RECEIVE FUEL PUMP MODIFICATIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 15, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.

All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Jul 9, 2025136,334 milesMT

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated while reversing, the passenger's side front wheel detached. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair with similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,334.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 15, 2023MI

Fuel pump went out and in order for me to replace the fuel pump you have drop the tank. I could not get the intake hose off or the smaller fuel line along side it off. And there very little room to work with to get it off. And I have purchased the vehicle a little over a year ago and was not told about any recalls on this vehicle

Suspension
Filed Nov 29, 202151,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and then lost motive power. Additionally, the front passenger's side ball stud separated from the ball joint housing, and the front passenger's side tire was stuck on the fender, preventing the engine from falling onto the ground. The failure almost caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. While the vehicle was being placed on the flatbed tow truck, the oil filter fractured and detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

Engine
Filed May 25, 2021NH

2.7 liter engine should be recalled and replaced because? 1. The internal water pump which have been known to wear out prematurely and destroy the engine regardless how well the owner maintains vehicle. 2. Subframe and rear suspension crossmember should be replace due to rotting out prematurely. 3 Gloss on paint prone to pealing.

Suspension
Filed May 3, 2021116,508 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WERE UNKNOWN RATTLING SOUNDS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE WHEELS WERE WOBBLING AS IF THEY WERE GOING TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BALL JOINTS ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY WERE FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10E059000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,508.

Steering
Filed Apr 13, 2020148,000 milesMI

I HAVE NOTICED WHEN I AM TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT THERE APPEARS TO BE SOMEWHAT OF A LACK OF CONTROL AND LOOSENING OF THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE AS I AM DRIVING. ALSO, THE SUSPENSION ON MY VEHICLE HAS BECOME MUCH MORE PRONOUNCED NEGATIVELY.

Suspension
Filed Feb 10, 2020150,000 milesNC

WHILE MAKING A TURN AT 5MPH, MY FRONT RIGHT WHEEL COLLAPSED CAUSING COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL AND CONTROL ARM IN TURN CAUSING MY AXLE TO COME OUT FROM THE TRANSMISSION AT THE CV JOINT. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS BALL JOINT ISSUE BUT NOT FOR MY VIN SPECIFICALLY.

Steering
Filed Nov 4, 2019139,000 milesIL

AS I AM TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN DRIVING OR IDLE THE STEERING IS MAKING A SQUEAKING/CREAKING NOISE I BELIEVE IT HAS TO DO WITH RECALL: 10E059000 FRONT CONTROL ARM - LOWER ARM

Air BagsCrash8 injured
Filed Oct 16, 2018179,171 milesIL

DRIVING ON A 35 MPH ROAD GOING ACROSS THE CROSS ROAD GOT HIT BY A TRUCK DOING ABOUT 70 MPH. HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT BUMPER TO THE BACK EDGE TRUCK F THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. PUT INTO A SPIN THEN WAS HIT IN THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE AND BUMPER. NO AIR BAGS CAME OUT WITH MASSIVE TRAUMA TO BOTH MYSELF AS DRIVER AND MY PASSENGER. POLICE, AMBULANCE AND DOCTORS ASKED WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT EXPAND. IF THE AIR BAGS WOULD OF WORKED LESS INJURIES WOULD OF HAPPENED. WE HAD JUST STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND PROCEEDED TO CROSS THE ROAD AT LIKE ABOUT 15 MPH WHEN HIT.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 20, 2018151,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OVER A BUMP, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 34782223. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.

Steering
Filed Sep 19, 2017233,000 milesNC

THE BALL JOINT ON THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY SEPARATED CAUSING THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL TO TURN TO THE RIGHT AND PREVENTING THE DRIVER FROM BEING ABLE TO STEER THE CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN IT HAPPENED. THIS IS SIMILAR TO NHTSA RECALL #10E059000 AND #09E056000. I THINK THE CONTROL ARM WAS THE ORIGINAL FACTORY PART. I'LL ATTACH PICTURES WITH THE PART NUMBER.

Power Train
Filed Jul 30, 2017118,000 milesIA

CAR HAS SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND ON CITY STREET. SOMETIMES THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP AND BE HARD TO TURN. SOMETIMES SPEEDOMETER WILL STOP WORKING CORRECTLY. CAR WILL SHUT DOWN.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 9, 2017IA

LATELY WHEN I DRIVE MY CAR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THEN A COUPLE MINUTES AFTER IT COMES ON THE STEERING WILL LOCK UP. IT HAS DONE THIS MULTIPLE TIMES WITHIN THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. THE FIRST TIME I WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AGAIN BUT THEN THE SPEEDOMETER WOULDN'T WORK. AFTER THE FIRST TIME I THOUGHT IT WAS FIXED BUT NOW WHENEVER IT MALFUNCTIONS THE CAR SHUTS OFF ON ITS OWN AND WILL NOT START AGAIN UNTIL ITS BEEN SITTING UNTOUCHED FOR AT LEAST 10 MINUTES. THIS HAS HAPPENED IN TOWN (25 MPH) AND ON ROADS UP TO 55 MPHS.

Air Bags
Filed May 29, 2017153,597 milesMN

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND I PARKED AT A FRIEND'S HOUSE. ME AND HIM WERE TALKING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG WENT OFF. NO ONE WAS TOUCHING THE CAR AND I WAS NOT TOUCHING THE STEERING WHEEL. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TRIGGERED THE AIRBAG TO GO OFF. AND I'M GLAD I WASN'T ON THE ROAD WHEN IT HAPPENED.

Power Train
Filed May 22, 2017118,000 milesWA

LOWER LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION ARM BALL JOINT BROKEN. THE OUTER BEARING CARRIER, FELL AWAY FROM THE SUSPENSION ARM, PULLING THE HALF SHAFT OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION, AND THE WHEEL/TIRE ASSEMBLY JAMMED UP IN THE WHEEL WELL WITH A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION JUST FOLLOWING A TURN, IN A PARKING AREA.

Engine
Filed Sep 2, 201694,238 milesCO

CAR LOST POWER. NO ACCELERATOR OR POWER IN TRAFFIC.09/01/16 WAS LAST TIME.. DOES THIS QUITE OFTEN.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 22, 2016PA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V338000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 15, 2015100,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE BRAKES FUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURES HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 07E023000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND 10E059000 (SUSPENSION) WERE ISSUED FOR THESE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 2, 2015117,000 milesIL

CAR IS LEAKING FUEL

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed May 11, 201513,200 milesMI

I WENT TO VISIT SON AND YES I TOOK IT TO AUTO ZONE TO HAVE IT CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING WAS OK TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY. SO I MADE IT TO MY SONS HOME THEN I HAVE TO MAKE A RUN TO THE STORE AS I GOT BACK ON THE HIGHWAY TO DRIVE A GUY STARTS TO FLAG ME DOWN AND SAID THERE WAS SPARKS UNDER MY CAR AN SOON AS I PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE WHOLE FRONT PART OF MY CAR CAUGHT A FIRE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED CAR WAS TOWED. THEY SAY ITS NOTHING THEY CAN DO EVEN THROUGH IT IS A RECALL ON THE CAR FOR THAT REASON,NO ONE WILL RETURN MY CALLS FROM THE COMPANY.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jan 27, 2015165,056 milesMO

HIT A CAR DOING 85 MPH RIPPING OFF MY FRONT BUMPER AN SIDE PANAL ON PASSSENGER SIDE ALONG WIT HEADLITE ASSEMBLY AN GRILL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

Air BagsCrash
Filed Sep 17, 2014127,000 milesWI

I WAS FOLLOWING A SEMI WHEN HE MISSED HIS TURN AND SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. I DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO STOP AND I HIT THE BACK END OF THE TRAILER. HALF OF THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WENT RIGHT UNDER THE TRAILER AND MY CAR WAS TOTALED. ON IMPACT, MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND MY FACE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH CAUSED BRUISING AND SEVERE PAIN. *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 25, 2014100,900 milesNY

MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY DODGE STRATUS I WAS TOLD BY THE COMPANY THAT REPLACED MY WINDSHIELD THAT ALL THE DODGE CAR HES SEEN WITH THIS PROBLEM WHERE WATER WILL GET IN THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD AND I WELL RUST FROM THE INSIDE OUT THIS WOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE ON THE ROAD TO THE DRIVER/PASSENGER SAFETY UP TO PEDESTRIANS ON THE ROAD ALSO IF THE AIR BAGS WHERE TO DEPLOY IT COULD CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD TO DETACH FROM THE CAR I HAVE PHOTO OF THE CAR RUST UNDER THE WINDSHIELD I DON'T HAVE PITCHES OF THE WINDSHIELD. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 20, 201498,000 milesWA

CAR IS DRIVEN ON REGULAR CITY STREETS AND FREEWAYS. ROADS I DRIVE ARE PAVED - NO COUNTRY, DUSTY ROADS AND AREA ISN'T HEAVY IN POLLUTION. I PURCHASE MY GAS FROM SHELL OR CHEVRON AND REFILL AT 1/4 TO 1/3 TANK TO REDUCE CHANCE OF PICKING UP SEDIMENT FROM FUEL TANK. NOTICED WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY.THAT CAR WOULD DROP IN SPEED FROM 60 MPH TO 20 RATHER QUICKLY AND THEN FORGET ABOUT GOING UP A HILL. I WAS ALSO GETTING 8-10 MPG. A COUPLE WEEKS LATER I NOTICED EVEN ON LEVEL CITY STREETS THE LOSS OF POWER. CAR WAS DIAGNOSED AS CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND WITH CALIFORNIA EMISSION REGULATIONS THE COST OF PARTS AND LABOR WAS $ 1,600.00. A YEAR LATER, I NOTICED SOME LOSS OF POWER AND INCREASED FUEL CONSUMPTION. CAR WAS DIAGNOSED TO NEED CAT CONVERTER REPLACED AGAIN AND PAID ANOTHER $ 1,600.00. ALSO WAS DIAGNOSED THAT REAR MOUNTS NEEDED REPLACEMENT AND WAS WONDERING IF THIS WAS NORMAL. VERY BOUNCY RIDE. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 9, 2014115,000 milesAL

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, I HAD LOST MY BRAKES, TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND THE BRAKES LINE ON THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BROKE, THIS HAPPENED IN SEPTEMBER 2013, AND THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE LINE BROKE AGAIN IN DECEMBER 2013. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR BRAKES, MAYBE NEXT TIME I'LL BE TRAVELING THE INTERSTATE AND REALIZE I HAVE NO BRAKES WHEN I NEED TO APPLY THEM. *TR

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Mar 30, 2014135,009 milesTN

THE WINDOWS DO NOT WORK AND THIS PROBLEM KEEPS HAPPENING EVEN AFTER IT WAS FIXED, IT WASN'T THE MOTOR, SWITCHES OR ANYTHING ELSE, THE WIRING IS BAD SOMEWHERE AND IT WENT BACK OUT AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. I HOPE THIS IS A RECALL SO SOMETHING CAN GET DONE AND STAY DONE. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 13, 2014AL

IS THEIR A RECALL ON ANYTHING ON MY VEHICLE? *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 30, 2013158,252 milesAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS AS 2004 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AS THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE DRIVER SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING BUT THE ENGINE RPMS CONTINUED TO FLUCTUATE RAPIDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,252.

Suspension
Filed Sep 25, 2013WI

THERE ARE TWO RECALLS ON THE SAME MODEL/YEAR OF MY CAR (10E0959000 AND 09E056000). IN AUGUST, 2013 AN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRMAN TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE IS THAT THE CAR NEEDS A FRONT CONTROL ARM AND LOWER BALL JOINT. THIS IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE TWO RECALLS. BUT I WAS TOLD BY A DODGE DEALER THAT MY VIN # DOES NOT HAVE ANY RECALLS. HOW IS IT DETERMINED THAT ONLY SOME VEHICLES ARE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND NOT OTHERS? IT IS TOO MUCH OF A COINCIDENCE THAT MY VEHICLE HAS THE EXACT SAME MALFUNCTIONS AS IN THE TWO RECALLS. HOW DO I GET MY VIN # ADDED TO THE RECALL LIST?

Suspension
Filed Sep 4, 2013100,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, SHE HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE BALL JOINTS HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 30, 201370,000 milesAL

I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE CAM SHAFT ROTATION SENSOR 4X, THE CAR BREAKS DOWN WHEN IT FAILS. ALSO, THE RELAY WIRES CONSTANTLY COME LOOSE. *TR

EngineCrash
Filed Mar 6, 2013AL

CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY ABOUT 1 DAY. AS I STARTED THE CAR I HEARD A BIG BANG, AND THE ENGINE SEIZED UP. CAR WILL NOT TURN OVER. NO WARNINGS OR ANYTHING TO INDICATE SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE. I DECIDED TO LOOK UNDER THE HOOD, AND I PULLED OUT THE DIPSTICK AND SPOTTED A DARK MILKY SUBSTANCE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR ABOUT 3YRS. AGO, AND KEPT THE MAINTENANCE UP ON THE CAR. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Feb 22, 2013154,625 milesGA

VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE AT A STOP OR COMING TO A STOP, TOOK TO DEALER IN 2009 DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG BUT HAS DONE THIS EVER SINCE. TODAY IT ACTUALLY ACCELERATED HARDER WILE AT A COMPLETE STOP MAKING ME HIT A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME NO DAMAGE. *TR

Suspension
Filed Oct 23, 201285,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE GRINDING SOUND PROGRESSED OVER TIME AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINTS, OUTER TIE RODS AND THE STABILIZER BAR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09E056000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Suspension
Filed Oct 8, 201280,000 milesTX

DRIVING OVER A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE CAR REAR SUSPENSION MADE A CLANGING NOISE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER TOP MOUNT IS BROKEN, AND THE SHOCK IS LOOSE AND RATTLING, NOT PERFORMING ITS FUNCTION TO STABILIZER THE VEHICLE OVER STANDARD ROAD CONDITIONS. LOSS OF SUSPENSION DURING BRAKING MANEUVER ON WET ROADS COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT FROM LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *TR

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Aug 23, 2012129,565 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE, CAUSING HER TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A LOCAL POLICE OFFICER WHO STATED THAT THERE APPEARED TO BE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LINE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A MECHANIC OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 129,565.

Suspension
Filed Jul 30, 2012120 milesNY

HEARD A POP, PULLED OVER AND THE TIRES ARE IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAY NO RECALLS ON THIS VIN, HOWEVER, THE PARTS IT SEEMS WERE RECALLED FOR OTHER VIN NUMBERS ON THIS VEHICLE. SPECIFICALLY RECALL ID 79805 AND RECALL ID 86458. *TR

Engine
Filed Jul 26, 2012118,127 milesWA

I WAS DRIVING HOME AND FELT A MISS IN THE ENGINE, PLACED IN NEUTRAL TO SEE IF IT WAS JUST A BUMP OR IMAGINATION. I WATCHED THE ENGINE RPMS DROP TO ZERO. SOMEHOW THE VEHICLE STARTED BACK UP AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP IN TIME ONLY TO HAVE TO THROW IT IN NEUTRAL AGAIN AND DRIVE TWO FOOTED ALL THE WAY HOME BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS TRYING TO DIE. SO, I DROVE MY TRUCK TO WORK FOR THE NEXT WEEK AND THEN SATURDAY CAME AROUND AND I FIRED THE CAR UP NOTHING APPEARED OR SOUNDED UNUSUAL. I LET IT IDLE FOR ABOUT 5 MIN. BACKED UP AND OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY AND AT THE SECOND STOP SIGN I HUNG A RIGHT AND HEARD A "POP" NOISE FOLLOWED BY A CARD IN BIKE SPOKE SOUND FROM THE ENGINE, I OPENED THE HOOD, AGAIN NO DAMAGE ....THE VALVE COVER CLOSEST TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE HAD 2 CRACKS IN IT! IT WAS OOZING OUT OIL. SO AS IT TURNS OUT THOUGH I GOT REALLY LUCKY, I BENT 2 VALVES ON #3 PISTON, ALSO DID COMPRESSION LEAK DOWN TEST ON ALL OTHER CYLINDERS THEY WERE FINE. (IF YOUR CHAIN SNAPPED IT IS A VERY EASY AND FAST TEST TO DETERMINE IF YOUR MOTOR IS JUNK OR NOT AND SHOULD NOT COST YOU MUCH AT ALL) DEALERSHIPS WANTED OVER 6K FOR LONG BLOCK, THE CAR ISN'T WORTH THAT MUCH! AUTO PARTS STORES WANTED OVER 400 BUCKS FOR TIMING SET ONLY. I FOUND THE TIMING CHAIN SET, OIL PUMP, AND WATER PUMP ON LINE FOR HALF THE COST OF THE TIMING CHAIN SET ALONE. GOOD BRAND NAMES TOO! UPON REMOVING THE TIMING COVER AND HEADS FROM THE ENGINE I FOUND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, THE WATER PUMP BEARINGS SEIZED, AND BECAUSE THAT WATER PU

Structure
Filed Apr 24, 2012TX

04/20/2012 DROVE OUT OF DRIVE WAY DOWN HEADING DOWN THE STREET TO STOP SIGN *(CUL-DE-SAC) HEARD SOMETHING LIKE A BANG...DROVE BACK IN TO DRIVE WAY. OPEN HOOD...FOUND AN OPEN GAP ON LEFT SIDE OF COVER SHOWING TIME CHAIN EXPOSED...HAD A MECHANIC LOOK OVER CAR, WHILE HE WAS CHECKING UNDER THE ENGINE , RELEASING A FEW BOLTS TO REPAIR SAW TIMING CHAIN GUIDE HAD BROKEN OFF CAUSING TIME CHAIN SHIFT AND GO OUT OF POSITION CAUSING THE COVER TO BUST OPEN...I WAS TOLD VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. DUE TO THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDE . PURCHASED IN DECEMBER 2011 FAILED COMPONENTS TIMING CHAIN AND TIMING CHAIN GUIDE AND PULLEY. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 7, 2012NJ

CAR IS MAKING CRUNCHING SOUNDS IN REAR. BROUGHT INTO THE DEALERSHIP ON ROUTE 38, LUMBERTON NJ 08060 AND WAS TOLD IT'S THE REAR SUSPENSION/STRUTS ETC AND WOULD COST $1100.00 TO FIX. MY SISTER HAS THE SAME CAR, SAME YEAR AND HERS BROKE LAST YEAR. I THEN LOOKED ONLINE AND SAW THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THE PARTS THAT WERE PUT ONTO CAR DURING ASSEMBLY LINE WERE LIKE PLASTIC AND THEY CRUMBLE AND CAUSE THE WHOLE REAR TO FALL, CAUSE ACCIDENTS, CAUSE TIRES TO FLY OFF THE CAR AND DEATHS. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL IMMEDIATELY. MY MOM IS VERY ANGRY. SHE PAID FOR BOTH CARS AND WONT BUY ANOTHER AMERICAN MADE CAR AGAIN UNLESS THEY RECALL THIS ISSUE. SHE CALLED DODGE HEADQUARTERS 800 NUMBER AND SPOKE TO [XXX] AND HE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO. PLEASE DO SOMETHING. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Structure
Filed Aug 25, 201153,000 milesCA

HEARD AND FELT NOISE AND VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL. TOOK CAR IN FOR CHECK UP WAS TOLD MOTOR MOUNTS (4) WERE NEEDED. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Aug 8, 2011103,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN TRAFFIC AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. AS A RESLUT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY SUFFERED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED REGARDING THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SUSTAINED FRONT END DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FIVE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. UPDATED10/13/11 *BF UPDATED 11/02/11

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 11, 201142,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD. IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP SHE HAD TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES AS HARD AS SHE COULD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE BRAKES, ROTORS, AND CALIPERS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000.

Suspension
Filed Jun 22, 2011113,349 milesMI

MOUNTING BRACKET ON REAR STRUTS BROKE

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 18, 201156,262 milesCA

OUR 2004 DODGE STRATUS ENGINE SEIZED UP COMPLETELY AND WITHOUT WARNING IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME WITH OUR CHILDREN. THIS CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.7L V6 ENGINE WHICH ONLY NOW HAVE WE BECOME AWARE OF THE LONG HISTORY OF THIS CATASTROPHIC TYPE OF FAILURE. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW AND HAVE TAKEN METICULOUS CARE WITH MAINTENANCE AS NOTED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER AT OUR DEALERSHIP. NONE THE LESS, NOW I AM EXPECTED TO SPEND $6,700 TO REPLACE A MOTOR THAT WAS CLEARLY DEFECTED IN DESIGN. *TR

Steering
Filed Jun 9, 201170,000 milesLA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AROUND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT OF A RECALL THAT WAS NOT RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Suspension › Rear
Filed Dec 26, 201088,000 milesNY

HAVE A 2004 DODGE STRATUS AND UPPER LEFT REAR STRUT MOUNT HAS BROKEN. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE BUYING THE CAR NEW. *TR

Suspension › Rear
Filed Aug 22, 2010101,000 milesOH

MY 2004 DODGE STRATUS HAS DEFECTIVE PARTS. THE ALUMINUM REAR STRUT UPPER MOUNT BRACKETS CORRODED SO BAD THEFT FELL APART IN 4 PIECES AND CORROSION DUST . THESE BRACKETS ARE OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE TO FALL APART LIKE THIS ON A VEHICLE ONLY 6 YEARS OLD. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR DODGE TO REPLACE THESE PARTS OR PAY FOR THE PARTS ALREADY REPLACED. I NEED THE CAR. I CAN'T WAIT FOR A RECALL. I WILL KEEP THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jul 14, 2010119,376 milesIL

I PURCHASED A 04 DODGE STRATUS WITH A 2.7 ENGINE AND NEED TO REPLACE THE WATER PUMP, WHICH IS EXPENSIVE. IT HAS 100,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE READ THE COMPLAINTS WITH THIS ENGINE AND AM SCARED TO FIX ANYTHING. THIS SLUDGE PROBLEM I READ ABOUT COULD BE NEXT FOR US. AND FROM WHAT I READ WILL BE. I PURCHASED IT FOR MY SON AND NEVER HERD OF THESE PROBLEMS UNTIL NOW. HE HAS HAD IT FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS AND NOW THIS. WE HAVE HARDSHIPS JUST LIKE ANY OTHER FAMILY AND FIXING MINOR PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLES ARE BAD ENOUGH. THE FIX FOR THIS IS ABOUT 1000.00 WILL THE SLUDGE BE NEXT? I WOULD LIKE TO BE APART OF ANY LAW SUIT. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash4 injured
Filed May 25, 2010150,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND PLACED IT INTO DRIVE. THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AND THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED TO SPEEDS OF 40 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, BUT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CONSUMER HIT TWO PEDESTRIANS AS WELL AS ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED ACCELERATING AND THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. HE CONTINUED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE OVER A CURB. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE CURB AND THE VEHICLE THEN ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE AMBULANCE AND POLICE ARRIVED AT THE SCENE. TWO PEDESTRIANS, THE CONTACT AND THE PASSENGER IN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER EIGHT TIMES PRIOR TO THE FAILURE WITH CONCERNS OF HIGHER THAN NORMAL ENGINE RPMS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE EACH TIME AND ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 150,000. UPDATED 11/03/10. *LJ UPDATED 11/16/11*LJ UPDATED 11/18/11

Complaints 1-50 of 144, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1996
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20072010Routine
200674330Routine
200562620Routine
2004 — this page144710Routine
200375600Routine
2002150640Routine
20011861421Fatalities reported
20002169640High concern
19992517592Fatalities reported
19982727170Above average
19973497320High concern
199655411361Fatalities reported
199531811130Above average
19921000Routine

Compare every Stratus year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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: Jun 2, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.