Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 74 | −72% | — | Suspension | Good |
| 2005 | 65 | −78% | 3 | Engine | Good |
| 2004 | 148 | −38% | 3 | Suspension | Average |
| 2003 | 91 | −63% | 2 | Airbag | Good |
| 2002 | 163 | −27% | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 2001 | 218 | typical | 10 | Engine | Average |
| 2000 | 216 | typical | 5 | Steering | Average |
| 1999 | 251 | 1.2× | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 1998 | 272 | 1.4× | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 1997 | 349 | 1.8× | 4 | Engine | Caution |
| 1996 | 554 | 2.9× | 7 | Engine | Avoid |
| 1995 | 318 | 1.6× | 7 | Engine | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median Stratus year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Dodge Stratus problems
Latest Dodge Stratus recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus vehicles, equipped with beige interiors. The affected vehicles were previously repaired for a recall issue using an incorrect part.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify the affected owners. Dealers will install the correct tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
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…
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.
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines, the high pressure power steering hose May prematurely heat age and develop a leak.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the high pressure power steering hose free of charge. The the recall began on April 10, 2006. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
On certain sedans and convertible model vehicles, the right steering knuckle May have been damaged during the component manufacturing process.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the right steering knuckle. The recall began on December 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Seat belts › Rear/other
On certain sedans, the left and right rear outboard retractor and turning loop bolts on the seat belts May not have been properly tightened.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the affected fasteners. The recall began on November 15, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Dodge Stratus should you avoid?
1996, 1997 and 1995 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Stratus years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 1996.
What is the best year for the Dodge Stratus?
2005 has the fewest complaints compared with other Stratus years at the same age, followed by 2006 and 2003. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Dodge Stratus problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (994), brakes (339) and transmission & drivetrain (300). Engine complaints peak in the 1996 model year.
How many recalls has the Dodge Stratus had?
27 recalls across 1995–2006. The model year with the most is 2001. See all Dodge Stratus recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.