Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Dodge Stratus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked in a parking lot, flames erupted from under the hood without warning. The fire department was alerted and extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. There was moderate fire damage to the under hood area. The police were not alerted. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership who determined the fire originated from the power steering hose. There was a NHTSA recall, # 06V001000, regarding the steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The manufacturer was alerted.
Took my car to get the power steering fixed after it stopped working. The repair shop called me and told me the car's engine had caught on fire and that they were not liable. I retrieved the vehicle and have since had to repair all of the electronics, hoses, hood, and paint in the engine compartment area.
Numerous failures-since I bought this "95 Dodge Stratus with only 30,000 miles. 1) engine making a knocking noise-I took car to the Dodge dealership-buchanan & young in burnsville, nc and had a new head gasket put on. 2) I replaced the battery because the car wouldn't start. I also replaced the battery cables, so the car would start, but this did not solve the problem. I replaced the starter to try to get the car to start. I still often have to get out and peck on the starter with a screwdriver to get it to start---even after I had a new starter put on. Date: 8-10-05 3) wheel broke off/car not drivable-parts to fix problem & mechanic's bill 4) had to replace flywheel 5) had to replace steering components I have spent approximately $2,000 to get this car with very low miles on it to start.
First incident involved loss of steering control on a right turn. Steering wheel locked and I had to brake hard. Second incident was again a right hand turn in an intersection, the wheels locked and though I was turning right the car went straight towards oncoming traffic. Braked hard, lucky car behind me swerved. There is steering related safety recall on 95 Stratus, but dealer says my car is not covered and wants me to pay over 600 $ for repairs. Chrysler customer service is rude and callous, refused to acknowledge steering failure as a serious problem.
Dodge has several items wrong with there front ends.never telling the public.my Dodge has steering noise from day one.Dodge has 29 items in there sys.19 computor ,ihave the top 5 items wrong with my Dodge.no dealer around me have ever replaced a return line from the steering cooler,this line has very little psi. In it.when the said line lets go you lose all steering fluid and steering.Dodge will not help with this matter I must do this repair my self,about 8hrs. Labor and $17.00 in parts.
Consumer was driving 55-65mph, approximately 5 hours of driving from point a to point b and back to point a, steering became impossible. Vehicle was taken to bridge port auto, and had both broken tie rod ends replaced. Tie rods were factory packaged, and there was no way to grease them. Tires were also ruined due to tie rod end breakage.
Passenger side tie rod separated . Wheels "crosseyed" as entering m24 in oxford mi. Towed to moto-medic auto in lake orion mi where new mopar tie rod was installed. Next day took car to victor george chryslerin grand blanc mi for inspection of opposite
Dodge has recalled 1999-2000 Stratus because power steering fluid is leaking on back of engine in 2.4 liter cars. Fire hazard. We have a 1995 same motor same problem since the car hasn't been recalled its not Dodge's problem.
Because of a bad control module the vehicle downshifted into second while traveling at 70 MPH. On the highway this caused engine to jerk, and the RPM go revving. Also caused loss power steering. Dealer has been contacted.
We brought the car back to dealer several times with no satisfaction. When we finally realized what the problem was the warrantee was over. I will never ever buy a car from Saturn again, new or used.
NHTSA investigations
Steering column separation
Mr. Larry a. Sackey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) by letter dated April 18, 2003, requesting that nhtsafurther investigate the defective collapsible steering shaft system on 1987-1995 vehicles manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corporation.in part because of 49 cfr ? 30120(g), NHTSA has decided to limit the scope of the petition vehicles to 1993-1995 models,…
Steering complaints in other Stratus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1995 Dodge Stratus?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the steering of the 1995 Dodge Stratus, 7% of the model year's 318 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Dodge Stratus steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1995 Dodge Stratus, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Dodge Stratus steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 114,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.