Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
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.
While driving, lower ball joint broke, dropped down, damaged wheel/lower control arm and ball joint, caused fire in left front brake caliper; according to dealer, all parts need replacing, including brake pads. Vehicle available for inspection.
The front end started to squeak going over bumps as the suspension moved. The car was taken into a private mechanic who told me the right ball joint/lower control arm was failing and there was a recall for this problem, recall #750. I was referred to daimerchrysler's toll free number. I called them on 02-17-2000 and 02-18-2000. Both times their representitive told me my car didn't fall under the recall because the VIN number didn't match the numbers in the recall. I told them normal wear and tear doesn't cause ball joint problems until well into the 100,000 mile range. I also told them of the cars low mileage and they still refused to repair. Daimerchrysler's file number is 6833820. This problem is a safety hazard, the year, make, model of my car falls under the recall and Chrysler refuses to fix this problem.
When driving there is a noise in the rear end (a thumping noise) . Possible suspension rleated. Consumer also states the transmission whines loudly, especially when upshifting, and whistles at high speeds, the rear view mirror is too low on the windshield that it obstructs consumer's view of oncoming cars when making a left turn, also coin holder is obstructed by the emergency brake that most of the time consumer is unable to extract coins, consumer states windshields are veyr susceptible to srcatches from dirt and sand blown ip from the road or trucks that it sometimes makes it more difficult to see when driving towards the sun.
Consumer states that the correct struts for vehicle are no longer available. Consumer states over time the front end May fall. The consumer stated that the struts available were unsatisfactory since it is known to causes unnecessary wear to front end parts resulting in misalignment of the vehicle.
Front left lower ball joint started making noise, the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer request repair under recall 97v-201, the dealer refused no-cost repair stating that the ball joint passed all their test so they did not have to replace it under recall, consumer request reimbursement. Nlm
Took vehicle in for recall repair of lower control arm. All the mechanic did was to open the hood and look up/under it, and said the the vehicle was fine. The vehicle still has suspension -lower control arm problems (97v-201).
While driving rear ball joints are coming out of their sockets, causing the tire to wobble and almost losing control of the vehicle. Dealer replaced control arm and ball joints. The right rear ball joint needs to be changed also.
Dt: while the consumer was driving heard a knocking noise. She took vehicle to a mechanic, they told her that the lower ball joint was broken. No repairs were done made as of yet. The vehicle is not safe to drive.
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.
Related recalls
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication.
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.
NHTSA investigations
Lower control arm ball joint failure
The manufacturer identifed vehicle owner complaints of the subject ball joint failures as tabulated above.in addition, a total of 72 warranty reports were identified for replacement of broken or cracked ball joint assemblies in the subject vehicles.Chrysler also reported that 1996 and 1997 models are equipped with identical ball joint assemblies as the subject 1995 model year vehicles.a partial response to NHTSA's…
Lower control arm ball joint failure
By letter dated November 6, 1997, the manufacturer advised this agency of its decision to initiate a safety recall campaign of the subject vehicles to correct the defect identified in this ea.the recall will also cover 1996 and 1997 Chrysler cirrus/Dodge stratus vehicles, as well as 1995 through 1997 Chrysler sebring convertible and Plymouth breeze vehicles equipped with identical lower control arm ball joints.an…
Suspension complaints in other Stratus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1995 Dodge Stratus?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the suspension of the 1995 Dodge Stratus, 8% of the model year's 318 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm › lower ball joint (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Dodge Stratus suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 97V-201 (lower ball joint, Nov 13, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1995 Dodge Stratus suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 31,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to suspension 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.