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 1996 Dodge Stratus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the front drivers side tire separated from the vehicle, struck the curve and traveled into traffic. The vehicle was later towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and advised her that the lower ball joints separated from the socket. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised her that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 09e056000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). The failure and current mileages were approximately 116,000. Updated 02/28/13 the lower ball joint and axle were replaced.
While driving forward at about 25-30 MPH, the steering locked to the right, right side fell down and pulled car severely to the right. There was no steering, no control. Air bags deployed, pulled car up a curb into a fire hydrant then another 25 feet into a pole. Car is a total loss. The front end parts are all in tact, only the lower control arm is cracked which caused the wheel to turn completely to the right. Everything was inspected on vehicle and there is not any other explanation or evidence prior to the curb than the lower control arm. The car lost control causing further damage.
When driving over a bump, I noticed a noise from the rear of the car. I inspected the area and found that the bracket which secures the trailing arm link had disintegrated from rust. The trailing arm link was "floating" at the frame end. It serves to provide stability for the entire rear suspension. I replaced the brackets on both sides (left and right) as the other side was also near failure. The rest of the frame and undercarriage are nearly rust free. The failed and nearly failed parts are available.
Dt: the consumer complained about front lower control arm failure on 1996 Dodge Stratus. The front wheels locked up. The consumer took the car to the mechanic and the mechanic referred the consumer to the dealership. The dealership said that the car was repaired. The consumer stated that the car made noises when the brake were applied, and in reverse it popped. The consumer was taking the car back to mechanic for diagnosis. The consumer has not been in contact with Chrysler as of now.
My 1996 Dodge Stratus has 37,000 miles. In February 2002 I took it to sears for an oil change. Also asking them to see where oil was leaking (noticed oil on concrete in garage). They said valve cover gasket so I got that fixed for about $72.00 all along thinking that there were not that many miles driven. And to bad the warranty had just expired. I think it was 5 years or 25,000 miles. Within the next 2 months oil was leaking again. Took it in and end up paying $702.00 because the head gasket was bad. The mechanic showed it to me and jokingly said isn't it funny how this can be so cheap that it almost was deteriorated and the warranty 5yrs is up. Even though I had not drove 25,000 miles yet. Well the final blow , on oct 10,2002 I kept hearing a clunk when I made left or right turn. Took it to the rhoden Dodge. …
Car had been taken in last year at van andel dealership in grand rapids michigan for recall work. The left front tire has had a knock or creek in it for about a year to year and a half. I had asked them about this when the car was being fixed for recall work. They told me there was nothing wrong with it. Yesterday my wife and children went to go to the store. They stopped at an intersection and proceeded to go when the car kept going straight instead of turning. There was no warning of a problem until this happened except for the creeking. K and m northfield dodoge of grand rapids called me today with the estimate of thecar. They told me the car has a broken tie rod. The car is only 4 years old with about 55000 miles on it. He said it was nmot uncommon due to the cab-0forward design puts too much stress on the tie rods. I am concerned someone could die in an accident. …
Ltr fm jovan mathews (tx) re problems with his 1996 Dodge Stratus and asking daimler Chrysler to initiate a recall. The A/C leaked, electric circuits malfunctioned, transmission problems, premature brake wear, head gasket, and poor drive ability. The consumer had replaced the timing belt, hydraulic tensioner, water pump, alternator, alternator belt, rotors, brake shoes, rear wheel cylinders, pcv valve, dryer, A/C compressor, tires, all filters, and fluids. The vehicle was in need of an exhaust manifold, windshield, struts, shocks, steering wheel, and a head gasket. …
2nd request fax FWD email fm behalf of [redacted] (tx) re numerous defects on a 1996 Dodge Stratus (VIN#[redacted]). The A/C leaked, electrical circuits malfunctioned, transmission problems, premature brake wear, head gasket problems, and poor driveability. There was steering oscillation when driven above 50 MPH, rough ride when there was an irregular surface, erratic idle, performance loss, overheating in traffic and or the A/C would become inoperative, warm-up sag, hesitation/die out, rear grid defogger indicator light malfunctioned, inside lights worked improperly, erratic late harsh transmission shifts, frequent rumble or gear noise from the front between 50 and 70 MPH, musty odor and defogger failed to clear the glass. The vehicle was also in need of an exhaust manifold and struts.
As of now, we have had to replace all four wheel bearings. Both front bearings were replaced at approx. 51,000 miles; the right rear bearing was replaced at 64,200 miles; the left rear bearing was just replaced at approx. 67,800 miles. Today, we brought the car back in to the dealer with what we suspect is a problem with the right rear bearing again. It is unusual for a car to need one wheel bearing replaced, never mind all four. We feel that these repeated problems are due to a manufacturer defect and that as such, the manufacturer should be responsible for the replacement of the parts. Any info and/or help you can give us would be greatly appreciated.
Backing out of my driveway when I put the car in gear the front left tie-rod end broke. The car is serviced & maintained through Dodge. It only had 43,875 miles on it. No grease fittings on these tie-rod ends, so they cannot be serviced. The dealer claims this is a lifetime part that needs no servicing. I took an exteneded warranty which expired 3 months previous to the incident. Due to time not milage. This vehicle is garage kept and has low miles for year. Dodge said they would pay half the bill but I think the whole bill should be paid (tow, rental, & rim) could someone please advise me on this situation.
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
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 1996 Dodge Stratus?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Dodge Stratus, 6% of the model year's 554 complaints. The component named most often is front (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 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 1996 Dodge Stratus suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 132,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.