Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Dodge Stratus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The ABS and the braking system quit working I got on the freeway and I had breaks by the time I got three off ramps later to get off the freeway I had no brakes they didn't work in the pedal went all the way to the floor causing and accident
When the brakes were applied vehicle did not stop, resulting in a collision. Prior to the collision the brakes failed, and consumer jumped a curb, consumer turned the vehicle off, and that stopped the vehicle. The vehicle airbag did not deploy. As a result of the collision the vehicle was declared a total wreck by met life insurance company.
I started the car, placed my foot on the brake and it went to the floor. I exited the vehicle and found a large pool of fluid on the right front of the car. ABS and brake light came on. Master cylinder was near empty. I had the car towed to my local mechanic and he found that all the brake lines (6?) were leaking at the ABS pump. This is the car my wife drives. My wife! I am anal with regard to my vehicles condition and maintenance. To have a failure like this on a what is supposed to be a "quality American made vehicle" is absurd and totally unacceptable! My brothers 1999 Honda, my step son's 1991 Nissan stanza (recently sold) a 1993 Geo prizm (I.e. Toyota corolla!!!) recently sold had zero rust on any brake fitting, brake line or fuel line. I had no brake issues previously.
Brakes, outer tie rod, brake calipers, engine oil inner seal. Brake pads, since I have owned this car I have replaced the brake pads 20 times every 3 months and the brake caliber on the right rear this will make the 9th time I am running out of money on this car the front brakes and hubs have been replaced several times have all my receipts and can prove the work that has been done on my car cost of oil leak repair was over $800.00 dollars and guess what I will have the car paid for this month and I am still working on the wheels and brakes I need some help with this car and the dealership I purchased the car from will not respond to my questions about the brakes, and the engine problems I am having.
70 degrees, dry level road surface, slight curve in road to left. Frontal impact at 40mph into side of second vehicle that ran stop sign. Pressed brake pedal with both feet at maximum force. Brake pedal went to floor and car did not slow or stop resulting in impact. Normaly, ABS activates at the slightest sign of road irregularity. ABS sounds not heard during entire incident. ABS pulsing sensation in brake pedal not felt during entire incident. Also, front driver and front passenger airbags did not deploy.
Dt: the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Stratus. There were two fires that originated in the right rear wheel. The contact stated the dealership did some work on the vehicle, and when he got the vehicle back he had the same problem. The fires were due to a malfunction in the anti-lock braking system. The fires occurred while the vehicle was in motion. The first fire was on July 2005, and the second occurred on August 2005.
1st brake failure, 15,000 miles, second at 40,000 miles. Engineering defect, not enough surface area to compensate for cab forward design. Many of your complaints about anti-lock brakes have nothing to do with the hydraulics. Lets get this recalled before some one gets killed. **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over artemis**725472
The first day that consumer took vehicle home he experienced brake failure. Consumer was backing up and the brakes failed to stop vehicle. A second time, consumer was driving approximately 25 MPH when a truck stopped in front of vehicle. When driver applied brakes there were none, she rear ended the truck .
Safety defect in 1998 on several occasions extended stopping distance was experienced resulting in an accident. The consumer admits that she May have hit the gas instead of the brake while attempting to stop for a red light. Campaign id number : 99V244000
Whenever brakes are applied, they would make loud squealing noises. They would let go while being pressed. Rearended another vehicle when the brakes failed to work properly at 60 MPH. At time of impact, the air bags did not deploy.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The right rear brake tube can contact the exhaust system clamp and wear a hole in it.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake tubes for visible evidence of contact with the exhaust system clamp. If the tube shows evidence of contact, it will be replaced.
Brake complaints in other Stratus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Dodge Stratus?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Dodge Stratus, 16% of the model year's 272 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Stratus brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-244 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Sep 15, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Dodge Stratus brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 1 fire and 7 injuries to brakes 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.