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 2000 Dodge Stratus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have had this car since oct. Of 2000 and about four months later, I was in an auto accident that was the other vehicle's fault. Ever since then my brakes have not worked properly I have taken it to the dealer 4-5 times for vehicle failure to not stop in enough time and pulsating. The first two times I took it to the dealer they claimed the couldn't find anything even with a test drive. The third time they claimed my brakes were bad and replaced the brakes and not the rotors. After that the pulsating was not as noticeable for a few weeks then it was back to the way it was before. I had the dealer check them one or two more times and again they said nothing was wrong. Shortly after that I had a small fender bender due to brakes not stopping my vehicle properly. …
I have my automobile routinely maintained, every 6-8 months, (oil, tune up,...)oil sludge baking in engine block-cylinder at 50,000 and again 114000. Corrosion build up & gunk in cylinder block, coils & spark plug corrosion causing bad-strong order in automobile and sputtering, poor emission. Transmission slips from time to time at 25,000 and now again at 114000, with leaks which we can smell very strong in automobile. Excessive brake lockage while attempting to break in normal-average speed of 25 miles. Constantly having to have the breaks repair although I have life warranty on breaks. Repairer states its the automobile. Safety belt does not always latch properly and has unlatched all by itself while im driving with my son, (6 yrs old). Drivers belt also unlatches from time to time. While driving I notice the car tens to sway to the right. …
After an abrupt stop, the brake pedal went to the floor and braking ability was severely impaired. I went home immediately fearing for my safety. After an inspection under the vehicle, I noticed that a large amount of brake fluid in my driveway. Looking more closely I found the leak in the brake line. It appears that the parking brake cable had worn a spot on the left rear brake line. This combined with corrosion had caused the line to rupture. It looks as if the factory was concerned because there was a soft 3" piece of foam rubber tubing over the parking brake cable where it contacted the hydraulic line. This foam rubber May have actually contributed to the corrosion by trapping water between it and the steel brake line. Judging by the amount of rust stuck to the foam rubber I would say this is a fair assessment. Chrysler dealers and the main office offered no recourse. …
I had my brakes replaced at 23000 miles and every 3 months since. They are only wearing on the driver's side the worst but wear on both sides. The dealer stated it was because they were metallic. The brakes are extremely noisy with squealing and grinding sounds. I have had them replaced and have spend over 3000 dollar since I have owned the car and I am the original owner. Also the left child lock is not working and therefore causes the door to only be opened from the outside. The handle when pulled from the inside has no resistance and this has been checked and everything is in tact. The problem has not been solved or fixed and I cannot afford the replacement part for the child lock.
I purchased a 200 Dodge Stratus es in jan 2001 from a Toyota of new orleans dealer. After purchase, I started having recurring problem with the vehicle. Brakes,heating system replaced,brake drums. At this moment something called sway link bars have gone bad on the car. I had a accident in April 2002 but according to the Dodge dealer in gretna louisiana the accident had nothing to do with the problem I've had or having with the car. I notified the Chrysler company of my problem and was told that this car was not on the recall list. It should be. I'm having continuous problem with the brakes as swell. This does not make sense being that the vehicle is of a new model.
While driving 65 MPH, the driver applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. A loud squeaking noise was heard coming from the driver's side wheel. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic replaced both rotors and other brake parts. The tie rods failed.
After being in an accident head on there was not much damage to vehicle, soon after consumer got out of vehicle, it caught on fire. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything. Consumer stated ABS failed.
While stopping abruptly the brakes locked up and did not slow the vehicle causing consumer to rear end the vehicle in front of him, the air bags did not deploy, driver and occupants suffered head and neck injuries. Nlm
While driving at any speed brake pads wore out excessively. Dealer replaced the front pads and rotors twice. Also, tie rods were replaced twice . However, the problems recurred at this time.
About two weeks ago I was driving my car and when I went to let off of my brake pedal and I felt and heard a pop. I drove a little further and again stopped and when I let off the brake I heard and felt a grind and a louder pop that shook the car. It did this one more time before I got to were I had to go, and when I stopped my driver side rear tire was smoking and had an awful smell of burning rubber. Thank good I had someone close to area to stop and come help. I had no brake on that rear tire, it was metal to metal, the cylinder was so hot there were no rubber boot left on it and the hub had seized. I had no indication of any of this, no squealing or anything it was pretty sudden. The emergency brake cable was sticking on the driver side and had to be replaced. The spring on the emergency brake cable was flat. All the other brakes were fine still looked new. …
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles May have been built with an inadequate weld between the right front brake hose block and the stand-off bracket.
Remedy: Dealers will add a brake line bracket to the right front brake tube.
Brake complaints in other Stratus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Dodge Stratus?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Dodge Stratus, 14% of the model year's 216 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Dodge Stratus brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-196 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Jul 17, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Dodge Stratus brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 24,000 miles, and 67% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 9 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.