Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 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. …
Driving at 35 MPH and stopping at a light a loud noise (clunk) was heard from the transmission area. "check engine" light eliminated. Returned to residence and vehicle would not shift out of first gear. Vehicle towed to dealer. Dealer informed me that one of the speed sensors had failed. Dealer recommended that both input and output speed sensors be replaced, drop transmission pan for inspection, and perform transmission flush. Authorized the repair. Contacted Chrysler corp to inquire about power train warranty. Was advised that the speed sensor was not part of the power train and the vehicle only had a 3yr/36,000 warranty on the power train. Believe this is incorrect due to warranty book received with vehicle indicates that the power train module is 7yr/70,000. Investigating further. …
At any given time, one of my three brake lights is not working. There does not seem to be any reason as the same light that was previously not working will work while a different one will be out without any work being done on the car to try to remedy the problem. Some times, only one light is working or none of them are working. This is an ongoing problem. In addition, the transmission leaks fluid on a regular basis. I have had my personal mechanic to refill the transmission at least twice after less than 3,000 miles and had hoses checked to make sure there were no apparent leaks. None were found. The last time the transmission was filled was at the end of May and it is jerking really hard again after it was refilled less than two months ago. That does not appear normal to me.
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.
Starting March I had problems with turning the wheel and I took car to get oil and ask mechanic to check power steering fluid. Im told it is full and that they do not why I have turn the wheel as if I have no power steering. Each month I get someone check power steering and told it is full. I have to turn thee opposite way when getting out of a park. Sometimes I back in park in order to get out. Then I start having problems with car making noise and car sound wheel going to break. Electrical problems..I have no horn,inside lights, air and radio due to I took fuse out because horn blowing, lights and locks going up and down.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Dodge Stratus. While driving 40 MPH, the contact was notified that oil was leaking from her vehicle. She took the vehicle to the mechanic and he stated that there was a leak in the hose. When the mechanic took the transmission apart, he noticed that the case was cracked. The contact stated that this should not have happened to her vehicle. The current mileage was 36,915 and failure mileage was 36,907.
2000 Dodge Stratus, had a leakage in the fuel line, in June 2009 and had it repaired, than transmission was going out, needed a new engine, car wouldn't go past 50mph without jerking and still was a gas-hogger, cost more to fix the car so had to have it salvaged couldn't afford the repairs, and my friend also had a Dodge Stratus same year and had the same problem I did and she also had to salvaged her car.
Dt*: the contact stated the transmission failed while traveling 55 MPH on the interstate. The vehicle was towed to the service dealer who determined that the transmission had been rebuilt in the past and was no longer under warranty. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for repairs.
Vehicle transmission failed without warning while driving. Without warning the transmission made a noise and then failed. Transmission fluid leaked onto the ground. The consumer was told that the differential pin had broke and put a large hole in the side of the transmission.
Transmission complaints in other Stratus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Dodge Stratus?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Dodge Stratus, 10% of the model year's 216 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Dodge Stratus transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2000 Dodge Stratus, though it has 5 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 2000 Dodge Stratus transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.