Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Dodge Stratus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
2001 Dodge Stratus. Loss of control. Resulting in 2 separate crashes. I did sustain injury in the last incident. I was trying to turn left into a parking lot, wheel turned only partially. I could not get it to move the correct direction, and I ran into a tall (15in.) curb. Sustained whiplash and a large knot on my head. The 1st incident was while trying to turn left and my car would not go that way. I ended up hitting yet another tall curb,due to loss of control. It May be worthy to note I have replaced the lower control arm on the drivers side, but am still getting periods of having a hard time turning my wheel. This occurs whether in motion or just starting my car and turning the wheel to leave . I also had to replace right side due to failure of the wheel to turn right as well. I actually was going about 30mph and barely made my turn, almost broadsiding a sitting vehicle. …
Tl*- the contact owns a 2000 Dodge Stratus that he believes should be involved in NHTSA recall 06V001000, concerning steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on the street it caught on fire beneath the hood. Everything underneath the hood melted, and the windshield cracked. The contact spoke with manufacturer about having the vehicle covered under the recall, but they stated that the fire was not caused by the same failure as the recall. The current mileage and failure mileage were 100,000. The contact can provide pictures if needed. Updated 03/30/07.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Stratus. The contact was driving 30 MPH when the steering wheel became loose, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle and crashed into a fence. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed of the incident. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified and advised that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 00V225002 (steering:gear box -other than rack and pinion). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 130,000.
I purchased a used 2001 Dodge Stratus in February 2003. The car had a total of 48702 miles. Within the first week, the car was taken back to the dealer for brake problems. The front brakes was missing some type of brakes clips. This was repaired by the dealership. Their was also a noise from the steering column. The dealership stated that their was no problem located and that it was just the tires rubbing the pavement when turning. Within 85 days, the car lost speed while driving and would not move. It took one hour to coast 2.5 miles to home. I later had the car towed to the dealership. They called the next day to tell us that we need a complete overhaul of the transmission and needed to replace the pump and converter. A cost of $2000. I have never had any problems with any other brand of used cars even with high mileage. This car was driven less than 90 days. …
I have a Dodge Stratus se sedan, 2001 model.. While turning left into a parking lot the steering wheel almost locked up, then something snapped and broke inside. I regain steering but my airbag light was on and remains on. The other controls on the steering wheel such as cruise control and the horn do not work.. I feel the cruise control not working, the wheel freezing up momentarily until you break the ribbon wire inside the clockspring both are safety hazards. The part that is defective is the clockspring.. It is available from the dealer only at a cost over $129.00.. It is very cheaply made and is essentially a ribbon wire wrapped around a plastic spool. It is capable of binding up and preventing the steering wheel to turn. One should be inspected and any engineer will agree it is very poorly designed. …
I have had my car for a little over 3 years now. First it was the passenger side ball joint. Then a year later it was the ball joint on the driver side plus the control arm. Then it was the brakes and rotors. Then right after that I find out the ball joint I had just replaced on the passenger side needs replaced again! Now my oil light comes on at idle after the engine has warmed up. Had the oil changed as always between 2000 and 3000 miles as I should. Had the oil sending unit replaced and still have a oil light on with a full engine of oil. Now my steering column just today made a cracking sound as I was backing up with the wheel turning to the left. Then the airbag light came on and wont go off. Now my steering is stiff. Talked to a mechanic and it is a safety issue.
Dt*: the contact stated the air bag light illuminated constantly, the cruise control was inoperable and there was a clicking in the steering column when the wheel is turned left or right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined a spring in the steering wheel needed to be replaced. Also, the contact stated there was a clicking noise in the front underside of the vehicle that has not yet been inspected by the dealer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated and remained on. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
01V005002/seat mounting bolts. Driver's side seat moves when braking. Consumer took the vehicle to dealer, and contacted the manufacturer, who was telling consumer that the vehicle described was not part of the recall. Also vehicle is experiencing stiff steering. When turning left, driver can feel a rubbing noise through the steering wheel. This can only be felt when the driver is making a left turn.
Driver would hear a rattling noise continuously when turning the steering wheel in either direction,left/right. Also, while driving at 10 MPH, the rattling noise made a loud snap as if something inside the column was broken. However, the vehicle performance has not been effected. Also, the air bag light has come on and the horn and the cruise control is also inoperative. Provide further details.
Related recalls
Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A nut in the steering gear assembly was not properly tightened, resulting in symptoms ranging from steering wheel vibration to stiff steering, and in the worst case, no ability to turn left.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles and replace the steering gear assembly if a loose nut connection is found.
Steering complaints in other Stratus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2001 Dodge Stratus?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Dodge Stratus, 12% of the model year's 218 complaints. The component named most often is column (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Stratus steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V225002 (gear box (other than rack and pinion), Aug 10, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Stratus steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to steering 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.