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 2001 Dodge Stratus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
Check engine light came on at about 74K miles and went into "limp" mode. Found out the transmission sensor was bad. Replaced sensor at cost of $682.25. Car has run poorly since that day. Dodge says "nothing wrong with the car" but the car has not ran smoothly from that first repair day. Next...while in pennsylvania on military duty, the car leaked all the transmission fluid out. Found out the solenoid pack and fluid lines were leaking. Another $530+ dollars. Both of these parts are listed on auto zones website as recalls with daimler Chrysler for my vehicle. One has a NHTSA number. Daimler Chrysler denies that there are any recalls on my vehicle but does state that other "similar" models and cars are covered for those parts. …
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked, a large amount of transmission fluid was observed on the ground. There was no warning signal prior to the incident. The vehicle was towed to the service dealer who determined that the transmission fluid line had leaked. The service dealer replaced the 2 transmission cooling lines, 4 clamps, and part of the oil system. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact that the vehicle was not part of NHTSA recall # 01V011002, which pertains to the cooling unit and lines for the automatic transmission due to the VIN.
Engine started to idle very rough with and without brakes applied for several days until it failed to start. 3 days at dealership service for concerns. (new batt and PCM reprogram that resulted in a 10 minute drive away from center after service completed to have the service engine soon light come on) returned car to dealer the next day to find the erg valve was faulty to failure, had to restrict air flow to maintain proper idle. Pending 2 more days of service time to correct. More lost time and money.
I purchased my vehicle in July 2005. The vehicle was okay until feb-2006, the transmission stopped shifting. This caused the vehicle to jerk very hard and loose power. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist 3 times and still was not repaired. I was told that he could not fix it. The vehicle is still doing the same thing and on top of it losing power, it cuts off. This is very unsafe and can cause an accident.
Automatic transmission failed @70,000 miles cost $1800.00 to rebuild. Dash lights flicker constantly. Radio works for anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour before it shuts itself off. Wont come back on till car has been sitting for at least 12 hours, only to start all over.
80,000 miles on the transmission. The car would no longer move. Leaving me stranded. Costing $1,500 for a rebuit transmission for a newer car. No reason for a transmission to go out so soon. Also flickering with the dash/interior lights and radio when light are turned on.
Manual 5-speed transmission on my 2001 Dodge Stratus r/t has lost reverse. It has only 56000 miles and I have found, through research, that tis transmission produced by Mitsubishi has a very high failure rate. I have had problems with 2nd gear grinding since new.
I have constantly taken my car in for the same reasons. The car jerks, the whole car vibrates when it rains, if it's cold out the car refuses to start in the morning. There have been numerous transmission and piston problems.
While driving the automatic transmission went out. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop. The transmission had to be replaced. The transmission lasted for only 1 and a half years.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A hose manufacturing process allowed the reinforcement yard to breach the inner layer of some automatic transmission hoses weakening the inner wall which could result in leakage of the automatic transmission fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transaxle oil cooler hoses. Owner notification began April 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy…
Transmission complaints in other Stratus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Dodge Stratus?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Dodge Stratus, 11% of the model year's 218 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Dodge Stratus transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 01V011002 (cooling unit and lines, Jan 16, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Dodge Stratus transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
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.