Most common 2004 Dodge Stratus problems
Share of the 148 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Stratus complaints by model year
Best Stratus years: 2005, 2006, 2003. Years to avoid: 1996, 1997, 1995. Compare all years →
2004 Dodge Stratus recalls (3)
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 21, 2005, and…
Remedy: MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain 2-door passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump May be improperly molded.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump. The recall will begin on August 9, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump May be restricted, causing excessive fuel pressure to build up in the fuel injection system. Excessive fuel pressure May result in a leak in the fuel return hose.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel pump pressure. Those vehicles exhibiting higher than normal fuel pump pressure will receive fuel pump modifications. Owner notification began on December 15, 2003.
What 2004 Dodge Stratus owners say
Suspension all 39 →
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and then lost motive power. Additionally, the front passenger's side ball stud separated from the ball joint housing, and the front passenger's side tire was stuck on the fender, preventing the engine from falling onto the ground. The failure almost caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. While the vehicle was being placed on the flatbed tow truck, the oil filter fractured and detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
2.7 liter engine should be recalled and replaced because? 1. The internal water pump which have been known to wear out prematurely and destroy the engine regardless how well the owner maintains vehicle. 2. Subframe and rear suspension crossmember should be replace due to rotting out prematurely. 3 Gloss on paint prone to pealing.
Engine & cooling all 26 →
2.7 liter engine should be recalled and replaced because? 1. The internal water pump which have been known to wear out prematurely and destroy the engine regardless how well the owner maintains vehicle. 2. Subframe and rear suspension crossmember should be replace due to rotting out prematurely. 3 Gloss on paint prone to pealing.
Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine revved and the tires spun. The vehicle accelerated the hit the consumer's garage. The vehicle and garage sustained damage. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection but they were unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was alerted, however no repairs were made. Updated 3/20/2006 -
Electrical system
The ignition interlock on my 2004 Dodge Stratus is inoperative. At least twice, the key was removed after the engine was shut off by while the car was in drive. The car then began to roll away. The second time this happened, the car ran into an obstruction and suffered 25 thousand dollars in damage.
Car does the following at random- when driving at low speeds it dies, sometimes when pulling into parking spaces the engines surges and causes car to lunge forward. Once when I backed out of my driveway and put the car in drive it surged and lunged forward. The engine, on several occasions has idled very roughly, the engine light stayed on once and the other time it flashed 5 or 6 times and quit. Noe the motor in the rear window is defective! I have had this car to the dealership 6-7 times for this problem and "they can't duplicate the problem".the lemon law in tennesse requires 4 visits for the same problem, have exceeded that by far! I am done with Dodge/Chrysler and all their products. I will buy a foreign car befor I ever buy another product from them!!!
2004 Dodge Stratus engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 27 / 22 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Dodge Stratus a good car?
Based on 148 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Stratus rates average: 38% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Stratus at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Dodge Stratus?
The suspension — 39 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rear. Next are the engine & cooling (26) and electrical system (16).
How many recalls does the 2004 Dodge Stratus have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2004 Dodge Stratus, the most recent from June 2, 2015 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Stratus?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2006 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1996, 1997 and 1995. See the full Dodge Stratus years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Dodge Stratus problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 66,000 miles; 41% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.