Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Dodge Stratus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there were unknown rattling sounds coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the wheels were wobbling as if they were going to detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ball joints on the control arm assembly were faulty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 10e059000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 116,508.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal noise and the brakes functioned intermittently. The failures happened without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the control arm assemblies were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. NHTSA campaign numbers: 07e023000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and 10e059000 (suspension) were issued for these failures. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Lower left front suspension arm ball joint broken. The outer bearing carrier, fell away from the suspension arm, pulling the half shaft out of the transmission, and the wheel/tire assembly jammed up in the wheel well with a complete loss of steering control. The vehicle was in motion just following a turn, in a parking area.
While making a turn at 5mph, my front right wheel collapsed causing complete separation of the wheel and control arm in turn causing my axle to come out from the transmission at the cv joint. There is a recall for this ball joint issue but not for my VIN specifically.
I have noticed when I am turning my steering wheel to the left or right there appears to be somewhat of a lack of control and loosening of the front end of my vehicle as I am driving. Also, the suspension on my vehicle has become much more pronounced negatively.
Car is driven on regular city streets and freeways. Roads I drive are paved - no country, dusty roads and area isn't heavy in pollution. I purchase my gas from shell or chevron and refill at 1/4 to 1/3 tank to reduce chance of picking up sediment from fuel tank. Noticed while driving on freeway.that car would drop in speed from 60 MPH to 20 rather quickly and then forget about going up a hill. I was also getting 8-10 mpg. A couple weeks later I noticed even on level city streets the loss of power. Car was diagnosed as catalytic converter and with california emission regulations the cost of parts and labor was $ 1,600.00. A year later, I noticed some loss of power and increased fuel consumption. Car was diagnosed to need cat converter replaced again and paid another $ 1,600.00. Also was diagnosed that rear mounts needed replacement and was wondering if this was normal. Very bouncy ride.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact heard a grinding sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The grinding sound progressed over time and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic advised the contact that the front driver and passenger side lower ball joints, outer tie rods and the stabilizer bar would have to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 09e056000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
2004 Dodge Stratus - approx 90,000 miles at first, I noticed a thumping on the rear passenger side of vehicle. After continuing to drive the car while trying to determine cause, the rear strut mounting bracket broke. After looking under the car, it was determined that the mounting bracket broke due to corrosion. It was also seen at this time that the driver side rear bracket was broke as well, leaving the car undrivable and unsafe. After we contacted the dealership, they told us there is a national backorder on this part and no foreseen date of when they will get the parts to fix my car. We have also contacted local salvage yards to find replacements until the new parts arrive, with no success.
Suspension complaints in other Stratus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2004 Dodge Stratus?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the suspension of the 2004 Dodge Stratus, 26% of the model year's 148 complaints. The component named most often is rear (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Dodge Stratus suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2004 Dodge Stratus, though it has 3 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 2004 Dodge Stratus suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.