Most common 2006 Dodge Stratus problems
Share of the 74 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 →
What 2006 Dodge Stratus owners say
Suspension all 23 →
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the front passenger's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that she parked and inspected the vehicle and became aware of the control arm on the ground, the tire pushed away from the vehicle, and bolts and screws on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
The entire front suspension feels as though it is going to fall outward at any moment. I have had this inspected by two separate dodge dealerships. I've also had this inspected by friends that are mechanics. I also have knowledge and I know something is not right with the control arms tire rods, ball joints. The front suspension is horrible. I worry every day. I'm gonna runoff the road or I'm gonna hit someone or something bad is gonna happen. Upon doing my research, I saw many other Dodge Stratus vehicles that were recalled for the same exact reason. My question is why was my car left out of the recall when clearly it has major safety issues.
Engine & cooling all 20 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. While the vehicle was idling in traffic, the temperature gauge indicated that the vehicle was overheating. The contact later observed smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled and the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the crankshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to all star Mitsubishi (2440 s padre island dr, corpus christi, tx 78415, [phone]) where it was repaired; however, the failure recurred. While driving, the alarm system indicator illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken back to all star Mitsubishi where it was diagnosed that the battery failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 82,988.
Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. While driving 45 MPH, the contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
While investigating a minor two vehicle traffic crash involving the above mentioned vehicle, I noticed that both front air bags had deployed. The driver had sustained swelling and abrasions to his hands and forearms from the airbags, and the front seat passenger complained of soreness in the shoulders. No medical treatment was called for. Upon examining the damage to the vehicle that they were riding in, I saw that the only damage from the crash was to the right front corner. A vehicle that was traveling to the right of them and slightly ahead of them attempted to make a left hand turn. The left side of that vehicle (Chevy trailblazer) struck the right front fender of the Dodge Stratus, as it turned (sideswiped). The damage to the Stratus did not seen severe enough to warrant an air bag deployment, and there was no direct frontal impact between the two vehicles. Pictures are available.
2006 Dodge Stratus engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 27 / 22 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Dodge Stratus a good car?
Based on 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Stratus rates better than average: 72% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Stratus at the same age. It is one of the best Stratus years by this measure. 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 2006 Dodge Stratus?
The suspension — 23 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front › control arm. Next are the engine & cooling (20) and air bags (13).
How many recalls does the 2006 Dodge Stratus have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2006 Dodge Stratus. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2006 Dodge Stratus problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 52,000 miles; 44% 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.