Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Dodge Stratus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Valve gasket cover on engine leaks oil. This is now the 3rd time this has happened in less than a year. It happened in January, February and now in November 2013. The 3rd time the oil leak caused a fire on the engine. The auto place told me every time they fix this, the engine somehow eventually warps the valve gasket cover. This would suggest a defect within the vehicle. It has become both expensive and dangerous.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shook and a noise could be heard coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The traction control warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 147,000.
Jan 17,2008 car started leaking oil at 53,300 miles. Call dealership said bring in to replace the main crank seal and hopefully that should fix problem and if not the I would have to replace crank shaft. Well 3,000 miles later less than a month later car started leaking oil again. Car been parked since call dealership set up to have crank shaft replace there was a service bulletin that they told me replace the crank shaft and the car would been fine this was May 20,2008 it took then a month to get my part with my car sitting at the dealership then a week and half they call me saying the crank shaft wouldn't work because basely the crank had destroy my engine and I need to replace the engine. …
Tl contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. While driving 60-70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. The entire engine shut off and the power steering and brakes became inoperable. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to a repair center and then to Firestone repair center because Firestone was the last repair shop to service the vehicle. The dealer was called and they towed the vehicle to the Chrysler dealer, which cost $400 and included a diagnostic test. The dealer stated that they would not touch the vehicle until the $400 was paid. The contact called the manufacturer because the vehicle should have been under warranty. It was purchased four months prior to the start of the failure. A representative at the manufacturer stated that they do not pay for the diagnostic tests, only the repairs. …
Tl contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the engine revved. The contact applied pressure to the brakes and the engine returned to normal. One month later, while driving approximately 55 MPH downhill, the vehicle dramatically accelerated. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle would not decelerate. He shut off the vehicle and restarted it moments later. He restarted the vehicle and coasted to a nearby dealer. The dealer stated that there was throttle failure, which caused the oil pump to fail as well. The engine is in the process of being repaired. The current and failure mileages were 35,856.
The mechanic told me that the engine needs to be replaced. Sludge on the pick up tube clocked the screen and the engine seized. Always had the oil and filter changed every 3000 miles. Never herd of having to drop the pan and clean a pick up tube when doing a routine oil change. Owned lots of cars in the 30 years I been driving and never experience this. Car has been sitting in my driveway for over a year and I still have to make payments every month. Don't have the money for a new engine. Thanks Dodge. I will never ever buy a Dodge again. Piece of crap engine.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. She smelled a strong odor of gasoline in her vehicle after filling up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The technician ordered the gas tank but it will cost her $1000.00 to replace the component. The manufacturer was notified, and she was advised that there were no recalls. The failure mileage was 53,000. Updated 12/09/09 the dealer found the fuel tank was cracked around the fuel filler neck. The check engine light illuminated due to a small evaporator leak. Updated 12/11/09
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. While traveling 60 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. Seconds later, the contact noticed that the bottom of the vehicle was covered in oil. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the front seal and timing belt were replaced. There were no prior warnings of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000 and the current mileage was 64,000. Updated 09/09/10. The consumer stated the front seal failed three more times. Updated 09/10/10
Engine complaints in other Stratus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Dodge Stratus?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Dodge Stratus, 27% of the model year's 74 complaints. The component named most often is engine (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Dodge Stratus engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Dodge Stratus. 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 2006 Dodge Stratus engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.