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 2006 Dodge Stratus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Hi! My son was driving my 2006 Dodge Stratus and the control arm broke and the axle separated on the passenger side causing it to hit a parked car. We have a police report that documents the axle separation and pictures are available. I noticed online that this had been a problem with the 2006 Dodge Stratus so I checked for recalls but our VIN was not part of the recall (10e059000). My husband went to the dealership who sold me the car and he called Dodge customer service but apparently there was nothing that can be done. My car can not be repaired. In the past the car's front end had been repaired a number of times and it was due for an inspection this month.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while in reverse at 5 MPH, the front driver side collapsed on the ground. The contact noticed that grease was not applied to the lower ball joint. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the front lower control arm and universal axle were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000. Updated 2/4/16 the consumer stated there was a noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Updated 02/16/16
I was driving down the high way when I heard a bang and the car pulled me hard into the medium at 75 miles an hour. I totaled my car. This is the second time the ball joint has sheared off causing the tire to jam in to the fender. First time I was able to get of the road and it was on the driver side of the vehicle. This time it was on the left side of the vehicle. My 3 young kids where in the back seat and could have been seriously injured. Something needs to be done.
When driving home the 2006 Dodge Stratus sxt sedan as mentioned broke on me and my family into a store parking lot where the entire wheel came off the car leaving me and my family stranded luckily we weren't on the hwy driving hwy speeds or im sure me and my family wouldn't probably be living here today. I went online to check we're there any recalls on this vehicle and it came back as ball joint assembly which is the cause of the damage to my vehicle
I was driving doing about 25 MPH. Thank god I wasn't driving any faster when all of sudden. I heard a loud noise. I had lost control of the steering I ran in to a guard rail my car didn't want to go because the right passenger front side was totally touching the ground I got out the car seen my entire front passenger tire was off the car. I then started crying. I just bought this car in July 2019 98,000 original miles. Bad purchase decision!
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.
I was driving like normal, then when I went up the ramp onto the the shopping center, the right wheel all of a sudden hit the passenger wheel well and the rim was hitting the brake caliper. It was in motion, on a city street.
I was driving home went to go turn left and there was a loud noise. I stopped the car look at the front and the ball joint on my front passenger side snapped, this exact problem is on the recall list but my car isnt on their.
Suspension complaints in other Stratus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2006 Dodge Stratus?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the suspension of the 2006 Dodge Stratus, 31% of the model year's 74 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Dodge Stratus suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 110,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 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.