Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 5 | 7% | 51,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 9% | 123,000 miles |
| 2004 | 11 | 7% | 32,000 miles |
| 2003 | 8 | 9% | 33,000 miles |
| 2002 | 11 | 7% | 32,000 miles |
| 2001 | 14 | 6% | 98,000 miles |
| 2000 | 30 | 14% | 24,000 miles |
| 1999 | 42 | 17% | 135,000 miles |
| 1998 | 43 | 16% | 55,000 miles |
| 1997 | 44 | 13% | 74,000 miles |
| 1996 | 65 | 12% | 100,000 miles |
| 1995 | 60 | 19% | 52,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. While driving at various speeds, the front passenger side wheel rattled. While braking, the contact heard an abnormal squealing noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,000.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that the brakes failed while driving. There were no warning indicators. The failure resulted in a crash with one minor injury. Presently, the vehicle has not been diagnosed. The engine size and purchase date were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 25,000. The consumer provided a vehicle accident report. Updated 07/18/07
I was driving down dundee rd in illinois and it was rain/snow mix and as I was coming to an intersection the car failed to stop and when the impact happend the airbags failed to deploy and the car was in motion on a city street
Got this car 2 years ago and from day 1 when applying the brakes all the way the car is almost uncontrolable the wheel pulls one way or the other bad so I have to pump them and then it still pulls and I have replaced the brakes 4 times to make sure it wasnt the disc and also replaced the wheel bearings and the shop told me the lower control arm and upper and lower ball joints are cracking up and so its not safe for me to drive and I dont have the money to be replacing something that shouldnt be messed up my car has low miles it started makimg clunking noises whem going over a bump and any time car is moving it is squeaking noises coming frpm front of car
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 45mph with steady brake pressure applied, the ABS brakes locked up resulting in a rear end collision. Upon impact, the vehicle rolled over and slid into a telephone pole coming to a final stop on its side. The airbags did not deploy. Although the contact was wearing a seatbelt, no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was totaled due to the extensive damage. The police were on the scene and a report was taken. The insurance adjustor, as well as a factory representative, inspected the vehicle and determined the airbags should have deployed. The vehicle is a 2004 Dodge srt4.
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.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Dodge Stratus. While driving at an unknown speed, the brakes failed in the contact's vehicle. He had to pump the brake pedal twice to stop the vehicle, but by then he had rear ended the preceding vehicle. He was not injured badly, but is very sore. A police report was filed. The front end of the vehicle was crushed and was towed to a collision center. The dealer and manufacturer have not yet been notified. The failure mileage was 64,000.
Dt: the consumer took vehicle to a dealership and repair shop several times for a squeaking noise that came from the left driver's side by the wheel. The source of the squeaking noise was unknown. The engine, a caliber to the steering wheel, air conditioning, brakes, and the flywheel were replaced. There is a still a squeaking noise and consumer does not know where it I comes from. The consumer is concerned about the safety of this vehicle.
Related recalls (4)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles May have been built with an inadequate weld between the right front brake hose block and the stand-off bracket.
Remedy: Dealers will add a brake line bracket to the right front brake tube.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The right rear brake tube can contact the exhaust system clamp and wear a hole in it.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake tubes for visible evidence of contact with the exhaust system clamp. If the tube shows evidence of contact, it will be replaced.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
The brake master cylinder can leak brake fluid due to a damaged double lip rear piston seal.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear brake master cylindr piston assembly.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Corrosion of the ABS hydraulic control unit can cause the solenoid valves to stick in the open position.
Remedy: Dealers will install a plate and silicone grease injected into the solenoid cavity to eliminate the potential for this condition.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Stratus years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (65), 1995 (60), 1997 (44), 1998 (43) and 1999 (42) model years. Brake complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Dodge Stratus brake problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 00V-196 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Jul 17, 2000); 99V-244 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Sep 15, 1999); 96V-075 (master cylinder, May 3, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Stratus brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles; 42% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (105 mentions), followed by the foundation components (56).
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.