Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 8 | 11% | 41,000 miles |
| 2005 | 5 | 8% | 122,000 miles |
| 2004 | 16 | 11% | 34,000 miles |
| 2003 | 12 | 13% | 40,000 miles |
| 2002 | 12 | 7% | 65,000 miles |
| 2001 | 22 | 10% | 70,000 miles |
| 2000 | 30 | 14% | 110,000 miles |
| 1999 | 34 | 14% | 92,000 miles |
| 1998 | 11 | 4% | 98,000 miles |
| 1997 | 31 | 9% | 117,000 miles |
| 1996 | 36 | 6% | 80,000 miles |
| 1995 | 41 | 13% | 97,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
Purchased the car in June 2007 still under warranty thinking I would not have problems since any repairs should be covered under warranty. I have taken the car in 6 times for the same repairs. The first is the brakes, they squeak and rub. They have scrubbed them 3 different time and it still is happening. (they are collecting moisture to cause rust) the second is a bump stop which I understand is common in Dodge/Chrysler products. They refuse to do anything more with it since when they put it on the machine the codes come back with no problems. They had replaced some of the parts back a few months ago. This repair cut down on the amount of bump stops but did not stop them. There is a creaking sound in the front end. They have greased the struts and replaced a carried arm. The noise is still there. The lights dim after 17-30 seconds when the car is running. …
The vehicle was purchased in 2013 " as is" (used) f rom a car lot. There were at least 2 or 3 alignments completed due to repairs on related parts. After each alignment, the steering wheel would turn to an angled position after a few days or a week. When turning the steering wheel to the right or turning it to the right while backing up in reverse, a loud pop can be heard coming from the vehicle. The noise has always seemed to come from the left side of the car. Everything suggested as repairs has been done. Both ball joints were replaced. All front and back struts were replaced. Also there has been a problem with the suspension causing noise and bouncing while driving. All of this has happened on city streets, driving about 35 MPH or much less. …
Tl contact owns a 2005 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that there were no air bags and no horn in her vehicle. In addition, the cruise control and fuel gauge were not working. She also noticed the ignition (where the key is inserted) was smoking. The dealer performed a diagnostic and the contact was informed that the battery was the cause of the failure. She was later informed that there was a faulty diagnostic test; therefore, the battery was not the cause of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,500.
The ignition interlock on my 2004 Dodge Stratus is inoperative. At least twice, the key was removed after the engine was shut off by while the car was in drive. The car then began to roll away. The second time this happened, the car ran into an obstruction and suffered 25 thousand dollars in damage.
Car does the following at random- when driving at low speeds it dies, sometimes when pulling into parking spaces the engines surges and causes car to lunge forward. Once when I backed out of my driveway and put the car in drive it surged and lunged forward. The engine, on several occasions has idled very roughly, the engine light stayed on once and the other time it flashed 5 or 6 times and quit. Noe the motor in the rear window is defective! I have had this car to the dealership 6-7 times for this problem and "they can't duplicate the problem".the lemon law in tennesse requires 4 visits for the same problem, have exceeded that by far! I am done with Dodge/Chrysler and all their products. I will buy a foreign car befor I ever buy another product from them!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that the vehicle's horn had no functionality and the vehicle speed control did not function. In addition, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and the dealer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000. The VIN was not provided.
I was backing out of parking space when I heard a cracking noise when I turned the steering wheel.then the airbag light came on.then I noticed the horn did not work. Upon investigation on the internet I am 100% convinced that the clock spring has broken.further investigation shows there is a recall on Chrysler-Dodge clock springs but only on certain year-models which doesn't make sense. The year or model of the vehicle is irrelevant if the clock spring part in question (the one in the recall) was/is still being installed on vehicles not in the recall like mine a 2003 Dodge Stratus a little investigation on your end will clearly show this to be the case. I'd be willing to bet that my clock spring has the same manufacturing numbers as the recalled clock springs .
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Stratus years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (41), 1996 (36), 1999 (34), 1997 (31) and 2000 (30) model years. Electrical complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Dodge Stratus electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any Dodge Stratus model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Dodge Stratus electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles; 36% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the wiring › front underhood (32 mentions), followed by the ignition (26).
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.