Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 20 | 27% | 53,000 miles |
| 2005 | 19 | 29% | 74,000 miles |
| 2004 | 26 | 18% | 43,000 miles |
| 2003 | 11 | 12% | 88,000 miles |
| 2002 | 51 | 31% | 80,000 miles |
| 2001 | 65 | 30% | 65,000 miles |
| 2000 | 25 | 12% | 109,000 miles |
| 1999 | 55 | 22% | 67,000 miles |
| 1998 | 123 | 45% | 65,000 miles |
| 1997 | 158 | 45% | 70,000 miles |
| 1996 | 335 | 60% | 90,000 miles |
| 1995 | 106 | 33% | 137,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that a vehicle two vehicle lengths before him, caused him to slam on the brakes. As a result, the contact rear ended the preceding vehicle. The front of his hood was jammed under the rear of the other vehicle. A passerby informed him that his vehicle was on fire. The fire spread to the other vehicle as well. Both vehicles became completely engulfed. The contact was injured. The fire and police departments arrived and filed reports. The manufacturer has not been notified and the vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The VIN and speed were unknown. The failure and current mileages were 74,000.
Car accelerated on its own. When I let off the brakes it took off very fast and got up to 70 before I had to mash the brakes very hard and pull over and force it into neutral and turn the key to stop the engine. When restarting the engine it continued rev in park and neutral which prevented me from putting it in drive'
2.7 liter engine should be recalled and replaced because? 1. The internal water pump which have been known to wear out prematurely and destroy the engine regardless how well the owner maintains vehicle. 2. Subframe and rear suspension crossmember should be replace due to rotting out prematurely. 3 Gloss on paint prone to pealing.
Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine revved and the tires spun. The vehicle accelerated the hit the consumer's garage. The vehicle and garage sustained damage. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection but they were unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was alerted, however no repairs were made. Updated 3/20/2006 -
Only had my 2003 Dodge Stratus for a few months and having major problems now. When I first got it, everything was in good condition but I still did maintenance work on it anyways. I barely drive my car because I'm a stay at home mom so I don't really put miles on my car. Now my car is suffering problems from within the engine. I was driving one evening and my car just stopped out of nowhere. I did a little research and then went to a mechanic and pretty much my engine is suffering. They also told me that 2.7 engines are very crappy and doesn't last long. I wish I would've knew that before I bought the car. These cars need to be recalled and made better. Now I'm out of a car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Stratus. While at an intersection, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle jerked and lost power without warning. The contact managed to veer to the shoulder of the road. Once the vehicle was turned off and restarted, it resumed normal operation. Also, when the vehicle struck a bump in the road, it veered to the right intermittently. An independent mechanic replaced the starter; however, the failure recurred. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,037. The VIN was unknown.
Related recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The harness for the crankshaft position sensor could come in contact with a new protective shield causing a grounded circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will re-route the crankshaft position sensor harness.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
In certain vehicles, the engine cylinder head oil galley plug does not seal properly and engine cylinder head oil is not adequately retained.
Remedy: Dealers will install an expansion plug and retaining bracket over the cylinder head oil galley plug.
NHTSA investigations
Engine compartment fires
On June 29, 2005, odi opened preliminary evaluation pe05-036 to investigate complaints of engine compartment fires in model year (my) 1999-2000 Chrysler cirrus, Dodge stratus and Plymouth breeze passenger cars (ja cars). The ja cars were introduced in my 1995 and ended with my 2000.they were produced with 2.0l, 2.4l and 2.5l engines.the incident data in the failure report summary of this resume are for subject…
Power steering fluid fires
Odi has received 29 reports of engine compartment fires that appear to be related to power steering hose leakage in model year (my) 1999 and 2000 Chrysler cirrus, Dodge stratus and Plymouth breeze vehicles (ja-cars) equipped with 2.4l engines.these reports indicate that the fire resulted from a power steering hose leak or that it occurred after an extended drive and shortly after being parked - conditions consistent…
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Stratus years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (335), 1997 (158), 1998 (123), 1995 (106) and 2001 (65) model years. Engine complaints make up 60% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Dodge Stratus engine problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 00V299002 (engine, Oct 2, 2000); 96V-006 (gasoline, Jan 11, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Stratus engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles; 24% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (590 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (215).
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.