Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 9 | 12% | 74,000 miles |
| 2005 | 13 | 20% | 122,000 miles |
| 2004 | 13 | 9% | 118,000 miles |
| 2003 | 7 | 8% | 64,000 miles |
| 2002 | 10 | 6% | 68,000 miles |
| 2001 | 26 | 12% | 60,000 miles |
| 2000 | 66 | 31% | 89,000 miles |
| 1999 | 49 | 20% | 120,000 miles |
| 1998 | 19 | 7% | 98,000 miles |
| 1997 | 21 | 6% | 120,000 miles |
| 1996 | 42 | 8% | 80,000 miles |
| 1995 | 23 | 7% | 114,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. While driving the vehicle, the transmission malfunctioned and the power steering failed. The vehicle went out of control, would not stop, and continued to accelerate. The contact had to crash the vehicle into a pole to get it to stop. The contact then quickly turned off the ignition. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to weekley Chrysler Dodge Jeep (50 main st, butler, oh 44822, [phone]). The dealer stated that they needed special authorization from the manufacturer to start the repairs. The manufacturer stated that there was an unknown recall on the vehicle and they would send a technician to examine the vehicle. The dealer had the vehicle for four weeks and were still waiting for the manufacturer to send a technician. …
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.
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* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Stratus. While making a right turn, the steering wheel locked without warning and the vehicle crashed into a light pole. The driver had a seizure after the crash and was transported to the hospital for medical attention. Only the front passenger side air bag deployed. A police report was filed, but it was not consistent with the contact's account of what occurred. The vehicle was towed to a repair facility. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or dealer. After ten days, the vehicle was no longer accessible after being towed to a yard. The manufacturer was made aware of the crash months after it happened. The failure mileage was not available.
The ball joint on the lower control arm assembly separated causing the front passenger side wheel to turn to the right and preventing the driver from being able to steer the car. The vehicle was in motion driving in a straight line when it happened. This is similar to NHTSA recall #10e059000 and #09e056000. I think the control arm was the original factory part. I'll attach pictures with the part number.
Lower left front suspension arm ball joint broken. The outer bearing carrier, fell away from the suspension arm, pulling the half shaft out of the transmission, and the wheel/tire assembly jammed up in the wheel well with a complete loss of steering control. The vehicle was in motion just following a turn, in a parking area.
While driving my 2003 Dodge Stratus, I was in the process of turning and I heard a kind of snap and then I felt and heard a grinding in my steering wheel. For about a week whenever I had to make a turn there was this noise list a spring was caught and almost would get caught and I would have to quickly jerk the steering wheel so it wouldn't get stuck and keep me from turning. My airbag light came on and stays on, so it won,t deploy in an accident, my horn doesn't work, and I lost function of my speed control. I was told this is my clockspring. This faulty clockspring was recalled in many Dodge vehicles but has yet to be recalled in my vehicle. See safety recall no. B24 (11/01/2002) for 1998 Dodge vehicles but Dodge continued to use these faulty clocksprings that in fact should have a lifetime warranty.
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 (3)
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines, the high pressure power steering hose May prematurely heat age and develop a leak.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the high pressure power steering hose free of charge. The the recall began on April 10, 2006. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
On certain sedans and convertible model vehicles, the right steering knuckle May have been damaged during the component manufacturing process.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the right steering knuckle. The recall began on December 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A nut in the steering gear assembly was not properly tightened, resulting in symptoms ranging from steering wheel vibration to stiff steering, and in the worst case, no ability to turn left.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles and replace the steering gear assembly if a loose nut connection is found.
NHTSA investigations
Steering column separation
Mr. Larry a. Sackey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) by letter dated April 18, 2003, requesting that nhtsafurther investigate the defective collapsible steering shaft system on 1987-1995 vehicles manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corporation.in part because of 49 cfr ? 30120(g), NHTSA has decided to limit the scope of the petition vehicles to 1993-1995 models,…
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Stratus years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (66), 1999 (49), 1996 (42), 2001 (26) and 1995 (23) model years. Steering complaints make up 31% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Dodge Stratus steering problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 06V-001 (hose, piping, and connections, Jan 5, 2006); 04V-579 (arm, Dec 9, 2004); 00V225002 (gear box (other than rack and pinion), Aug 10, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Stratus steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles; 17% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (91 mentions), followed by the linkages › tie rod assembly (43).
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.