Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 23 | 31% | 110,000 miles |
| 2005 | 18 | 28% | 130,000 miles |
| 2004 | 39 | 26% | 80,000 miles |
| 2003 | 16 | 18% | 90,000 miles |
| 2002 | 31 | 19% | 77,000 miles |
| 2001 | 42 | 19% | 73,000 miles |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% | 100,000 miles |
| 1999 | 9 | 4% | 190,000 miles |
| 1998 | 17 | 6% | 78,000 miles |
| 1997 | 19 | 5% | 124,000 miles |
| 1996 | 32 | 6% | 132,000 miles |
| 1995 | 24 | 8% | 31,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
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. …
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
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and then lost motive power. Additionally, the front passenger's side ball stud separated from the ball joint housing, and the front passenger's side tire was stuck on the fender, preventing the engine from falling onto the ground. The failure almost caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. While the vehicle was being placed on the flatbed tow truck, the oil filter fractured and detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
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.
Car was owned by school govement it has been worked on several times for bad suspension.and documented.ball joint bad suspension front and back.back dating 2 or 3 years.no accidents just bad suspension
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 (1)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ball joint end housing cover seal for leakage with a high pressure air tester and the rubber boot will be visually inspected for damage.
NHTSA investigations
Lower control arm ball joint failure
The manufacturer identifed vehicle owner complaints of the subject ball joint failures as tabulated above.in addition, a total of 72 warranty reports were identified for replacement of broken or cracked ball joint assemblies in the subject vehicles.Chrysler also reported that 1996 and 1997 models are equipped with identical ball joint assemblies as the subject 1995 model year vehicles.a partial response to NHTSA's…
Lower control arm ball joint failure
By letter dated November 6, 1997, the manufacturer advised this agency of its decision to initiate a safety recall campaign of the subject vehicles to correct the defect identified in this ea.the recall will also cover 1996 and 1997 Chrysler cirrus/Dodge stratus vehicles, as well as 1995 through 1997 Chrysler sebring convertible and Plymouth breeze vehicles equipped with identical lower control arm ball joints.an…
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Stratus years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (42), 2004 (39), 1996 (32), 2002 (31) and 1995 (24) model years. Suspension complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Dodge Stratus suspension problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 97V-201 (lower ball joint, Nov 13, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Stratus suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles; 20% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rear (48 mentions), followed by the front › control arm › lower ball joint (35).
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.