2001 Dodge Stratus

186 federal complaints (269 component records) · 10 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 74 service bulletins
See all 14 model years of the Dodge Stratus →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
18 city / 25 hwy
Federal complaints
186
Recall campaigns
10
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Engine & cooling
61
Suspension
43
Air bags
28
Steering
27
Power train
20
Electrical system
19
Brakes
14
Speed control
12
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 19 complaints01 years old: 14 complaints2 years old: 21 complaints3 years old: 25 complaints4 years old: 19 complaints5 years old: 16 complaints56 years old: 9 complaints7 years old: 12 complaints8 years old: 8 complaints9 years old: 3 complaints10 years old: 8 complaints1011 years old: 4 complaints12 years old: 1 complaints13 years old: 8 complaints14 years old: 3 complaints15 years old: 2 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 173 of 186 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 2 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 15 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 26 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 24 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 15 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 18 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 9 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 2 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 2 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 115 of 186 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Engine & cooling

61 complaint records1 fire report
"ENGINE IS SHAKING, AND OIL IS BUILDING UP ON THE CYLINDER, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT MANUFACTURER.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Suspension

43 complaint records2 crash reports
"DEALER WILL REPLACE COIL SPRING. CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THIS COIL IS NOT COVERED, AND WILL COST $750 TO REPLACE.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →

Air bags

28 complaint records4 crash reports
"VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A 40 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE02082
opened Nov 2002
closed Apr 2003Seat BeltsSAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
16V401000Air BagsMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus vehicles, equipped with beige interiors.Normally free
15V338000Air BagsMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000,...Normally free
01V011002Power TrainVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A HOSE MANUFACTURING PROCESS ALLOWED THE REINFORCEMENT YARD TO BREACH THE INNER LAYER OF SOME AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HOSES WEAKENING THE...Normally free
01V005002SeatsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A NUMBER OF INCORRECT DRIVER SIDE SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS WERE INSTALLED INTO VEHICLES.Normally free
00V366000Child SeatVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO.Normally free
00V320002Fuel System, GasolineVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OUTER LAYER ONLY OF THIS 3-LAYER FUEL RETURN HOSE DOES NOT CONTAIN THE DESIRED OZONE PROTECTION DUE TO A PROCESSING ERROR.Normally free
00V306000Air BagsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. PASSENGER AIR BAGS WERE BUILT WITH SUSPECT ALUMINUM EXTRUSION SECTIONS WHICH MAY NOT RETAIN THE AIR BAG DOOR DURING AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT EVENT.Normally free
00V299002Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HARNESS FOR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH A NEW PROTECTIVE SHIELD CAUSING A GROUNDED CIRCUIT.Normally free
Show 2 more recall campaigns
CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
00V278000StructureVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THROUGH DEGRADATION OF THE BOND BETWEEN THE SILENCER PAD AND A SHEET METAL PANEL (QUARTER INNER UPPER), THE PAD MAY FALL ONTO THE MAP LIGHT LOCATED IN THE REAR SEATING AREA NEAR...Normally free
00V225002SteeringVEHICLE 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...Normally free

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
9004275
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemKEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms.
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
EquipmentRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
68332810
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingService - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
9002849
Sep 2014
EquipmentPart Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA.
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
0803006
Aug 2006
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *KB
1900805
Nov 2005
SteeringREVISED POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING PROCEDURES. *SC
2100903
Oct 2005
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSTIC TEARDOWN PROCEDURE. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 RAM TRUCK, DURANGO, SEBRING CONVERTIBLE, CHEROKEE, VISION, NEON, AND VOYAGER. *TT *SC
2401305
Aug 2005
EquipmentAIR CONDITIONING (A/C) COOLING COIL ODOR. *TT
1801405
Mar 2005
Electrical SystemFLASH: MIL ILLUMINATION DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC/DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE) P0300, P0301, P0302, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306-COLD START MISFIRE. *SC
0801505
Mar 2005
Power TrainPOWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *SC
2400105
Feb 2005
EquipmentBLOWER MOTOR DOES NOT RUN ON EVERY SPEED. *TT
0800303A
Oct 2004
Electrical SystemSENTRY KEY - KEY IMMOBILIZER SECURITY SYSTEM. *TT THIS BULLETIN REPLACES 08-003-03 REV A. *TT
2301203
Sep 2004
StructurePOP/CLUNK SOUND FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE. *TT THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES BULLETIN 23-012-03 DATED 05/23/2004. *TT
2303204
Sep 2004
StructurePOWER SEAT WILL NOT ADJUST. *TT
1900304
Aug 2004
SteeringSTEERING COLUMN CLICK SOUND. *TT
0802804
Aug 2004
Electrical SystemINTERMITTENT LOSS OF ACCESSORIES (IG1 CIRCUIT) ON INITIAL VEHICLE START. *TT
2400204
Jul 2004
EquipmentAIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER PERFORMANCE. *TT
0901104
Apr 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingINCORRECT OIL FILTER USAGE. ALSO INCLUDES 2005 SEBRING AND STRATUS. *TT
0900704
Mar 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingIRREGULAR ENGINE SNAPPING SOUND. *TT
080403
Sep 2003
Electrical SystemCONTROL SOLENOIDS FAILURE IN VACUUM HARNESS TURBOCHARGED ENGINES DUE TO OPEN CIRCUIT. 2001 - 2003 CIRRUS ALSO INCLUDED. *TT
2301403
Jun 2003
VisibilityWHEN CYCLING DOOR GLASS UP AND DOWN, A CLICKING NOISE CAN BE HEARD WHEN THE WINDOW TRAVEL CHANGES DIRECTION ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 SEBRING SEDAN AND SEBRING CONVERTIBLE. *TT
0801003
Apr 2003
Seat BeltsSEAT BELT CINCH BAR SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 MODELS. *TT
2400103
Mar 2003
EquipmentWINDOWS MAY BEGIN TO FOG WHEN THE HVAC IS IN FLOOR MODE. *TT
06
Feb 2003
EquipmentENGINE VACUUM HOSE ROUTING LABEL REPLACEMENT. *TT
1802002
Jun 2002
Unknown Or OtherFLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC
0700402
Jun 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AN INTERIOR GURGLING SOUND, OVERHEATING AND/OR POOR INTERIOR HEATING AT IDLE. *SLC
2302302
Jun 2002
Unknown Or OtherSOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE THE VINYL SURFACE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BEING DAMAGED OR BLEMISHED. *SLC
1900402
Apr 2002
SteeringSUBJECT REGARDING STEERING COLUMN CLICK SOUND. *SLC
2301502
Apr 2002
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *SLC
0800702
Mar 2002
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *SLC
2200102
Mar 2002
Unknown Or OtherCHROME WHEEL CARE. *SLC
0700202
Feb 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingA VEHICLE MAY EXHIBIT LOW OR NO CABIN HEAT, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND / OR COOLANT BOTTLE DAMAGE AFTER SERVICE HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM. *TT
2300102
Jan 2002
StructureSUBJECT REGARDING FRONT DOOR TRIM PANEL RETENTION/WARPED ALONG BELT LINE CONDITION. *TT
0802601
Dec 2001
Electrical SystemSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FLICKERING TRIP COMPUTER AND/OR RADIO DISPLAY, INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION, AND/OR OVERHEAD/DOME LIGHTS. *TT
1802701
Nov 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT MODERATE TO SEVERE HIGH WAY SPEED 45-60 MPH VEHICLE SURGE. *TT
1802801
Nov 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT ENGINE IDLE ROUGHNESS FOLLOWING A COLD START, ENGINE SPEED FLARE OR ROUGH IDLE WHILE SLOWING TO A STOP. *TT
1900601A
Nov 2001
SteeringEXPERIENCING STEERING COLUMN CLICK SOUND WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. *TT
2302801A
Nov 2001
SeatsON SOME VEHCLES, THE POWER SEAT HAS SLIGHT FORE/AFT MOVEMENT MOST NOTICEABLE DURING ACCELERATION OR BRAKING. *TT
899
Nov 2001
Electrical SystemON SOME VEHICLES THE TRAVELER MODULE MAY TRANSMIT AN ERRONEOUS SECURITY SYSTEM SIGNAL IF THE VEHICLE IS FACING WEST WHEN STARTED, PREVENTING THE ENGINE FROM STARTING. *TT
2302701
Sep 2001
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT
1900601
Sep 2001
SteeringSUBJECT REGARDING STEERING COLUMN CLICK SOUND. *TT
2401001
Aug 2001
VisibilityEXPERIENCING HONK OR FOG HORN SOUND COMING FROM THE A/C EXPANSION VALVE. *TT
01017
Jul 2001
SteeringADVANCE SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING STEERING COLUMN CLICK SOUND. *TT
2301701
Jul 2001
StructureSUBJECT REGARDING WATER LEAK INFORMATION. *TT
01008
May 2001
SuspensionWHEEL ALIGNMENT OUT OF SPECIFICATION. *TT
0801001
May 2001
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT
1801201
May 2001
EquipmentSUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT
0900301
May 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingTHIS BULLETIN REINFORCES A REQUIREMENT TO CEASE THE CURRENT PRACTICE OF USING SUPPLEMENTAL OIL ADDITIVE TREATMENTS IN ALL DIAMLER CHRYSLER ENGINES. *TT
2100601
Mar 2001
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE ATF+4. *TT *MJ
974
Mar 2001
Power TrainON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL (EATX) RELAY MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY IN COLD TEMPERATURES. *TT
2300301
Feb 2001
StructureTHIS BULLETIN STATES THAT ALL FACTORY INSTALLED EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS A SUNROOF, MEET THE UPPER INTERIOR HEAD PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 201. *TT

Showing 60 of 74 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  2. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  3. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 10 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Dodge Stratus →