2003 Dodge Stratus

75 federal complaints (110 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 54 service bulletins
See all 14 model years of the Dodge Stratus →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
19 city / 26 hwy
Federal complaints
75
Recall campaigns
2
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.

Suspension
18
Air bags
15
Engine & cooling
11
Electrical system
10
Speed control
8
Fuel system
8
Steering
7
Power train
7
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: 12 complaints01 years old: 4 complaints2 years old: 12 complaints3 years old: 6 complaints4 years old: 7 complaints5 years old: 6 complaints56 years old: 3 complaints7 years old: 4 complaints8 years old: 1 complaints9 years old: 2 complaints10 years old: 2 complaints1011 years old: 3 complaints12 years old: 3 complaints13 years old: 3 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 72 of 75 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 4 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 13 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 7 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 7 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 9 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 4 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 3 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 2 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 2 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 52 of 75 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.

Suspension

18 complaint records
"BALL JOINTS AND CONTROL ARMS RECALL. THEY FAILED AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING ME TO COMPLETE AN ALMOST 1,000 DOLLAR REPAIR FOR REPLACEMENTS...."- 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

15 complaint records4 crash reports
"TURNED INTO A PARKING SPOTAND HEARD SOMETHING POP IN STEERING WHEEL AREA. NOW THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS STAYING ON, HORN DOES NOT WORK AND CRUISE CONTROL NOT WORKING.I HAVE NOT REPAIRED THE PROBLEM AT THIS TIME.*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 →

Engine & cooling

11 complaint records
"I OWN A 2003 DODGE STRATUS AND IT SUFFERED THE SAME FAILURE OF ITS 2.7 LITER ENGINE AS MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED. THE CAR DOES NOT RUN DUE TO COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. *TR..."- 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 →

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
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
03V443000Fuel System, GasolineON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE RESTRICTED, CAUSING EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.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 49 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
StructureRepair 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.
9003215
Feb 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPart Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application.
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
2100305
Nov 2005
Power TrainTRANSFER GEAR WHINE SOUND BETWEEN 68 MPH AND 84 MPH EITHER ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING. *EH
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
1802802
Aug 2005
Electrical SystemMIL ILLUMINATION - MISFIRE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTCS) P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304. *TT
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
2100503
May 2004
Power TrainDELAYED OR TEMPORARY LOSS OF TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT AFTER INITIAL START UP ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 PACIFICA, SEBRING CONVERTIBLE, SEBRING SEDAN, INTREPID AND 2003 SX2.0. *TT *MJ
0901104
Apr 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingINCORRECT OIL FILTER USAGE. ALSO INCLUDES 2005 SEBRING AND STRATUS. *TT
1900702
Apr 2004
SteeringLOWER STEERING COLUMN CLICK SOUND. *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
2100603A
Aug 2003
Power TrainTRANSMISSION HARSH 4-3 DOWNSHIFT. *TT
2100503A
Aug 2003
Power TrainDELAYED OR TEMPORARY LOSS OF TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT AFTER INITIAL START UP ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 PACIFICA, SEBRING CONVERTIBLE, SEBRING SEDAN, INTREPID AND 2003 SX2.0. *TT
2100603
Jun 2003
Power TrainTRANSMISSION HARSH 4-3 DOWNSHIFT ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 2004 PACIFICA, SEBRING, INTREPID AND 2003 SX2.0. *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
03008
Apr 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingCRANKSHAFT OIL PASSAGE MIS-MACHINED. *TT
2400103
Mar 2003
EquipmentWINDOWS MAY BEGIN TO FOG WHEN THE HVAC IS IN FLOOR MODE. *TT
08
Mar 2003
Power TrainCOMPUTER DRIVER CHIP THAT COULD FAIL. REPLACE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. *TT
022603
Feb 2003
Air BagsDO NOT REPLACE THE AIR BAG COVER IF THE OWNER COMPLAINT IS THAT THE VEHICLE HORN ACTUATES BY ITSELF. REFER TO TSB 08-024-02 TO REPROGRAM THE BCM. *TT
06
Feb 2003
EquipmentENGINE VACUUM HOSE ROUTING LABEL REPLACEMENT. *TT
2300303
Jan 2003
VisibilityDRIVER'S WINDOW AUTO-DOWN FUNCTION IS INTERMITTENT. INCLUDING MY2004. *TT
02025
Dec 2002
Interior LightingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION / TRANSMISSION LIMP-IN CONDITION. *TT
0500602
Dec 2002
Service BrakesREAR DRUM BRAKE CLUNK SOUND. *TT
0802402
Dec 2002
Electrical SystemHORN SELF ACTIVATION CONDITION. *TT
1803302
Oct 2002
Interior LightingA MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) MAY ILLUMINATE WITH ERRONEOUS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) P0016, P0335, P0339, P0340, P0462, P0498, P0499, P0622, P1604, P1681, P1686. *TT
02020
Oct 2002
Power TrainDELAYED TRANSAXLE ENGAGEMENT AFTER INITIAL START UP. *TT
1400402
Oct 2002
Fuel SystemERRATIC FUEL GAUGE READING ABOVE 1/4. *TT
0801202
Aug 2002
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION ON DIAGNOSING RATTLE / SQUEAK FROM THE CENTER OFTHE LOWER INSTRUMENT PANEL. *TT
1802002
Jun 2002
Unknown Or OtherFLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC
2200102
Mar 2002
Unknown Or OtherCHROME WHEEL CARE. *SLC

Before you buy this vehicle

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 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 →