Summary
The Dodge Stratus has 25 recalls spanning 1995 through 2005, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2005 models where the right steering knuckle can crack and separate from the upper control arm, causing sudden loss of directional control.
The 2005 model year also has loose rear seatbelt retractor and turning loop bolts on the outboard rear positions that can fail to hold occupants in a crash. On 2004 models, the fuel return line hose on the fuel pump can develop a leak, and fuel near an ignition source can start a fire; this affects both coupe and sedan body styles.
The 2001 model year carries the densest cluster of recalls. A steering gear nut left under-torqued can produce steering wheel vibration, stiff steering, or a complete inability to turn left. Separately, a wiring harness for the crankshaft position sensor can rub against a heat shield, wear through its insulation, and cause the engine to stall without warning. On the occupant safety side, incorrect driver seat mounting bolts can fail to hold the seat in a crash, and the passenger airbag housing was built with suspect aluminum sections that may not retain the airbag door during deployment, allowing the door to strike an occupant. Interior insulation pads on 2001 models can detach and fall onto rear map lights, where prolonged contact causes melting, smoke, and potential harm to rear seat occupants. Automatic transmission cooler hoses on 2001 models with automatic transmissions can weaken and leak fluid, causing driveability problems and smoke if the fluid contacts the exhaust.
On 2000 models, the right front brake hose bracket weld can fail, fatiguing the brake tube and causing partial brake system loss. Fuel tank mounting straps on 2000 vehicles were built without paint, leaving them vulnerable to corrosion and loosening over time. The 2000 model year also has an incorrect child safety lock label that can cause confusion about whether the lock is engaged.
The 1999 model has two brake and fire concerns: a power steering hose on 2.4-liter engines can develop a leak and ignite under the hood, and the right rear brake tube can wear against an exhaust clamp, develop a hole, and reduce braking effectiveness on half the system.
Going back to 1996, the anti-lock brake hydraulic control unit can corrode and cause solenoid valves to stick, making the vehicle pull sharply to one side during braking. The front lower ball joint can lose lubrication and separate, taking steering control with it. A secondary hood latch spring can disengage if the hood is slammed, and if the primary latch is also unengaged, the hood can fly up while driving. The 1996 brake master cylinder can leak fluid through a damaged piston seal, reducing braking on half the system, and the ignition-park interlock cable adjustment can be set incorrectly, making it easy to shift out of park without the key in position.
On 1995 models, rear seatbelt anchors do not meet the required load standards and can give way in a crash. The 1995 brake master cylinder has the same piston seal leak as the 1996 model, again reducing partial braking effectiveness. A floor-mounted automatic transmission shifter can have its connecting pin broken by a specific combination of inputs, disabling the ignition-park interlock entirely.
