Dodge Stratus Recalls

The Dodge Stratus has 27 recalls spanning the 1995–2005 production run, with the most serious recent issue being a cracked steering knuckle on 2005 models that can separate from the upper control arm and cause a sudden loss of vehicle control.

The 2005 model year also has loose rear seatbelt retractor bolts that can fail to hold an occupant in a crash, and a passenger-side sun visor that can detach and fly rearward. That sun visor issue extends back through 2001–2004 models as well. The 2004 model year has two fuel return line defects on the electric fuel pump that can build pressure, leak fuel, and create fire risk near ignition sources.

The 2001 model year carries the most recalls. A loose nut in the steering gear can cause anything from vibration to a complete inability to turn left. The crankshaft position sensor wiring can wear against a heat shield, ground out, and stall the engine without warning. Automatic transmission cooler hoses can weaken and leak fluid onto the exhaust, producing smoke. The driver seat can be secured with incorrect bolts that may not hold in a crash. The passenger airbag housing can release its door during deployment, turning it into a projectile. An interior silencer pad can fall onto a rear map light, melt, and fill the cabin with smoke.

The 2000 model year has a right front brake hose bracket weld that can fail and cause partial brake loss, and unpainted fuel tank straps that can corrode and loosen over time. On 1999 models, the power steering hose on 2.4-liter engines can age prematurely, leak fluid, and start an underhood fire, and the right rear brake tube can rub through against an exhaust clamp and reduce braking effectiveness.

The 1996 model year has several issues: the front lower ball joint can lose lubrication and separate, causing loss of steering; the anti-lock brake unit can corrode and cause the vehicle to swerve during braking; the brake master cylinder can leak and reduce braking on half the system; and the secondary hood latch spring can disengage when the hood is slammed, risking the hood flying open at speed. The 2001 steering gear issue is echoed on 2001 models by a separate concern where the ignition-park interlock on automatic transmissions can become non-functional.

The 1995 model year has rear seatbelt anchors that do not meet the required load standard and can fail in a crash. A brake master cylinder leak on 1995 models can similarly reduce braking on half the system, and the ignition-park interlock on floor-shift automatic models can fail, allowing the vehicle to be shifted out of park unexpectedly.