IllustrationCONSUMER HAD A 2.7 LITER ENGINE WHICH ACCUMULATED A GREAT DEAL OF MOTOR SLUDGE. CONSUMER CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES. THEN, TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO HAD THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. MANUFACTURER TOLD CONSUMER THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. *AK
2001 Dodge Stratus
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Dodge Stratus do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 168.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Stratus years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
50–25K
2325–50K
3850–75K
1775–100K
28100–150K
5150K+
116 reports with mileage · 70 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
8 crash reports2 fire reports6 injury reports
What owners actually said
186 reportsLEFT REAR SHOCK WAS RATTLING AROUND WITHIN THE COIL SPRING. UPON INVESTIGATION, FOUND THAT THE UPPER SPRING/SHOCK MOUNT, WHICH IS ALUMINUM OR AN ALUMINUM ALLOY, HAD DETERIORATED SO BADLY THAT IT HAD SEPERATED INTO 5 PIECES. THIS PART LOCATES THE UPPER END OF THE REAR SPRING, AND HAD IT NOT BEEN CAUGHT, COULD HAVE ALLOWED THE …
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LEFT REAR SHOCK WAS RATTLING AROUND WITHIN THE COIL SPRING. UPON INVESTIGATION, FOUND THAT THE UPPER SPRING/SHOCK MOUNT, WHICH IS ALUMINUM OR AN ALUMINUM ALLOY, HAD DETERIORATED SO BADLY THAT IT HAD SEPERATED INTO 5 PIECES. THIS PART LOCATES THE UPPER END OF THE REAR SPRING, AND HAD IT NOT BEEN CAUGHT, COULD HAVE ALLOWED THE SPRING TO MIGRATE INTO THE TIRE, POSSIBLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THIS CAR HAS 70,000 HIGHWAY MILES, AND IS KEPT CLEAN, AND STORED IN A GARAGE EVERY NIGHT. I WILL BE REPLACING THE RH SIDED SHORTLY, AS IT IS SHOWING SIMILAR SIGNS OF ROT. I HAVE THE FAILED PIECE, AND HAVE DIGITAL PICTURES IF INTERESTED.*AK
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY SUDDENLY THERE WAS A POP AND THEN A BANGING NOISE. CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY, LIFTED THE HOOD, AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONSUMER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A GALLON OF WATER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THAT ENGINE ROD BEARING DRO…
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY SUDDENLY THERE WAS A POP AND THEN A BANGING NOISE. CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY, LIFTED THE HOOD, AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONSUMER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A GALLON OF WATER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THAT ENGINE ROD BEARING DROPPED, AND BLEW A HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE BLOCK, THE SIZE OF A MAN'S FIST. *AK AN OIL CHANGE WAS DONE ON THE CAR A WEEK PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. *NM
LEFT REAR BALL JOINT WENT OUT WHILE DRINVING. AS A RESULT, TIRE HIT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. *AK
TIMING BELT FAILURE RESULTED IN ENGINE FAILURE. BEARINGS ON BOTH FRONT WHEELS WERE REPLACED AT 30,000 MILES, REPLACED FRONT BEARINGS AND REPLACED ENGINE. *AK
WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. VEHICLE ACCELERATED INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING TO THE RIGHT CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. ALSO BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD . DEALER INSPECTED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THE CONSUMER MADE RIGHT TURNS DOWN A GRADE. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID …
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WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING TO THE RIGHT CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. ALSO BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD . DEALER INSPECTED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THE CONSUMER MADE RIGHT TURNS DOWN A GRADE. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LOW. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS BLINK INTERMITTENTLY. *NM
FAILURE OF RIGHT REAR BALL JOINT IN 2001 DODGE STRATUS WITH NO WARNING SUCH AS NOISE OR VIBRATION PROCEEDING FAILURE NO PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE BALL JOINT REPLACED BY DODGE DEALERSHIP WITH AFTER MARKET PART, OLD PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. *MR
TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT, WHEN SHIFTING VEHICLE JERKED. *AK
80,000 MILES ON THE TRANSMISSION. THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER MOVE. LEAVING ME STRANDED. COSTING $1,500 FOR A REBUIT TRANSMISSION FOR A NEWER CAR. NO REASON FOR A TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT SO SOON. ALSO FLICKERING WITH THE DASH/INTERIOR LIGHTS AND RADIO WHEN LIGHT ARE TURNED ON.
Official recalls
1016V401000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jun 3, 2016
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus vehicles, equipped with beige interiors. The affected vehicles were previously repaired for a recall issue using an incorrect part. The incorrect part may not prevent the passenger side sun visor from detaching if the passenger frontal air bag deploys and the passenger side sun visor is folded down in a certain position.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify the affected owners. Dealers will install the correct tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2016, owners will be sent a second email when parts are available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
15V338000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Jun 2, 2015
Mitsubishi 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, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 21, 2005, and 2001-2005 Dodge Stratus vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 22, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the passenger side sun visor may detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-005. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R30.
01V011002 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines
Jan 16, 2001
VEHICLE 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 INNER WALL WHICH COULD RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE COOLER HOSES CAN CAUSE TRANSAXLE DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS AND SMOKE IF THE OIL CONTACTS THE FRONT EXHAUST PIPE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER HOSES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 9, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
01V005002 · Seats
Jan 8, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A NUMBER OF INCORRECT DRIVER SIDE SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS WERE INSTALLED INTO VEHICLES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE BOLTS MAY NOT PROPERLY SECURE THE SEAT AND COULD CAUSE INCREASED INJURY TO THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS AND THEN REPLACE THE BOLTS IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 5, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
00V366000 · Child Seat
Nov 9, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.
00V320002 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Oct 27, 2000
VEHICLE 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS HOSE IS CONSIDERED TO BE INADEQUATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RETURN HOSE.
00V306000 · Air Bags:frontal
Oct 12, 2000
VEHICLE 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A SEPARATED AIR BAG DOOR COULD INJURE A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG.
00V299002 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
Oct 2, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HARNESS FOR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH A NEW PROTECTIVE SHIELD CAUSING A GROUNDED CIRCUIT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: PROLONGED WIRING HARNESS CONTACT WITH THE HEAT SHIELD WILL CAUSE THE WIRING INSULATION TO WEAR AND EVENTUALLY TO GROUND OUT. THIS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO DIE-OUT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR HARNESS.
00V278000 · Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields
Sep 18, 2000
VEHICLE 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 THE C-PILLAR TRIM PANEL (LH AND RH). THIS CONTACT COULD CAUSE THE PAD TO MELT, CREATING A HOT SMELL AND/OR SMOKE DURING LONG PERIODS OF ILLUMINATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SMOKE INHALATION COULD BE HARMFUL TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE INSULATION PAD FROM BEHIND BOTH REAR MAP LIGHTS.
00V225002 · Steering:gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion)
Aug 10, 2000
VEHICLE 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 TO TURN LEFT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY IF A LOOSE NUT CONNECTION IS FOUND.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE02082 · Safety Belt Cinching Latch Plate
Opened Nov 6, 2002 · Closed Apr 23, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
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 FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.