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 reports
100,000 miles · May 14, 2014
Air BagsInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH AN EXPLOSIVE NOISE THAT CAUSED SOME HEARING LOSS TO THE CONTACT'S RIGHT EAR. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH AN EXPLOSIVE NOISE THAT CAUSED SOME HEARING LOSS TO THE CONTACT'S RIGHT EAR. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL NUMBER 00V306000 (AIR BAG). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10588294
111,000 miles · Mar 22, 2014
Unknown Or Other
WHEN THE STEERING WILL IS TURNED ALL THE WAY IT MAKES A SQUELLING NOISE. PUT POWER STEERING FLUID IN AND STILL NO CHANGE.
NHTSA ODI #10574176
Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2014
Unknown Or Other
OIL LIGHT CAME ON A MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT IT. HAS OIL IN IT SO I DONT KNOW WHY IT WOULD BE ON.
NHTSA ODI #10574175
107,116 miles · Mar 1, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System
PURCHASED A USED 2001 DODGE STRATUS AND ABOUT A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING IT I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT THE STORE WHEN I HEARD A SNAP/POP SOUND FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND NOW EVERYTIME I TURN THE WHEEL I CAN HEAR A POPPING OR CLICKING SOUND. THE IRONY IS THAT I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE MY 96 DODGE INTR…
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PURCHASED A USED 2001 DODGE STRATUS AND ABOUT A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING IT I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT THE STORE WHEN I HEARD A SNAP/POP SOUND FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND NOW EVERYTIME I TURN THE WHEEL I CAN HEAR A POPPING OR CLICKING SOUND. THE IRONY IS THAT I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE MY 96 DODGE INTREPID IS HAVING ELECTRICAL ISSUES WHICH INCLUDED THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEING ON AND AFFECTING THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS AND THE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONING BLOWER SO I HAVE NO HEATER NOR DEFROSTER. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A CHRYSLER/DODGE PERSON AND HAVE ALWAYS OWNED ONE SINCE I WAS 18, BUT I AM BEGINNING TO THINK I NEED TO CHANGE MY LOYALTY TO ANOTHER MAKE AND MODEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10566593
53,641 miles · Feb 18, 2013
Air BagsSteering
I WAS DRIVING OUR 2001 DODGE STRATUS TO PARK AT THE MOVIE THEATER , GOING ONLY 5 MPH MAYBE LESS AND I WENT TO TURN INTO THE PARKING SPOT, I HEARD A CLICK IN THE STEERING WHEEL, A POP, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND THE HORN DOES NOT WORK AT ALL AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS STILL ON. EVERYTIME THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED, THERE IS A CL…
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I WAS DRIVING OUR 2001 DODGE STRATUS TO PARK AT THE MOVIE THEATER , GOING ONLY 5 MPH MAYBE LESS AND I WENT TO TURN INTO THE PARKING SPOT, I HEARD A CLICK IN THE STEERING WHEEL, A POP, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND THE HORN DOES NOT WORK AT ALL AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS STILL ON. EVERYTIME THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED, THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10498472
Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2012
Service Brakes
WHEN GOING ON THE BRAKES THE CAR JERKS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10483780
Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2012
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT WITHOUT WARNING AS SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THER…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT WITHOUT WARNING AS SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V299002 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10469322
87,500 miles · Jul 31, 2012
StructureInjury
TRUNK DOOR DESIGN HAS A DEFECT THAT WILL CAUSE THE TRUNK DOOR TO SLAM DOWN WITH EXCESSIVE AND UNIMPEDED FORCE WITHOUT WARNING AND WILL DO SO ON ITS OWN, EVEN IN CALM WINDS. MULTIPLE INCIDENT HAVE OCCURRED WHERE THE TRUNK DOOR HAS SLAMMED DOWN WHILE THE DRIVER OR THE PASSENGER WAS REACHING INTO THE TRUNK TO RETRIEVE ARTICLES FRO…
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TRUNK DOOR DESIGN HAS A DEFECT THAT WILL CAUSE THE TRUNK DOOR TO SLAM DOWN WITH EXCESSIVE AND UNIMPEDED FORCE WITHOUT WARNING AND WILL DO SO ON ITS OWN, EVEN IN CALM WINDS. MULTIPLE INCIDENT HAVE OCCURRED WHERE THE TRUNK DOOR HAS SLAMMED DOWN WHILE THE DRIVER OR THE PASSENGER WAS REACHING INTO THE TRUNK TO RETRIEVE ARTICLES FROM THE TRUNK. CURRENTLY THE ONLY WAY TO SAFELY USE THE TRUNK IS TO HAVE A SECOND PERSON HOLD THE TRUNK DOOR WHILE THE FIRST PERSON PLACES OR RETRIEVES ARTICLES FROM THE TRUNK. INJURIES THAT HAVE OCCURRED WERE MOMENTARY BACK PAIN AND ON ONE OCCASION A CONCUSSION (WHEN THE TRUNK DOOR HIT THE VEHICLE OWNER IN THE HEAD). NONE OF THE INJURIES REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. PROBLEM GETS WORSE WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED ON AN INCLINE (PARTICULARLY IF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IS FACING DOWNHILL), EVEN IF THE INCLINE IS SLIGHT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10468522
119,000 miles · Jun 27, 2012
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH, THE BALL AND AXLE JOINTS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER TO THE SHOULDER AND STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH, THE BALL AND AXLE JOINTS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER TO THE SHOULDER AND STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA ODI #10463336
98,000 miles · Jun 15, 2012
Air BagsService BrakesSteering
I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR A LITTLE OVER 3 YEARS NOW. FIRST IT WAS THE PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT. THEN A YEAR LATER IT WAS THE BALL JOINT ON THE DRIVER SIDE PLUS THE CONTROL ARM. THEN IT WAS THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. THEN RIGHT AFTER THAT I FIND OUT THE BALL JOINT I HAD JUST REPLACED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NEEDS REPLACED AGAIN! NOW MY OI…
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I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR A LITTLE OVER 3 YEARS NOW. FIRST IT WAS THE PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT. THEN A YEAR LATER IT WAS THE BALL JOINT ON THE DRIVER SIDE PLUS THE CONTROL ARM. THEN IT WAS THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. THEN RIGHT AFTER THAT I FIND OUT THE BALL JOINT I HAD JUST REPLACED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NEEDS REPLACED AGAIN! NOW MY OIL LIGHT COMES ON AT IDLE AFTER THE ENGINE HAS WARMED UP. HAD THE OIL CHANGED AS ALWAYS BETWEEN 2000 AND 3000 MILES AS I SHOULD. HAD THE OIL SENDING UNIT REPLACED AND STILL HAVE A OIL LIGHT ON WITH A FULL ENGINE OF OIL. NOW MY STEERING COLUMN JUST TODAY MADE A CRACKING SOUND AS I WAS BACKING UP WITH THE WHEEL TURNING TO THE LEFT. THEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WONT GO OFF. NOW MY STEERING IS STIFF. TALKED TO A MECHANIC AND IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *JB
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
1
PE02082 · 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.
2001 Dodge Stratus Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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