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2002 Dodge Stratus

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Dodge Stratus do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 168.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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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

113 reports with mileage · 37 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 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports4 fire reports6 injury reports

Suspension complaints

31 reports
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186,000 miles · Sep 15, 2015
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED OVER TIME WITH THE REMAINING THREE BALL JOINTS DETACHING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000.

NHTSA ODI #10763793

185,750 miles · May 16, 2015
SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or OtherCrash

MY CAR HAS A BAD NOISE AND POPPING SOUND IN THE FRONT END. I WAS TURNING OUT OF MY MOMS DRIVEWAY WHEN MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE COLLAPSED IN .. MY UPPER BALL JOINT BROKE . AFTER MY CAR WAS JACKED UP MY LOWER A ARM AND BALL JOINT WAS BROKE .. I REPLACED EVERYTHING . A WEEK LATER THE DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT HAD TO BE REPLACED . MY CA…

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MY CAR HAS A BAD NOISE AND POPPING SOUND IN THE FRONT END. I WAS TURNING OUT OF MY MOMS DRIVEWAY WHEN MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE COLLAPSED IN .. MY UPPER BALL JOINT BROKE . AFTER MY CAR WAS JACKED UP MY LOWER A ARM AND BALL JOINT WAS BROKE .. I REPLACED EVERYTHING . A WEEK LATER THE DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT HAD TO BE REPLACED . MY CAR STILL MAKES A AWEFUL SOUND LIKE SOMETHING IS ABOUT TO BRAKE . SHOULD I REPLACE EVERY PART IN THE FRONT . CAUSE IT DANGEROUS FOR MYSELF AND MY CHILD .

NHTSA ODI #10716802

112,000 miles · Feb 24, 2015
Suspension

MY DAUGHTER PULLED OUT OF MCDONALD'S TURNING RIGHT AND THE LEFT WHEEL COLLAPSED UNDER THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. I HAD IT TOWED TO OUR HOUSE. I HAVE READ ON LINE AND FOUND THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10690340

191,300 miles · Aug 7, 2014
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING A TURN, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE V…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING A TURN, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND TWO WEEKS LATER THE CLICKING NOISE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL ARM WAS CRACKED. THE CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT WAS REPLACED FOR A SECOND TIME AND TWO WEEKS LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED FOR A THIRD TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 191,300.

NHTSA ODI #10620659

64,800 miles · Jun 29, 2013
Air BagsSuspension

I GOT IN MY CAR TO DRIVE HOME AND AS SOON AS I STARTED THE CAR AND TURNED THE WHEEL JUST A LITTLE, I HEAR A POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON STATING "AIR BAG". I HAVE ALREADY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BALL JOINTS I HAD TO REPLACE MYSELF AND OTHER ISSUES WITH THIS CAR. NOW I HAVE A FAUL…

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I GOT IN MY CAR TO DRIVE HOME AND AS SOON AS I STARTED THE CAR AND TURNED THE WHEEL JUST A LITTLE, I HEAR A POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON STATING "AIR BAG". I HAVE ALREADY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BALL JOINTS I HAD TO REPLACE MYSELF AND OTHER ISSUES WITH THIS CAR. NOW I HAVE A FAULTY AIR BAG THAT IS MAKING NOISE EVERY TIME I TURN THE WHEEL. I ALSO FOUND OUT I HAVE NO HORN. IT DOES NOT WORK SINCE THE AIR BAG IS FAULTY. I AM NOT PROTECTED WITH AN AIR BAG AND CAN NOT DEFEND MYSELF WITH MY CAR HORN...I NEED HELP! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10522418

Mileage unknown · May 3, 2012
Suspension

I HAVE BEEN HEARING A TERRIBLE NOISE EVERYTIME I TURN MY 2002 DODGE STRATUS. OFTEN TIMES I CAN'T EVEN TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE TO GET MY CAR INSPECTED AND I FOUND OUT THAT I HAVE TO HAVE MY FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM/BALL JOINT REPLACED BECAUSE IT FAILED. I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT THIS ITEM WAS RECALLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10457242

150,000 miles · Dec 9, 2010
Suspension

I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 15 MILES PER HOUR AND HIT A SLIGHT INDENTATION IN THE ROAD WHERE IT HAVE BEEN NEWLY PAVED. I HEARD A LOUD "THUD" IN THE TRUNK OF MY CAR FROM THE BACK DRIVER'S SIDE. I PULLED OVER AND UNCOVERED THE WHEEL WELL AND SAW A HOLE WHERE THE STRUT MOUNT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. I DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR HOME AND CALL A CERTI…

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I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 15 MILES PER HOUR AND HIT A SLIGHT INDENTATION IN THE ROAD WHERE IT HAVE BEEN NEWLY PAVED. I HEARD A LOUD "THUD" IN THE TRUNK OF MY CAR FROM THE BACK DRIVER'S SIDE. I PULLED OVER AND UNCOVERED THE WHEEL WELL AND SAW A HOLE WHERE THE STRUT MOUNT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. I DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR HOME AND CALL A CERTIFIED MECHANIC TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. WHILE TAKING THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC A COUPLE DAYS LATER, THE PASSENGER SIDE MADE THE SAME LOUD "THUD". WITHIN A FEW MILES MY CAR STARTED FILLING UP WITH SMOKE THAT SMELLED LIKE BURNING RUBBER. WHILE GOING AROUND A SMALL CURVE MY SHOCK CAME OUT AND TORE OPEN MY NEW TIRE. I HAD TO GET MY CAR TOWED TO THE MECHANIC TO GET IT FIXED. WHAT WE FOUND WAS A CORRODED PIECE OF METAL, WHICH I LATER FOUND OUT WAS MY "STRUT MOUNTS". I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT WITH MY STRUTS BEING ALMOST NONEXISTENT, AND THE TIRE BLOWING OUT THAT THE ACTUAL FRAME OF MY CAR COULD VERY WELL BE MESSED UP TOO. THE CAR IS STILL BEING FIXED DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE PART THAT WAS NEEDED WAS DISCONTINUED OR SOMETHING OF THAT NATURE. (I DID KEEP THE CORRODED PIECE OF METAL THAT WAS ONCE MY STRUT MOUNT.) *TR

NHTSA ODI #10369843

87,000 miles · May 16, 2010
Suspension

2002 DODGE STRATUS REAR STRUT MOUNTING PLATES. TURNING TO POWDER SEEMED TO BE MADE OF PRE-CAST ALUMINUM, UNPAINTED. HEARD CLANKING SOUND THOUGHT THE SPARE WAS LOOSE AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION DISCOVERED DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE MOUNTING BRACKETS WERE DISINTEGRATING THIS DEFINITELY SHOULD BE A RECALL . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10330609

110,950 miles · May 2, 2010
Suspension

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON 4-30-2010 IN MY 2002 DODGE STRATUS ES SEDAN. I HEARD A STRANGE METALLIC CLUNK FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. ONCE I GOT TO WORK I CHECKED AROUND THE REAR WHEELS AND FOUND THAT THE DRIVER/REAR SPRING MOUNT PLATE WAS TOTALLY CORRODED AND A CHUNK WAS MISSING WHICH CAUSED THE SPRING TO SLIP (NOISE I HEARD). THE…

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I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON 4-30-2010 IN MY 2002 DODGE STRATUS ES SEDAN. I HEARD A STRANGE METALLIC CLUNK FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. ONCE I GOT TO WORK I CHECKED AROUND THE REAR WHEELS AND FOUND THAT THE DRIVER/REAR SPRING MOUNT PLATE WAS TOTALLY CORRODED AND A CHUNK WAS MISSING WHICH CAUSED THE SPRING TO SLIP (NOISE I HEARD). THE OTHER PASS/REAR SIDE IS JUST AS BAD. THE ALUMINUM MOUNTS ARE TOTALLY CORRODED AND FLAKING APART. I LIVE IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS SO CORROSION IS A USUAL THING, BUT FOR PARTS TO JUST FLAKE AWAY IN CHUNKS? THIS SEEMS OVERTLY DANGEROUS AND AN ENGINEERING OVERSIGHT. I NEED TO GET THIS FIXED RIGHT AWAY OR WHO KNOWS HOW THE SPRINGS WILL FAIL AND CAUSE ME TO LOSE CONTROL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10328409

77,000 miles · Apr 2, 2010
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT CONTROL ARM LOWER BALL JOINT HAD FALLEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP BUT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CONT…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT CONTROL ARM LOWER BALL JOINT HAD FALLEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP BUT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALERSHIP BUT WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO BE PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 77,000.

NHTSA ODI #10323445

Official recalls

2

16V401000 · 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.

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.