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2003 Dodge Stratus

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Dodge Stratus do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 168.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

54 reports with mileage · 21 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.

  • Air Bags. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports0 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

75 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2016
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED SHATTERING THE CONTACT'S STERNUM, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED SHATTERING THE CONTACT'S STERNUM, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE FACE AND A FRACTURED LEG WHICH NEEDED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10822769

Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2015
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V338000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE C…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V338000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #10766441

123,000 miles · Jul 28, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD SHUT OFF SHORTLY AFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS AND FUEL PUMP MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE WIRE HARNESS FROM THE FUEL PUMP MELTED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FUEL TANK WHILE THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD SHUT OFF SHORTLY AFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS AND FUEL PUMP MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE WIRE HARNESS FROM THE FUEL PUMP MELTED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FUEL TANK WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL RUNNING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

NHTSA ODI #10744103

80,000 miles · Jul 20, 2015
Air BagsCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10735169

45,000 miles · Aug 27, 2014
StructureInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK FAILED TO REMAIN OPEN AS A RESULT THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY. THE CONTACT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

NHTSA ODI #10628953

90,000 miles · Aug 6, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System

I WAS BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE WHEN I HEARD A CRACKING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL.THEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON.THEN I NOTICED THE HORN DID NOT WORK. UPON INVESTIGATION ON THE INTERNET I AM 100% CONVINCED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING HAS BROKEN.FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWS THERE IS A RECALL ON CHRYSLER-DODGE CLOCK SPRING…

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I WAS BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE WHEN I HEARD A CRACKING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL.THEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON.THEN I NOTICED THE HORN DID NOT WORK. UPON INVESTIGATION ON THE INTERNET I AM 100% CONVINCED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING HAS BROKEN.FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWS THERE IS A RECALL ON CHRYSLER-DODGE CLOCK SPRINGS BUT ONLY ON CERTAIN YEAR-MODELS WHICH DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. THE YEAR OR MODEL OF THE VEHICLE IS IRRELEVANT IF THE CLOCK SPRING PART IN QUESTION (THE ONE IN THE RECALL) WAS/IS STILL BEING INSTALLED ON VEHICLES NOT IN THE RECALL LIKE MINE A 2003 DODGE STRATUS A LITTLE INVESTIGATION ON YOUR END WILL CLEARLY SHOW THIS TO BE THE CASE. I'D BE WILLING TO BET THAT MY CLOCK SPRING HAS THE SAME MANUFACTURING NUMBERS AS THE RECALLED CLOCK SPRINGS . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10619168

88,000 miles · May 21, 2013
EngineFuel/propulsion System

WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE CAR "CHUGGED" AND THEN STALLED. IT RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY AND I PASSED THROUGH TRAFFIC. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 8-10 SINCE IT'S FIRST OCCURRENCE. LAST OCCURRENCE WAS IN A DRIVE-THRU WAITING FOR SERVICE AND THE CAR "SPUTTERED" AND THEN STALLED. IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET THE CAR STAR…

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WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE CAR "CHUGGED" AND THEN STALLED. IT RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY AND I PASSED THROUGH TRAFFIC. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 8-10 SINCE IT'S FIRST OCCURRENCE. LAST OCCURRENCE WAS IN A DRIVE-THRU WAITING FOR SERVICE AND THE CAR "SPUTTERED" AND THEN STALLED. IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET THE CAR STARTED AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10512942

140,000 miles · Feb 25, 2013
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE BALL JOINT FAILED, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO MOVE 45 DEGREES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE BALL JOINT FAILED, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO MOVE 45 DEGREES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONSIDERED AN ANOMALY. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BALL JOINT HIMSELF. ONE YEAR LATER, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BALL JOINT FAILED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BALL JOINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 3/27/13

NHTSA ODI #10499954

90,000 miles · Dec 12, 2011
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ONCE BEFORE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BOLT JOINT WAS FRACTURED. AS …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ONCE BEFORE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BOLT JOINT WAS FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND CV AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #10439434

125,527 miles · Jun 24, 2010
Suspension

ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO THE UPPER BALL JOINT IN MY 2003 DODGE STRATUS VEHICLE BROKE WHILE MY BOYFRIEND WAS DRIVING. WE REPLACED THAT PART, AND THE CAR WAS RUNNING FAIRLY NORMAL UNTIL THIS MORNING WHEN THE RIGHT REAR TIRE FOLDED IN JUST LIKE LAST TIME, THE BALL JOINT FROM THAT TIRE MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10339922

Official recalls

2

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.

03V443000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Nov 4, 2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE RESTRICTED, CAUSING EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE MAY RESULT IN A LEAK IN THE FUEL RETURN HOSE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP PRESSURE. THOSE VEHICLES EXHIBITING HIGHER THAN NORMAL FUEL PUMP PRESSURE WILL RECEIVE FUEL PUMP MODIFICATIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 15, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.

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.