Car Record Book

2001 Dodge Stratus recalls & problems

The 2001 Dodge Stratus has 14 safety recalls and 186 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (60 complaints).

Recalls14safety recalls
Complaints186filed by owners
Crashes · fires8 · 2reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths7 · 1reported in complaints
2001 Dodge Stratus in an NHTSA crash test
2001 Dodge Stratus in an NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 16V401000 · Jun 3, 2016 · 16,315 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

Fix: 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.

Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 15V338000 · Jun 2, 2015 · 443,442 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

Fix: 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.

Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm

NHTSA recall 10E059000 · Dec 27, 2010 · 22,689 vehicles

Problem: FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING.

Risk: IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.

Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint

NHTSA recall 09E056000 · Oct 9, 2009 · 5,787 vehicles

Problem: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SOLD AS FOUR PART NUMBERS, D10945, D10946, G10945, AND G10946. THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS, D10945 AND D10946, ARE STAMPED WITH THE FOLLOWING DATES ON THE BALL JOINTS: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, AND 116609. THE G10945 AND G10946 ARE THE SAME PART AS THE D10945 AND D10946 RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE LABELED DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON THE AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER.

Risk: SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Fix: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.

Exterior lighting › Headlights

NHTSA recall 09E025000 · May 11, 2009 · 42,540 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder

NHTSA recall 07E023000 · Mar 29, 2007 · 13,128 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Fix: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines

NHTSA recall 01V011002 · Jan 16, 2001 · 28,439 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE COOLER HOSES CAN CAUSE TRANSAXLE DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS AND SMOKE IF THE OIL CONTACTS THE FRONT EXHAUST PIPE.

Fix: 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.

Seats

NHTSA recall 01V005002 · Jan 8, 2001 · 20 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A NUMBER OF INCORRECT DRIVER SIDE SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS WERE INSTALLED INTO VEHICLES.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Child seat

NHTSA recall 00V366000 · Nov 9, 2000 · 1,211,756 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA recall 00V320002 · Oct 27, 2000 · 3,480 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: THIS HOSE IS CONSIDERED TO BE INADEQUATE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RETURN HOSE.

Air bags › Frontal

NHTSA recall 00V306000 · Oct 12, 2000 · 419 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: A SEPARATED AIR BAG DOOR COULD INJURE A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG.

Engine and engine cooling › Engine

NHTSA recall 00V299002 · Oct 2, 2000 · 554 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HARNESS FOR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH A NEW PROTECTIVE SHIELD CAUSING A GROUNDED CIRCUIT.

Risk: 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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR HARNESS.

Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields

NHTSA recall 00V278000 · Sep 18, 2000 · 4,504 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: SMOKE INHALATION COULD BE HARMFUL TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE INSULATION PAD FROM BEHIND BOTH REAR MAP LIGHTS.

Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)

NHTSA recall 00V225002 · Aug 10, 2000 · 2,865 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY IF A LOOSE NUT CONNECTION IS FOUND.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2001 Dodge Stratus NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2001 Dodge Stratus NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

2001 Dodge Stratus 2-DR

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

2001 Dodge Stratus 4-DR

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Stratus

23mpg combined
City / highway20 / 27 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Stratus

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Stratus

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Stratus 4 Door

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 28 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Stratus 4 Door

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S4) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Stratus

20mpg combined
City / highway17 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Stratus

20mpg combined
City / highway17 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S4) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Stratus 4 Door

20mpg combined
City / highway17 / 25 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine and engine cooling
Engine; Engine › Gasoline
6001065,000 mi
Suspension
Rear; Front
4320173,000 mi
Air bags
Frontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module
2840491,125 mi
Steering
Column; Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
2721160,089 mi
Power train
Automatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
2000053,000 mi
Electrical system
Horn; Wiring › Interior/under dash
1900070,000 mi
Vehicle speed control
Cruise control; Accelerator pedal
1200046,500 mi
Structure
Body; Body › Door
1000249,800 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic
Foundation components › Disc › Rotor; Fluid
1010155,225 mi
Visibility
Glass, side/rear; Sun/moon roof assembly
6000—
Unknown or other
500076,500 mi
Seats
Front assembly › Power adjust
4000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations