Model year record

2002 Dodge Stratus recalls & problems

The 2002 Dodge Stratus has 6 safety recalls and 150 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (48 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints150filed by owners

Crashes · fires10 · 4reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths11 · 0reported in complaints

2002 Dodge Stratus in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Air bagsJun 3, 2016

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 16V40100016,315 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 bagsJun 2, 2015

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 15V338000443,442 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.

SuspensionDec 27, 2010

Front › Control arm › Lower arm

Recall 10E05900022,689 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.

SuspensionOct 9, 2009

Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint

Recall 09E0560005,787 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 lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened 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, hydraulicMar 29, 2007

Foundation components › Master cylinder

Recall 07E02300013,128 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.

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

2002 Dodge Stratus 4-DR

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2002 Dodge Stratus 2-DR

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2002 Dodge Stratus NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2002 Dodge Stratus NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

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

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Stratus 4 Door

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Stratus

21mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

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

Stratus

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

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

Stratus 4 Door

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Stratus 4 Door

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

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

Stratus

20mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

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

Stratus

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

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

Stratus 4 Door

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.7 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Stratus

20mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

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

Stratus

20mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3 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 area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	48	0	2	0	80,000 mi
SuspensionRear; Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint	35	1	0	0	76,200 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift	21	0	1	0	59,750 mi
Air bagsFrontal	19	8	0	7	64,900 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor	11	3	0	4	25,500 mi
SteeringLinkages › Tie rod assembly; Hydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid	9	2	1	1	60,000 mi
Electrical systemWiring; 12v/24v/48v battery	9	0	0	0	65,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control	8	1	0	2	37,748 mi
StructureBody; Body › Door	7	0	1	4	105,000 mi
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer; Windshield wiper/washer › Motor	5	0	0	0	—
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage; Front	4	2	0	3	—
Unknown or other	4	1	0	0	137,000 mi

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

Recent owner complaints

Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 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 NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Aug 31, 2015
Air bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V338000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Nov 18, 2015
Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V338000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jul 1, 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 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.
Jun 1, 2010 · 186,000 miles
Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V338000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO PROVIDE THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Jul 10, 2015
Engine
THE INTERNAL WATER PUMP FAILED. THIS CAUSED WATER TO LEAK INTO THE OIL PAN. THE WATER GOT HOT ENOUGH ON A 600 MILES TRIP FROM FLORIDA TO MISSISSIPPI THAT IT BOILED AND CAUSED THE OIL TO TURN INTO SLUDGE (MOLASSES LIKE CONSISTENCY). THIS CAUSED A LACK OF LUBRICATION OF THE DUAL CAMSHAFTS WHICH IN TURN BURNED UP. END RESULT WAS ENGINE FAILURE.
Aug 8, 2015 · 98,252 miles
SuspensionCrash
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 .
May 6, 2015 · 185,750 miles
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
Feb 18, 2015 · 112,000 miles

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

SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATEClosed
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.
PE02082 · opened Nov 6, 2002 · closed Apr 23, 2003