The 2004 Dodge Stratus has 7 safety recalls and 144 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is suspension (38 complaints).
Recalls7safety recalls
Complaints144filed by owners
Crashes · fires24 · 1reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths17 · 0reported in complaints
2004 Dodge Stratus in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NHTSA recall 04V313000 · Jun 29, 2004 · 8,108 vehicles
Problem: ON CERTAIN 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE IMPROPERLY MOLDED.
Risk: BREAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A LEAKAGE OF FUEL AND IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, IT COULD RESULT A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON AUGUST 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
NHTSA recall 03V443000 · Nov 4, 2003 · 5,911 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: 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.
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
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
2004 Dodge Stratus 2-DR
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2004 Dodge Stratus 4-DR
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not 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
24mpg combined
City / highway
21 / 29 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel
Stratus 4 Door
22mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 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 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel
Stratus
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel
Stratus
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S4) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel
Stratus 4 Door FFV
21mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
Stratus 4 Door FFV
21mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 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
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
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*
Suspension Rear; Front
38
1
0
0
79,900 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Exhaust system
22
1
0
0
36,500 mi
Electrical system Ignition; Wiring
16
2
0
0
34,000 mi
Air bags Frontal
15
10
0
11
65,000 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Axle assembly
13
1
0
0
37,980 mi
Vehicle speed control Accelerator pedal
13
5
0
4
103,000 mi
Steering Linkages › Tie rod assembly; Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
13
1
0
0
118,000 mi
Structure Frame and members; Body
9
1
0
0
24,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Foundation components › Disc › Rotor; Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jul 6, 2025 · 136,334 milesWheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated while reversing, the passenger's side front wheel detached. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair with similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,334.
Feb 5, 2023Fuel/propulsion system Fuel pump went out and in order for me to replace the fuel pump you have drop the tank. I could not get the intake hose off or the smaller fuel line along side it off. And there very little room to work with to get it off. And I have purchased the vehicle a little over a year ago and was not told about any recalls on this vehicle
Nov 21, 2021 · 51,000 milesSuspension The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and then lost motive power. Additionally, the front passenger's side ball stud separated from the ball joint housing, and the front passenger's side tire was stuck on the fender, preventing the engine from falling onto the ground. The failure almost caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. While the vehicle was being placed on the flatbed tow truck, the oil filter fractured and detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the…
May 3, 2021Engine 2.7 liter engine should be recalled and replaced because? 1. The internal water pump which have been known to wear out prematurely and destroy the engine regardless how well the owner maintains vehicle. 2. Subframe and rear suspension crossmember should be replace due to rotting out prematurely. 3 Gloss on paint prone to pealing.
May 3, 2021 · 116,508 milesSuspension TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WERE UNKNOWN RATTLING SOUNDS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE WHEELS WERE WOBBLING AS IF THEY WERE GOING TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BALL JOINTS ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY WERE FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10E059000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,508.
Feb 4, 2020 · 148,000 milesSteering I HAVE NOTICED WHEN I AM TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT THERE APPEARS TO BE SOMEWHAT OF A LACK OF CONTROL AND LOOSENING OF THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE AS I AM DRIVING. ALSO, THE SUSPENSION ON MY VEHICLE HAS BECOME MUCH MORE PRONOUNCED NEGATIVELY.
Jan 16, 2020 · 150,000 milesSuspension WHILE MAKING A TURN AT 5MPH, MY FRONT RIGHT WHEEL COLLAPSED CAUSING COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL AND CONTROL ARM IN TURN CAUSING MY AXLE TO COME OUT FROM THE TRANSMISSION AT THE CV JOINT. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS BALL JOINT ISSUE BUT NOT FOR MY VIN SPECIFICALLY.
Nov 1, 2019 · 139,000 milesSteering AS I AM TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN DRIVING OR IDLE THE STEERING IS MAKING A SQUEAKING/CREAKING NOISE I BELIEVE IT HAS TO DO WITH RECALL: 10E059000 FRONT CONTROL ARM - LOWER ARM
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
