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2000 Dodge Stratus

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2000 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

116 reports with mileage · 100 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.

  • Steering. Review the 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

16 crash reports64 fire reports11 injury reports

Service Brakes, Air complaints

3 reports
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23,706 miles · Nov 8, 2003
Latches/locks/linkagesService Brakes, Air

I HAD MY BRAKES REPLACED AT 23000 MILES AND EVERY 3 MONTHS SINCE. THEY ARE ONLY WEARING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THE WORST BUT WEAR ON BOTH SIDES. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS BECAUSE THEY WERE METALLIC. THE BRAKES ARE EXTREMELY NOISY WITH SQUEALING AND GRINDING SOUNDS. I HAVE HAD THEM REPLACED AND HAVE SPEND OVER 3000 DOLLAR SINCE …

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I HAD MY BRAKES REPLACED AT 23000 MILES AND EVERY 3 MONTHS SINCE. THEY ARE ONLY WEARING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THE WORST BUT WEAR ON BOTH SIDES. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS BECAUSE THEY WERE METALLIC. THE BRAKES ARE EXTREMELY NOISY WITH SQUEALING AND GRINDING SOUNDS. I HAVE HAD THEM REPLACED AND HAVE SPEND OVER 3000 DOLLAR SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. ALSO THE LEFT CHILD LOCK IS NOT WORKING AND THEREFORE CAUSES THE DOOR TO ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE HANDLE WHEN PULLED FROM THE INSIDE HAS NO RESISTANCE AND THIS HAS BEEN CHECKED AND EVERYTHING IS IN TACT. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN SOLVED OR FIXED AND I CANNOT AFFORD THE REPLACEMENT PART FOR THE CHILD LOCK.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10045756

Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2003
Power TrainService Brakes, AirCrashInjury

I PURCHASED A 200 DODGE STRATUS ES IN JAN 2001 FROM A TOYOTA OF NEW ORLEANS DEALER. AFTER PURCHASE, I STARTED HAVING RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. BRAKES,HEATING SYSTEM REPLACED,BRAKE DRUMS. AT THIS MOMENT SOMETHING CALLED SWAY LINK BARS HAVE GONE BAD ON THE CAR. I HAD A ACCIDENT IN APRIL 2002 BUT ACCORDING TO THE DODGE DE…

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I PURCHASED A 200 DODGE STRATUS ES IN JAN 2001 FROM A TOYOTA OF NEW ORLEANS DEALER. AFTER PURCHASE, I STARTED HAVING RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. BRAKES,HEATING SYSTEM REPLACED,BRAKE DRUMS. AT THIS MOMENT SOMETHING CALLED SWAY LINK BARS HAVE GONE BAD ON THE CAR. I HAD A ACCIDENT IN APRIL 2002 BUT ACCORDING TO THE DODGE DEALER IN GRETNA LOUISIANA THE ACCIDENT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PROBLEM I'VE HAD OR HAVING WITH THE CAR. I NOTIFIED THE CHRYSLER COMPANY OF MY PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS CAR WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. IT SHOULD BE. I'M HAVING CONTINUOUS PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES AS SWELL. THIS DOES NOT MAKE SENSE BEING THAT THE VEHICLE IS OF A NEW MODEL. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10043190

Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2001
Service Brakes, Air

THIS IS THE NUT THAT HOLDS THE WHEEL ON THE CAR. IT KEEPS COMING LOOSE. WE NOTICED IT BEFORE THE WHEEL FEEL OFF, AND TIGHTENED IT BACK UP. THE DEALER REFUSES TO FIX IT AS THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE!!! WHEN THE NUT COMES LOOSE, THERE IS NOTHING TO PREVENT IT FROM FALLING OFF ON THE TIRE COMING OFF THE …

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THIS IS THE NUT THAT HOLDS THE WHEEL ON THE CAR. IT KEEPS COMING LOOSE. WE NOTICED IT BEFORE THE WHEEL FEEL OFF, AND TIGHTENED IT BACK UP. THE DEALER REFUSES TO FIX IT AS THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE!!! WHEN THE NUT COMES LOOSE, THERE IS NOTHING TO PREVENT IT FROM FALLING OFF ON THE TIRE COMING OFF THE CAR AS YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD.*AK

NHTSA ODI #748133

Official recalls

5

06V001000 · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

Jan 5, 2006

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

00V366000 · Child Seat

Nov 9, 2000

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

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

00V196000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Jul 17, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE WELD BETWEEN THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE BLOCK AND THE STAND-OFF BRACKET.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE STAND-OFF BRACKET FROM THE BLOCK COULD CAUSE FATIGUE DAMAGE OF THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE TUBE AND RESULT IN A HALF SYSTEM BRAKE LOSS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BRAKE LINE BRACKET TO THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE TUBE.

00V066000 · Equipment:other:labels

Mar 2, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INCORRECT CHILD LOCK INSTRUCTION LABELS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE INCORRECT LABELS COULD CAUSE CONFUSION AS TO WHETHER THE CHILDPROOF SAFETY LOCK WAS ACTIVATED.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS.

00V067000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

Mar 2, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH UNPAINTED FUEL TANK STRAPS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE PAINT PROVIDES CORROSION PROTECTION NECESSARY TO ENSURE THE STRAPS DO NOT LOOSEN OVER TIME.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS.

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

3

EA05019 · Power Steering Fluid Fires

Opened Nov 7, 2005 · Closed Jan 12, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

ODI HAS RECEIVED 29 REPORTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES THAT APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKAGE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 AND 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS, DODGE STRATUS AND PLYMOUTH BREEZE VEHICLES (JA-CARS) EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINES.THESE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE FIRE RESULTED FROM A POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK OR THAT IT OCCURRED AFTER AN EXTENDED DRIVE AND SHORTLY AFTER BEING PARKED - CONDITIONS CONSISTENT WITH IGNITION OF POWER STEERING FLUID ON A HOT ENGINE OR EXHAUST SURFACE DURING THE VEHICLE HOT SOAK PERIOD. ON JANUARY 6, 2006, DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT ON MY 1999 AND 2000 JA-CARS BUILT FROM JULY 1, 1998 TO JULY 31, 2000 AND EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINES (RECALL 06V-001).THE NOTIFICATION STATED THAT ?THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT, AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK. POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.DCC INDICATED THAT IT WAS AWARE OF 94 COMPLAINTS AND FIELD REPORTS THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THIS CONDITION WHEN IT MADE THE DEFECT DETERMINATION.TO REMEDY THE DEFECT CONDITION, DCC WILL REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH A NEW PART MADE FROM A HOSE MATERIAL WITH INCREASED HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY. CONSEQUENTLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI WILL MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REMEDY AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling

ODI HAS RECEIVED 29 REPORTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES THAT APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKAGE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 AND 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS, DODGE STRATUS AND PLYMOUTH BREEZE VEHICLES (JA-CARS) EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINES.THESE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE FIRE RESULTED FROM A POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK OR THAT IT OCCURRED AFTER AN EXTENDED DRIVE AND SHORTLY AFTER BEING PARKED - CONDITIONS CONSISTENT WITH IGNITION OF POWER STEERING FLUID ON A HOT ENGINE OR EXHAUST SURFACE DURING THE VEHICLE HOT SOAK PERIOD. ON JANUARY 6, 2006, DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT ON MY 1999 AND 2000 JA-CARS BUILT FROM JULY 1, 1998 TO JULY 31, 2000 AND EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINES (RECALL 06V-001).THE NOTIFICATION STATED THAT ?THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT, AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK. POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.DCC INDICATED THAT IT WAS AWARE OF 94 COMPLAINTS AND FIELD REPORTS THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THIS CONDITION WHEN IT MADE THE DEFECT DETERMINATION.TO REMEDY THE DEFECT CONDITION, DCC WILL REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH A NEW PART MADE FROM A HOSE MATERIAL WITH INCREASED HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY. CONSEQUENTLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI WILL MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REMEDY AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

ODI HAS RECEIVED 29 REPORTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES THAT APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKAGE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 AND 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS, DODGE STRATUS AND PLYMOUTH BREEZE VEHICLES (JA-CARS) EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINES.THESE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE FIRE RESULTED FROM A POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK OR THAT IT OCCURRED AFTER AN EXTENDED DRIVE AND SHORTLY AFTER BEING PARKED - CONDITIONS CONSISTENT WITH IGNITION OF POWER STEERING FLUID ON A HOT ENGINE OR EXHAUST SURFACE DURING THE VEHICLE HOT SOAK PERIOD. ON JANUARY 6, 2006, DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT ON MY 1999 AND 2000 JA-CARS BUILT FROM JULY 1, 1998 TO JULY 31, 2000 AND EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINES (RECALL 06V-001).THE NOTIFICATION STATED THAT ?THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT, AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK. POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.DCC INDICATED THAT IT WAS AWARE OF 94 COMPLAINTS AND FIELD REPORTS THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THIS CONDITION WHEN IT MADE THE DEFECT DETERMINATION.TO REMEDY THE DEFECT CONDITION, DCC WILL REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH A NEW PART MADE FROM A HOSE MATERIAL WITH INCREASED HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY. CONSEQUENTLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI WILL MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REMEDY AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED.

PE05036 · Engine Compartment Fires

Opened Jun 29, 2005 · Closed Nov 7, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

ON JUNE 29, 2005, ODI OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE05-036 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS, DODGE STRATUS AND PLYMOUTH BREEZE PASSENGER CARS (JA CARS). THE JA CARS WERE INTRODUCED IN MY 1995 AND ENDED WITH MY 2000.THEY WERE PRODUCED WITH 2.0L, 2.4L AND 2.5L ENGINES.THE INCIDENT DATA IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY OF THIS RESUME ARE FOR SUBJECT VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES FOR ALL CAUSES. ACCORDING TO DAIMLERCHRYSLER, EVIDENCE COLLECTED FROM FIELD INSPECTIONS OF FIRE INCIDENT VEHICLES INDICATE THAT FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE IS THE MOST LIKELY CAUSE OF THE FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE IS USED IN JA CARS WITH BOTH THE 2.4L AND 2.0L ENGINES IN MY 1995 THROUGH 2000.THE FIRE INCIDENT RATE IN THE MY 1999 THROUGH 2000 JA VEHICLES WITH 2.4L ENGINES IS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN IN THE PRIOR MODEL YEAR VEHICLES USING THAT ENGINE AND IN ANY OF THE VEHICLES WITH THE 2.0L OR 2.5L ENGINES.DAIMLERCHRYSLER IS CONTINUING ITS INVESTIGATION OF THE ISSUE AND HAS PROVIDED PERIODIC UPDATES TO ODI. AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-019) HAS BEEN OPENED TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE AND FREQUENCY OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.

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.