IllustrationCONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING HIGH PRESSURE STEERING HOSE. *TS *JB
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Stratus years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
90–25K
1025–50K
2250–75K
2675–100K
31100–150K
18150K+
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
Steering complaints
66 reports2000 STRATUS BEGAN SMOKING UNDER HOOD. *TS THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE WAS LEAKING AND THAT THE VEHICLE COULD POSSIBLY CATCH ON FIRE, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER ELECTED NOT TO HAVE THE NECESSARY REPAIR MADE. TWO WEEKS LATER THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB
2000 DODGE STRATUS CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. RECEIVED RECALL HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE. *KB *JB
2000 DODGE STRATUS CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL AFTER VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT FIRE ABOUT THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE. *KB *JB
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD POWER STEERING PROBLEMS AFTER RECALL #06V001000 REGARDING STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS WAS PERFORMED ON 08/02/06. AT FIRST, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE WHICH GOT LOUDER THROUGH TIME. THE CONTACT ADDED POWER STEERING FLUID TO REDUCE THE NOISE AND NOTICED T…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD POWER STEERING PROBLEMS AFTER RECALL #06V001000 REGARDING STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS WAS PERFORMED ON 08/02/06. AT FIRST, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE WHICH GOT LOUDER THROUGH TIME. THE CONTACT ADDED POWER STEERING FLUID TO REDUCE THE NOISE AND NOTICED THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER ON 08/21/06 AND THE DEALER CLAIMED THE NEW HOSE WAS FINE, BUT THEY WANTED TO CHARGE THE CONTACT FOR A POWER STEERING PUMP AND NEW BELTS, WHICH THE DEALER CLAIMED WAS THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THE RECALL WORK WAS NOT PERFORMED CORRECTLY AND THE HOSE CAUSED THE PROBLEM.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHRYSLER MANUFACTURER INTENTIONALLY GAVE THE WRONG MAILING ADDRESS FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR NHTSA RECALL # 06V001000 WHICH WAS PERTAINING TO THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS IGNORING THE REQUEST FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT.
2000 DODGE STRATUS HOSE WAS REPLACED DUE TO RUPTURE. *KB 08/02/06 RUPTURED HOSE WAS LEAKING OIL ONTO EXHAUST AND SMOKED BADLY. *TT
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS AFTER THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER AND ARRANGED TO HAVE THE WORK DONE. THE LETTER WAS FOR NHTSA RECALL # 06V001000; REGARDING THE STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS.
THE WK 6-16-06 A LETTER FROM DAIMLER CHRYSLER CAME REG A SAFETY RECALL E23-HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE.THE WEEK BEFORE 6-7-06, WE TOOK OUR CAR IN FOR REPAIRS TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP.WHAT BRINGS ME TO MY COMPLAINT IS, 7-10-06, ANOTHER LETTER CAME STATING THEY WERE UNABLE TO REACH US.I DON'T SEE HOW IT IS POSSIBLE, I GAVE 2 …
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THE WK 6-16-06 A LETTER FROM DAIMLER CHRYSLER CAME REG A SAFETY RECALL E23-HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE.THE WEEK BEFORE 6-7-06, WE TOOK OUR CAR IN FOR REPAIRS TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP.WHAT BRINGS ME TO MY COMPLAINT IS, 7-10-06, ANOTHER LETTER CAME STATING THEY WERE UNABLE TO REACH US.I DON'T SEE HOW IT IS POSSIBLE, I GAVE 2 CELL #'S ON THE LETTER I MAILED.IT RECORDS MISSED/INCOMING CALLS. I DON'T BELIEVE THEY MADE ANY ATTEMPTS TO CALL US.AFTER RECEIVING THIS LETTER MY HUSBAND CALLED DAIMLER CHRYSLER. WHILE ON THE PHONE HE WAS DISCONNECTED.I CALLED THEM AT RIGHT AFTER AT,8009921997 AND SPOKE TO CLIFF. SHE TOLD ME WE WERE NOT GOING TO BE REIMBURSED.SHE STATED THE RECALL WAS OVER, AND I THINK SHE SAID THE DEADLINE WAS 4-5-06.THIS COULDN'T BE POSSIBLE SINCE WE RECEIVED THE LETTER THE WEEK OF 6-16-06.SHE SAID SHE COULDN'T HELP ME.I TOLD HER I REMEMBER READING THE LETTER AND NOWHERE ON THE LETTER DID IT STATE THERE WAS A CUT OFF DEADLINE(WHICH WAS BESIDE THE POINT, SINCE WE HAD JUST RECEIVED IT).I TOLD HER I WAS GOING TO GO PULL MY PAPERWORK AND CALL HER TOMORROW.I CAME HOME AND PULLED MY PAPERWORK.(I WAS REALLY HOPING I HAD KEPT THE ENVELOPE, SINCE IT WOULD HAVE A POSTMARK),BUT I ONLY KEPT THE LETTER.ANYWAYS, I RE-READ THE LETTER.IT IS NOT DATED (WE HAVE NO IDEA WHEN IT WAS WRITTEN)AND THE LETTER DOES NOT GIVE A DEADLINE/CUT OFF DATE FOR REPAIRS/REIMBURSEMENTS.HOW IS IT POSSIBLE WE AREN'T GOING TO BE REIMBURSED? I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A POINT HERE, WHAT IF I HAD NOT HAD PROBLEMS AND HAD NOT DONE ANY REPAIRS ON MY CAR YET (AND WITHOUT ME EVEN KNOWING IT, MY CAR MAY HAVE BEEN AT THE STARTING POINT OF HAVING PROBLEMS?).DOES THIS MEAN THEY WOULDN'T HAVE REPAIRED IT SINCE THE CUT OFF DEADLINE WAS OVER? I WOULD LIKE THIS SITUATION TO BE INVESTIGATED.WE BELIEVE WE'RE WITHIN OUR RIGHTS FOR REIMBURSEMENT.I HOPE THAT YOUR COMPANY CAN HELP RESOLVE THIS AND WE CAN GET OUR MONEY BACK FOR THE REPAIRS WE'VE ALREADY PAID FOR.THANK YOU, CALL ME TO FURTHER DISCUSS MY SITUATION. *NM
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN UNDER THE HOOD FIRE AFTER 10 TO 20 MINUTES OF HAVING THE VEHICLE PARKED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS BEFORE THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED. A YEAR AFTER THIS INCIDENT, A RECALL LETTER, #06V001000, WAS RECEIVED, REGARDING THE STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND C…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN UNDER THE HOOD FIRE AFTER 10 TO 20 MINUTES OF HAVING THE VEHICLE PARKED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS BEFORE THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED. A YEAR AFTER THIS INCIDENT, A RECALL LETTER, #06V001000, WAS RECEIVED, REGARDING THE STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS THAT WOULD CAUSE THE SAME CONSEQUENCE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS ALERTED HOWEVER THEY OFFERED NO RESOLUTION FOR THE INCIDENT.
Official recalls
506V001000 · 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
3EA05019 · 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.