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2001 Dodge Stratus

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Dodge Stratus do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 168.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

116 reports with mileage · 70 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.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports2 fire reports6 injury reports

Power Train complaints

20 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolinePower Train

2001 DODGE STRATUS SE HAS ISSUES WITH THE REAR STRUT MOUNT. CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS A BACK ORDER ON THE UPPER STRUT MOUNTS. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BLOWER RESISTOR STOPPED WORKING AND TWO DAYS LATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE A FUEL PUMP. THE CONSUMER THEN STARTED TO HEAR A KNOCKING…

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2001 DODGE STRATUS SE HAS ISSUES WITH THE REAR STRUT MOUNT. CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS A BACK ORDER ON THE UPPER STRUT MOUNTS. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BLOWER RESISTOR STOPPED WORKING AND TWO DAYS LATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE A FUEL PUMP. THE CONSUMER THEN STARTED TO HEAR A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE STEERING. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE KNOCKING NOISE WAS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS TOO LARGE FOR THE COMPONENTS. THE THERMOSTAT BROKE INTO PIECES AND THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED SHIFTING GEARS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10238213

29,793 miles · Oct 23, 2006
Power Train

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A LARGE AMOUNT OF TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS OBSERVED ON THE GROUND. THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGNAL PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LINE HAD LEAKED. THE SERVICE DEALER REPLACED THE 2 TRANSMISSION COOLI…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A LARGE AMOUNT OF TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS OBSERVED ON THE GROUND. THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGNAL PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LINE HAD LEAKED. THE SERVICE DEALER REPLACED THE 2 TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES, 4 CLAMPS, AND PART OF THE OIL SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF NHTSA RECALL # 01V011002, WHICH PERTAINS TO THE COOLING UNIT AND LINES FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DUE TO THE VIN.

NHTSA ODI #10171637

53,000 miles · Jul 27, 2006
Power Train

I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN JULY 2005. THE VEHICLE WAS OKAY UNTIL FEB-2006, THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED SHIFTING. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK VERY HARD AND LOOSE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST 3 TIMES AND STILL WAS NOT REPAIRED. I WAS TOLD THAT HE COULD NOT FIX IT. THE VEHICLE IS STILL DOING THE SAM…

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I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN JULY 2005. THE VEHICLE WAS OKAY UNTIL FEB-2006, THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED SHIFTING. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK VERY HARD AND LOOSE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST 3 TIMES AND STILL WAS NOT REPAIRED. I WAS TOLD THAT HE COULD NOT FIX IT. THE VEHICLE IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING AND ON TOP OF IT LOSING POWER, IT CUTS OFF. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #10163603

Mileage unknown · Jan 10, 2005
Power Train

I TOOK MY CAR IN TO GET THE OIL CHANGED, AND THE GUY TOLD ME THAT I WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID FROM THE COOLER HOSES. WHEN I GOT HOME I LOOKED IT UP ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID#01V011002. SO THIS MORNING I CALLED THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER(LLITHIA) AND ASKED HIM ABOUT T…

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I TOOK MY CAR IN TO GET THE OIL CHANGED, AND THE GUY TOLD ME THAT I WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID FROM THE COOLER HOSES. WHEN I GOT HOME I LOOKED IT UP ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID#01V011002. SO THIS MORNING I CALLED THE LOCAL DODGE DEALER(LLITHIA) AND ASKED HIM ABOUT THE PROBLEM. HE TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO SUCH RECALL, AND THAT IT WOULD COST AROUND 150.00 TO FIX. I TOOK IT TO A DIFFERENT MECHANIC, AND THEY PUT SOME HOSE CLAMPS ON IT FOR 64.00, BUT I THINK THAT IS A TEMPORARY SOLUTION. I AM DISGUSTED BY LITHIA DODGE CALLING ME A LIAR, AND NOT WANTING TO FIX THE PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10106068

Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2005
Power Train

CONSUMER WAS SHIFTING THE GEARS AND A CLANKING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT. VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO MOVE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC PLACED VEHICLE ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE. AFTERWARDS, DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT NO CODES WERE FOUND. ALSO, COULD NOT BE DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10106697

74,649 miles · Nov 24, 2004
Power Train

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT ABOUT 74K MILES AND WENT INTO "LIMP" MODE. FOUND OUT THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR WAS BAD. REPLACED SENSOR AT COST OF $682.25. CAR HAS RUN POORLY SINCE THAT DAY. DODGE SAYS "NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR" BUT THE CAR HAS NOT RAN SMOOTHLY FROM THAT FIRST REPAIR DAY. NEXT...WHILE IN PENNSYLVANIA ON MILITARY D…

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CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT ABOUT 74K MILES AND WENT INTO "LIMP" MODE. FOUND OUT THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR WAS BAD. REPLACED SENSOR AT COST OF $682.25. CAR HAS RUN POORLY SINCE THAT DAY. DODGE SAYS "NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR" BUT THE CAR HAS NOT RAN SMOOTHLY FROM THAT FIRST REPAIR DAY. NEXT...WHILE IN PENNSYLVANIA ON MILITARY DUTY, THE CAR LEAKED ALL THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT. FOUND OUT THE SOLENOID PACK AND FLUID LINES WERE LEAKING. ANOTHER $530+ DOLLARS. BOTH OF THESE PARTS ARE LISTED ON AUTO ZONES WEBSITE AS RECALLS WITH DAIMLER CHRYSLER FOR MY VEHICLE. ONE HAS A NHTSA NUMBER. DAIMLER CHRYSLER DENIES THAT THERE ARE ANY RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE BUT DOES STATE THAT OTHER "SIMILAR" MODELS AND CARS ARE COVERED FOR THOSE PARTS. WHEN WE ASKED DAIMLER CHRYSLER WHO WE COULD CONTACT TO COMPLAIN AND IF THERE WAS A NATIONAL BODY WHO LOOKS AT VEHICLE COMPLAINTS (KNOWING FULL WELL WHO NHTSA WAS AND HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THEM) DAIMLER CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE STATED "I DON'T THINK THERE IS ANYONE!" ....WRONG ANSWER. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10100491

43,000 miles · May 24, 2004
Power Train

TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT, WHEN SHIFTING VEHICLE JERKED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10074116

84,000 miles · May 11, 2004
Power Train

80,000 MILES ON THE TRANSMISSION. THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER MOVE. LEAVING ME STRANDED. COSTING $1,500 FOR A REBUIT TRANSMISSION FOR A NEWER CAR. NO REASON FOR A TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT SO SOON. ALSO FLICKERING WITH THE DASH/INTERIOR LIGHTS AND RADIO WHEN LIGHT ARE TURNED ON.

NHTSA ODI #10072392

75,000 miles · May 10, 2004
Power Train

WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE VEHICLE'S AXLE'S SHAFT BROKE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE WHEEL WOULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10073397

70,000 miles · Mar 11, 2004
Electrical SystemEquipmentPower Train

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED @70,000 MILES COST $1800.00 TO REBUILD. DASH LIGHTS FLICKER CONSTANTLY. RADIO WORKS FOR ANYWHERE FROM 10 MINUTES TO AN HOUR BEFORE IT SHUTS ITSELF OFF. WONT COME BACK ON TILL CAR HAS BEEN SITTING FOR AT LEAST 12 HOURS, ONLY TO START ALL OVER.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10061888

Official recalls

10

16V401000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jun 3, 2016

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: 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.

15V338000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jun 2, 2015

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: 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.

01V011002 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines

Jan 16, 2001

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: 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.

01V005002 · Seats

Jan 8, 2001

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

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

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.

00V306000 · Air Bags:frontal

Oct 12, 2000

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG.

00V299002 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Oct 2, 2000

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

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

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

00V278000 · Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields

Sep 18, 2000

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: SMOKE INHALATION COULD BE HARMFUL TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

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

00V225002 · Steering:gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion)

Aug 10, 2000

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

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

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

1

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.