IllustrationAIR BAG LIGHT CONSTANTLY ON, HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING AIR BAG IS INOPERABLE AT THIS POINT AND THE CAUSE IS A BROKEN CLOCKSPRING IN STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD THAT DODGE SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX AT NO CHARGE. *TR
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.
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
50–25K
2325–50K
3850–75K
1775–100K
28100–150K
5150K+
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
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
11 reportsDT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERABLE AND THERE WAS A CLICKING IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED A SPRING IN THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERABLE AND THERE WAS A CLICKING IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED A SPRING IN THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE IN THE FRONT UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE THAT HAS NOT YET BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER.
DT: THE CONTACT STATED IN DECEMBER 2005 THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AFTERWARDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT, AND A THERE WAS A CRACKLING NOISE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE STEERING COLUMN. ALSO, THE HORN AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WERE INOPERATIVE. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 0801001 ON THE…
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DT: THE CONTACT STATED IN DECEMBER 2005 THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AFTERWARDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT, AND A THERE WAS A CRACKLING NOISE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE STEERING COLUMN. ALSO, THE HORN AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WERE INOPERATIVE. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 0801001 ON THE CLOCK SPRING. *AK
DODGE STRATUS 2001, 46000 MILES. CAR WAS PURCHASED USED FROM THE US GOVERNMENT ON PUBLIC SALE. AIR BAG LIGHT ON, HORN DOES NOT WORK, CRUISE CONTROL ALSO AFFECTED. THIS IS CAUSED BY FAULTY CLOCKSPRING PART LOCATED IN STEERING WHEEL. I CALLED DODGE AFTER DISCOVERING ON YOUR WEB SITE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 1,500,000 GRAND CARA…
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DODGE STRATUS 2001, 46000 MILES. CAR WAS PURCHASED USED FROM THE US GOVERNMENT ON PUBLIC SALE. AIR BAG LIGHT ON, HORN DOES NOT WORK, CRUISE CONTROL ALSO AFFECTED. THIS IS CAUSED BY FAULTY CLOCKSPRING PART LOCATED IN STEERING WHEEL. I CALLED DODGE AFTER DISCOVERING ON YOUR WEB SITE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 1,500,000 GRAND CARAVANS THAT HAD A SAME PROBLEM CAUSED BY THEIR FAULTY CLOCKSPRING. GRAND CARAVANS ALSO HAD AIR BAG LIGHT ON, HORN WAS NOT WORKING AND CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF. I EXPRESS MY CONCERN TO DODGE SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I WAS HOPING THEY WILL CONSIDER FIXING THIS. I BEEN TOLD TO TAKE THE CAR TO DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND AFTER THEY RECEIVE RESULTS THEY WILL CONSIDER FIXING THIS. DIAGNOSTICS WERE PERFORMED AND RESULT WAS THAT THE CLOCKSPRING WAS BROKEN. DODGE DECLINED MY REQUEST FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM. I END UP PAYING FOR DIAGNOSTICS TO FIND OUT WHAT I ALREADY KNEW. I BELIEVE THAT CLOCKSPRING MECHANISM FOR DODGE STRATUS IS SOMETHING WHAT SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR THIS MODEL SINCE IT IS SAFETY ISSUE, THAT APPEARED ON OTHER RECALLED MODELS.
WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. VEHICLE ACCELERATED INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
I HAVE CONSTANTLY TAKEN MY CAR IN FOR THE SAME REASONS. THE CAR JERKS, THE WHOLE CAR VIBRATES WHEN IT RAINS, IF IT'S COLD OUT THE CAR REFUSES TO START IN THE MORNING. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS TRANSMISSION AND PISTON PROBLEMS.*AK
THE VEHICLE SURGES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WORSE WITH THE A/C ON, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT A COMPUTER UPDATE IS COMING OUT THAT WILL CORRECT THE PROBLEM, BUT WAS UNABLT TO GIVE CONSUMER A TIMEFRAME.*YD
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 50-70 MPH VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SURGE WITHOUT WARNING, VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO RESOLVE PROBLEM. *AK CHRYSLER INFORMED CONSUMER OF AN UPDATE THAT WOULD IMPROVE THE SURGING, HOWEVER IT HAS BEEN FIVE MONTHS WITH NO REPLACEMENTS OR REPAIRS. *SLC
DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE ENGINE WILL SURGE AND CAUSE SUDDEN ACCELERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE A REASON FOR THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK
WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE IN REVERSE IT INTERMITTENTLY GOES FORWARD WITHOUT PRESSING ON ACCELERATOR. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER 2 TIMES, DEALER STATED IF THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM THEN THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *AK
Official recalls
1016V401000 · 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.
00V320002 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Oct 27, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE OUTER LAYER ONLY OF THIS 3-LAYER FUEL RETURN HOSE DOES NOT CONTAIN THE DESIRED OZONE PROTECTION DUE TO A PROCESSING ERROR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS HOSE IS CONSIDERED TO BE INADEQUATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RETURN HOSE.
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
1PE02082 · 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.