Illustration1. NO WARNING 2. VEHICLE HAS A LEAK WHICH CAUSES WATER(FROM RAIN OR SNOW) TO LEAK ONTO THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD. I HAVE VACUUMED OUT AS MUCH AS 5 GALLONS OF WATER AT A TIME. I HAVE LOOKED VERY CAREFULLY AND CANNOT DETERMINE THE LEAK PATH. 3. NO CORRECTION HAS BEEN FOUND. *JB
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
What owners actually said
186 reportsWHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE ENGINE BLEW. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.
WHILE DRIVING THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON, THEN SUDDENLY ENGINE STALLED. WHEN TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER TO BE SERVICED IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS DUE OIL PUMP FAILURE. WHEN SERVICING THE OIL PUMP THE ENTIRE ENGINE WAS FLOODED WITH OIL.*AK
2001 DODGE STRATUS OIL PUMP WAS REPLACED AND SLUDGE WAS FOUND INSIDE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR *NM
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…
Read full complaint
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
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
ENGINE IS SHAKING, AND OIL IS BUILDING UP ON THE CYLINDER, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT MANUFACTURER.*AK
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…
Read full complaint
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
I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 DODGE STRATUS ON THE INTERSTATE. I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND ME. I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A SHOTGUN BLAST COMING FROM THE REAR SEAT. I LOOKED BACK AND RELIAZED MY RIGHT REAR WINDOW HAD EXPLODED. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP WERE I HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE TWO WEEKS BEFORE TO…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 DODGE STRATUS ON THE INTERSTATE. I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND ME. I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A SHOTGUN BLAST COMING FROM THE REAR SEAT. I LOOKED BACK AND RELIAZED MY RIGHT REAR WINDOW HAD EXPLODED. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP WERE I HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE TWO WEEKS BEFORE TO SEE IF THEY COULD EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR CREATES A VACCUM AND THAT WAS WHAT CAUSED THE WINDOW TO EXPLODE. IF THIS IS THE CASE I THINK SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. LUCKY FOR US THERE WAS NOBODY IN THE BACK SEAT.*AK
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH WHEN ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE NOISES. LOUD BANG AT WHICH TIME PULLED THE CAR OVER. CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE AND LOOSE OIL. SHERIFF GAVE RIDE TO GAS STATION TO GET MORE OIL WHICH WHEN PUT IN CAME RIGHT BACK OUT. TOWED TO GAS STATION AND FOUND HOLE THE SIZE OF A FIST IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. ROD TH…
Read full complaint
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH WHEN ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE NOISES. LOUD BANG AT WHICH TIME PULLED THE CAR OVER. CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE AND LOOSE OIL. SHERIFF GAVE RIDE TO GAS STATION TO GET MORE OIL WHICH WHEN PUT IN CAME RIGHT BACK OUT. TOWED TO GAS STATION AND FOUND HOLE THE SIZE OF A FIST IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. ROD THAT BLEW THE HOLE SOMEWHERE ON THE HIGHWAY. TOWED 100+ MILES HOME. LUCKILY NO ONE HURT. NO WARNINGS OR PROBLEMS PRIOR. CAR NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY (58,000 MILES). WILL BE HAVING SOMEONE LOOK AT IT TO SEE IF IT CAN BE FIXED AND AT WHAT COST. *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.