2002 Dodge Stratus problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine And Engine Cooling:engine (26) · Engine And Engine Cooling (14) · Power Train:automatic Transmission (13)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Dodge Stratus model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
113 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (3)
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 2016-06-03 · campaign 16V401000 · 16,315 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module 2015-06-02 · campaign 15V338000 · 443,442 vehicles
Defect: 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 po
Risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Fix: 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.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm 2010-12-27 · campaign 10E059000 · 22,689 vehicles
Defect: FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING.
Risk: IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
Service bulletins (66)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
key, master if replacing the key/fobik on a wj, kj, tj, or pt cruiser, use the "ac" nic level part number. the "ab" nic level will not program to these platforms. for all other platforms, if the "ab" nic level will not program to the vehicle, use the "ac" nic level part and submit a part warranty.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
key, master if replacing the key/fobik on a wj, kj, tj, or pt cruiser, use the "ac" nic level part number. the "ab" nic level will not program to these platforms. for all other platforms, if the "ab" nic level will not program to the vehicle, use the "ac" nic level part and submit a part warranty.
Structure 2020-04-30 · 23-015-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
disinfectant solution recommended for covid-19
Equipment 2020-04-22 · 08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
charging system, battery diagnostic tools and warranty this information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
Structure 2019-11-20 · 3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
use of aftermarket parts this bulletin involves discussing fca us llc position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Structure 2019-11-20 · 3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
use of salvage/recycled parts this bulletin involves discussing fca us llc position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Showing the 6 most recent of 66 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2016-03-28 · Air Bags“tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge stratus. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v338000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the contact had not experienc…”
2016-02-18 · Air Bags“tl* takata recall. the contact owns a 2002 dodge stratus. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v338000 (air bags) however, the part needed to perform the repair was not available. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was notified of the failure…”
2015-10-28 · Air Bags“tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge stratus. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v338000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. the contact …”
2015-09-15 · Suspension · 186,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge stratus. while driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled. the contact was able to restart the vehicle. upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the rear driver side ball joint fractured from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the ball joint needed to be replaced. the vehicle was r…”
2015-09-11 · Air Bags“tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge stratus. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v338000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was not available. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide the part to do the repair. the contact had not experienced a failure. …”
2015-09-03 · Engine · 98,252 mi“the internal water pump failed. this caused water to leak into the oil pan. the water got hot enough on a 600 miles trip from florida to mississippi that it boiled and caused the oil to turn into sludge (molasses like consistency). this caused a lack of lubrication of the dual camshafts which in turn burned up. end result was engine failure.…”
2015-05-16 · Unknown Or Other · 185,750 mi · 💥 crash“my car has a bad noise and popping sound in the front end. i was turning out of my moms driveway when my front passenger tire collapsed in .. my upper ball joint broke . after my car was jacked up my lower a arm and ball joint was broke .. i replaced everything . a week later the driver side ball joint had to be replaced . my car still makes a awef…”
2015-02-24 · Suspension · 112,000 mi“my daughter pulled out of mcdonald's turning right and the left wheel collapsed under the vehicle. there was no accident and no one was injured. i had it towed to our house. i have read on line and found that it is a common problem. *js…”
2014-08-27 · Steering · 78,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge stratus. the contact stated that while making a turn, there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel. in addition, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the fai…”
2014-08-07 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint · 191,300 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge stratus. the contact stated that while driving and making a turn, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front driver side of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front driver side lower control arm and ball joint needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.