2004 Dodge Stratus problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension:rear (17) · Suspension (16) · Vehicle Speed Control (12)
🧭 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 (2)
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 (57)
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 57 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2025-07-09 · Wheels:lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs · 136,334 mi“the contact owns a 2004 dodge stratus. the contact stated while reversing, the passenger's side front wheel detached. the contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the residence. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. the contact referenced an unknown recall repair with similar failure; however, the v…”
2023-02-15 · Fuel/Propulsion System“fuel pump went out and in order for me to replace the fuel pump you have drop the tank. i could not get the intake hose off or the smaller fuel line along side it off. and there very little room to work with to get it off. and i have purchased the vehicle a little over a year ago and was not told about any recalls on this vehicle…”
2021-11-29 · Suspension · 51,000 mi“the contact owns a 2004 dodge stratus. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and then lost motive power. additionally, the front passenger's side ball stud separated from the ball joint housing, and the front passenger's side tire was stuck on the fender, preventing the engine from falling o…”
2021-05-25 · Suspension“2.7 liter engine should be recalled and replaced because? 1. the internal water pump which have been known to wear out prematurely and destroy the engine regardless how well the owner maintains vehicle. 2. subframe and rear suspension crossmember should be replace due to rotting out prematurely. 3 gloss on paint prone to pealing. …”
2021-05-03 · Suspension · 116,508 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge stratus. the contact stated while driving at various speeds, there were unknown rattling sounds coming from the vehicle. additionally, the wheels were wobbling as if they were going to detach from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. the contact was informed that the ball j…”
2020-04-13 · Wheels · 148,000 mi“i have noticed when i am turning my steering wheel to the left or right there appears to be somewhat of a lack of control and loosening of the front end of my vehicle as i am driving. also, the suspension on my vehicle has become much more pronounced negatively.…”
2020-02-10 · Suspension · 150,000 mi“while making a turn at 5mph, my front right wheel collapsed causing complete separation of the wheel and control arm in turn causing my axle to come out from the transmission at the cv joint. there is a recall for this ball joint issue but not for my vin specifically.…”
2019-11-04 · Unknown Or Other · 139,000 mi“as i am turning the steering wheel when driving or idle the steering is making a squeaking/creaking noise i believe it has to do with recall: 10e059000 front control arm - lower arm…”
2018-10-16 · Air Bags · 179,171 mi · 💥 crash“driving on a 35 mph road going across the cross road got hit by a truck doing about 70 mph. hit on the passenger side front bumper to the back edge truck f the front passenger tire. put into a spin then was hit in the rear passenger tire and bumper. no air bags came out with massive trauma to both myself as driver and my passenger. police, ambulanc…”
2018-07-20 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 151,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge stratus. while driving various speeds over a bump, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. in addition, the fuel pressure warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. the vehicle was not taken to a…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.