2006 Dodge Stratus problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension (13) · Wheels (6) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine (6)
🧭 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
59 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (1)
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 (26)
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.
Power Train 2021-04-07 · 9004009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
transmission kit with torque converter 1. all promaster (vf) 3.6l/62te equipped vehicles. if the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (part number 06511385a$) are one-time usage. vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires service kit p
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.
Showing the 6 most recent of 26 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2023-07-10 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint · 200,000 mi“the contact owns a 2006 dodge stratus. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. the contact stated that she parked and inspected the vehicle and became aware of the control arm on the ground, the tire pushed away from the vehicle, and bolts and …”
2023-03-30 · Suspension“the entire front suspension feels as though it is going to fall outward at any moment. i have had this inspected by two separate dodge dealerships. i’ve also had this inspected by friends that are mechanics. i also have knowledge and i know something is not right with the control arms tire rods, ball joints. the front suspension is horrible. i worr…”
2021-02-19 · Suspension“vehicle was in motion on street way when lower control arm on driver side broke where ball joint is..lucky no one was in front of me or around me while driving could of caused a serious wreck..had to call tow truck to tow it back to my house…”
2020-02-13 · Wheels · 101,000 mi“i was driving doing about 25 mph. thank god i wasn't driving any faster when all of sudden. i heard a loud noise. i had lost control of the steering i ran in to a guard rail my car didn't want to go because the right passenger front side was totally touching the ground i got out the car seen my entire front passenger tire was off the car. i then …”
2020-01-12 · Wheels · 135,000 mi“i was driving like normal, then when i went up the ramp onto the the shopping center, the right wheel all of a sudden hit the passenger wheel well and the rim was hitting the brake caliper. it was in motion, on a city street.…”
2019-11-04 · Steering · 41,900 mi · 💥 crash“tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge stratus. while driving the vehicle, the transmission malfunctioned and the power steering failed. the vehicle went out of control, would not stop, and continued to accelerate. the contact had to crash the vehicle into a pole to get it to stop. the contact then quickly turned off the ignition. there were no injuries…”
2019-07-01 · Wheels · 168,458 mi“when driving home the 2006 dodge stratus sxt sedan as mentioned broke on me and my family into a store parking lot where the entire wheel came off the car leaving me and my family stranded luckily we weren't on the hwy driving hwy speeds or im sure me and my family wouldn't probably be living here today. i went online to check we're there any recal…”
2019-05-15 · Wheels · 28,000 mi“i was driving home went to go turn left and there was a loud noise. i stopped the car look at the front and the ball joint on my front passenger side snapped, this exact problem is on the recall list but my car isnt on their.…”
2018-09-12 · Engine · 82,988 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge stratus. while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled and the engine warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was able to restart. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the crankshaft needed to be replaced. the vehicle was taken to all star mitsubishi (2440 s padre island d…”
2018-07-04 · Unknown Or Other · 110,000 mi“recall ball joints and lower control arms tired of replacing tires and i looked it up there was 0 recalls assisted on my car…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.