Owners have filed 110 complaints
about the 2003 Dodge Stratus with NHTSA between 2003 and 2024.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 18
Against the median year of the Dodge Stratus. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 61
11.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 51
30% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Rear
728.0%
Automatic Transmission
416.0%
Lower Ball Joint
312.0%
Frontal
312.0%
AIR Conditioner
28.0%
TIE ROD Assembly
28.0%
Axle Assembly
28.0%
Body
28.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
33.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
78.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
56.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2125.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1012.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1417.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1316.0%
150,000+ miles
89.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2003peak 6Jun 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Dodge Stratus
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE02082Opened 6 Nov 2002Closed 23 Apr 2003SEAT BELTS
SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
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.
Recalls on the 2003 Dodge Stratus
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
15V338000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
10E059000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
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.
09E056000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SOLD AS FOUR PART NUMBERS, D10945, D10946, G10945, AND G10946. THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS, D10945 AND D10946, ARE STAMPED WITH THE FOLLOWING DATES ON THE BALL JOINTS: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, AND 116609. THE G10945 AND G10946 ARE THE SAME PART AS THE D10945 AND D10946 RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE LABELED DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON THE AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER.
Risk: SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
07E023000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
03V443000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE RESTRICTED, CAUSING EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE MAY RESULT IN A LEAK IN THE FUEL RETURN HOSE.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Grand Prairie, TXCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED SHATTERING THE CONTACT'S STERNUM, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE FACE AND A FRACTURED LEG WHICH NEEDED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10822769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesFairview, TNCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10735169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesElhambra, CA1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK FAILED TO REMAIN OPEN AS A RESULT THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY. THE CONTACT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #10628953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesBoise, IDCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKES FAILED IN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. HE HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL TWICE TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BUT BY THEN HE HAD REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. HE WAS NOT INJURED BADLY, BUT IS VERY SORE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS CRUSHED AND WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT YET BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
NHTSA complaint #10256623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesSweet Holm, ORCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE VEHICLE VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND ROLLED OVER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MULTIPLE INJURIES. AS A RESULT OF THE INJURIES SHE DID NOT HAVE FULL RECOLLECTION OF THE INCIDENT AND COULD NOT PROVIDE ANY DETAILS OF THE ACCIDENT OR THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. A POLICE WAS REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10210930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,849 milesJonesboro, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY CAUSING PERSON TO HIT HEAD AND HAVE TO HAVE EMERGENCY TREATMENT AT THE HOSPITAL. THE WHOLE BUMPER WAS CRUSHED IN ALONG WITH THE RADIATOR BEING SHOVED INTO THE ENGINE. ACCORDING TO EMT/POLICE, THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #10167708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Emerson, IA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
The problem is not with the tire itself, but with the lug nuts holding the tire on the car. In the past year I have had at least six lug nuts fail. I have had a rash of flat tires, mostly related to nails. In attempting to remove the tires to put on the spare, the chrome caps on the nuts have come off. In the first incident, I was able to strip the cover off the internal nut by hand. In attempting to remove the internal nut, the softer metal was stripped. I was forced to drive on a flat tire home to try and remove the rest of the nut. I had to call a tow truck to haul my car into the shop where they had to cut off the nut. I can document this and three other occasions of the lug nuts being stripped when trying to remove a bad tire. I can document an occasion when the shop replaced two faulty nuts when repairing one of my tires. In the most recent occasion, I was able to remove the tire. However, when handling the lug nuts the chrome cap came off in my hand. I am able to strip these caps and nuts by hand using an "X" lug wrench, which I had to buy because the wrench that came with the vehicle twisted out of shape while trying to remove the lug nuts. The shop is aware of this problem, and they keep putting these defective lug nuts back on. At my age, it is inconceivable that I would be able to strip these caps and lug nugs by hand. I have the documents, I can get you pictures, but I am not a computer whiz and am currently having problems getting my printer to link up with my PC to download files to send. I will have a family member copy this information and email it to me so I can attempt to send it to you with your reply.
NHTSA complaint #11596104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laurens, SC
SUSPENSION
Car was owned by school govement it has been worked on several times for bad suspension.and documented.ball joint bad suspension front and back.back dating 2 or 3 years.no accidents just bad suspension
NHTSA complaint #11552307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Willmar, MN
AIR BAGS
When replacing the Clock Spring I noticed the Airbag serial number matched numbers from other vehicles for recall but my vehicle was not listed in recall.Vin number [XXX] 2003 Dodge Stratus Sedan INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11543328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,037 milesAuburn Hills, MI
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE AT AN INTERSECTION, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE JERKED AND LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO VEER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. ALSO, WHEN THE VEHICLE STRUCK A BUMP IN THE ROAD, IT VEERED TO THE RIGHT INTERMITTENTLY. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE STARTER; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,037. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11279840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,037 milesAuburn Hills, MI
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE AT AN INTERSECTION, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE JERKED AND LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO VEER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. ALSO, WHEN THE VEHICLE STRUCK A BUMP IN THE ROAD, IT VEERED TO THE RIGHT INTERMITTENTLY. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE STARTER; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,037. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11279840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,000 milesTrotwood, OH
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S HORN HAD NO FUNCTIONALITY AND THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL DID NOT FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 178,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
NHTSA complaint #11000003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,000 milesTrotwood, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S HORN HAD NO FUNCTIONALITY AND THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL DID NOT FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 178,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
NHTSA complaint #11000003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,000 milesTrotwood, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S HORN HAD NO FUNCTIONALITY AND THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL DID NOT FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 178,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
NHTSA complaint #11000003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,150 milesAlpine, CA
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 DODGE STRATUS, I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TURNING AND I HEARD A KIND OF SNAP AND THEN I FELT AND HEARD A GRINDING IN MY STEERING WHEEL. FOR ABOUT A WEEK WHENEVER I HAD TO MAKE A TURN THERE WAS THIS NOISE LIST A SPRING WAS CAUGHT AND ALMOST WOULD GET CAUGHT AND I WOULD HAVE TO QUICKLY JERK THE STEERING WHEEL SO IT WOULDN'T GET STUCK AND KEEP ME FROM TURNING. MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYS ON, SO IT WON,T DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT, MY HORN DOESN'T WORK, AND I LOST FUNCTION OF MY SPEED CONTROL. I WAS TOLD THIS IS MY CLOCKSPRING. THIS FAULTY CLOCKSPRING WAS RECALLED IN MANY DODGE VEHICLES BUT HAS YET TO BE RECALLED IN MY VEHICLE. SEE SAFETY RECALL NO. B24 (11/01/2002) FOR 1998 DODGE VEHICLES BUT DODGE CONTINUED TO USE THESE FAULTY CLOCKSPRINGS THAT IN FACT SHOULD HAVE A LIFETIME WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10918117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,150 milesAlpine, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 DODGE STRATUS, I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TURNING AND I HEARD A KIND OF SNAP AND THEN I FELT AND HEARD A GRINDING IN MY STEERING WHEEL. FOR ABOUT A WEEK WHENEVER I HAD TO MAKE A TURN THERE WAS THIS NOISE LIST A SPRING WAS CAUGHT AND ALMOST WOULD GET CAUGHT AND I WOULD HAVE TO QUICKLY JERK THE STEERING WHEEL SO IT WOULDN'T GET STUCK AND KEEP ME FROM TURNING. MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYS ON, SO IT WON,T DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT, MY HORN DOESN'T WORK, AND I LOST FUNCTION OF MY SPEED CONTROL. I WAS TOLD THIS IS MY CLOCKSPRING. THIS FAULTY CLOCKSPRING WAS RECALLED IN MANY DODGE VEHICLES BUT HAS YET TO BE RECALLED IN MY VEHICLE. SEE SAFETY RECALL NO. B24 (11/01/2002) FOR 1998 DODGE VEHICLES BUT DODGE CONTINUED TO USE THESE FAULTY CLOCKSPRINGS THAT IN FACT SHOULD HAVE A LIFETIME WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10918117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,150 milesAlpine, CA
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 DODGE STRATUS, I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF TURNING AND I HEARD A KIND OF SNAP AND THEN I FELT AND HEARD A GRINDING IN MY STEERING WHEEL. FOR ABOUT A WEEK WHENEVER I HAD TO MAKE A TURN THERE WAS THIS NOISE LIST A SPRING WAS CAUGHT AND ALMOST WOULD GET CAUGHT AND I WOULD HAVE TO QUICKLY JERK THE STEERING WHEEL SO IT WOULDN'T GET STUCK AND KEEP ME FROM TURNING. MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYS ON, SO IT WON,T DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT, MY HORN DOESN'T WORK, AND I LOST FUNCTION OF MY SPEED CONTROL. I WAS TOLD THIS IS MY CLOCKSPRING. THIS FAULTY CLOCKSPRING WAS RECALLED IN MANY DODGE VEHICLES BUT HAS YET TO BE RECALLED IN MY VEHICLE. SEE SAFETY RECALL NO. B24 (11/01/2002) FOR 1998 DODGE VEHICLES BUT DODGE CONTINUED TO USE THESE FAULTY CLOCKSPRINGS THAT IN FACT SHOULD HAVE A LIFETIME WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10918117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesKansas City, KS
ENGINE
ONLY HAD MY 2003 DODGE STRATUS FOR A FEW MONTHS AND HAVING MAJOR PROBLEMS NOW. WHEN I FIRST GOT IT, EVERYTHING WAS IN GOOD CONDITION BUT I STILL DID MAINTENANCE WORK ON IT ANYWAYS. I BARELY DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE I'M A STAY AT HOME MOM SO I DON'T REALLY PUT MILES ON MY CAR. NOW MY CAR IS SUFFERING PROBLEMS FROM WITHIN THE ENGINE. I WAS DRIVING ONE EVENING AND MY CAR JUST STOPPED OUT OF NOWHERE. I DID A LITTLE RESEARCH AND THEN WENT TO A MECHANIC AND PRETTY MUCH MY ENGINE IS SUFFERING. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT 2.7 ENGINES ARE VERY CRAPPY AND DOESN'T LAST LONG. I WISH I WOULD'VE KNEW THAT BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THESE CARS NEED TO BE RECALLED AND MADE BETTER. NOW I'M OUT OF A CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10917307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 196,000 milesPalmdale, CA
ENGINE
THE CAR ONE ONCE MOVING AND THEN I STOP, AND PUT FOOT ON BRAKE, PUT GEAR IN REVERSE AND GIVE IT A LITTLE GAS, AND THE VEHICLE ROCKS AND SHAKES, AND I WAS PARK, AND PUT MY FOOT ON BRAKE, PUT THE GEAR IN REVERSE AND GAVE IT A LITTE GAS AND IT ROCK AND SHAKES. I DID JUST HAVE NEW SPARK PLUGS PUT ON OLD PLUGS AND WIRES, AND A NEW FUEL TANK FILLER TUBE
NHTSA complaint #10907015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 196,000 milesPalmdale, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE CAR ONE ONCE MOVING AND THEN I STOP, AND PUT FOOT ON BRAKE, PUT GEAR IN REVERSE AND GIVE IT A LITTLE GAS, AND THE VEHICLE ROCKS AND SHAKES, AND I WAS PARK, AND PUT MY FOOT ON BRAKE, PUT THE GEAR IN REVERSE AND GAVE IT A LITTE GAS AND IT ROCK AND SHAKES. I DID JUST HAVE NEW SPARK PLUGS PUT ON OLD PLUGS AND WIRES, AND A NEW FUEL TANK FILLER TUBE
NHTSA complaint #10907015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 196,000 milesPalmdale, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE CAR ONE ONCE MOVING AND THEN I STOP, AND PUT FOOT ON BRAKE, PUT GEAR IN REVERSE AND GIVE IT A LITTLE GAS, AND THE VEHICLE ROCKS AND SHAKES, AND I WAS PARK, AND PUT MY FOOT ON BRAKE, PUT THE GEAR IN REVERSE AND GAVE IT A LITTE GAS AND IT ROCK AND SHAKES. I DID JUST HAVE NEW SPARK PLUGS PUT ON OLD PLUGS AND WIRES, AND A NEW FUEL TANK FILLER TUBE
NHTSA complaint #10907015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,900 milesChesterfield, NJ
SUSPENSION
BALL JOINTS AND CONTROL ARMS RECALL. THEY FAILED AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING ME TO COMPLETE AN ALMOST 1,000 DOLLAR REPAIR FOR REPLACEMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10850750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Prairie, TXCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED SHATTERING THE CONTACT'S STERNUM, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE FACE AND A FRACTURED LEG WHICH NEEDED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10822769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,300 milesLOS Angeles, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD OF THE VEHICLE PROTRUDED AND SEPARATED CAUSING THE AIR BAG TO BE EXPOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,300.
NHTSA complaint #10822929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reading, PA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 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 NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10766441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,000 milesSouth Bend, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD SHUT OFF SHORTLY AFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS AND FUEL PUMP MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE WIRE HARNESS FROM THE FUEL PUMP MELTED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FUEL TANK WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL RUNNING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
NHTSA complaint #10744103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesFairview, TNCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10735169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesElhambra, CA1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK FAILED TO REMAIN OPEN AS A RESULT THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY. THE CONTACT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #10628953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesWillmar, MN
AIR BAGS
I WAS BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE WHEN I HEARD A CRACKING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL.THEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON.THEN I NOTICED THE HORN DID NOT WORK. UPON INVESTIGATION ON THE INTERNET I AM 100% CONVINCED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING HAS BROKEN.FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWS THERE IS A RECALL ON CHRYSLER-DODGE CLOCK SPRINGS BUT ONLY ON CERTAIN YEAR-MODELS WHICH DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. THE YEAR OR MODEL OF THE VEHICLE IS IRRELEVANT IF THE CLOCK SPRING PART IN QUESTION (THE ONE IN THE RECALL) WAS/IS STILL BEING INSTALLED ON VEHICLES NOT IN THE RECALL LIKE MINE A 2003 DODGE STRATUS A LITTLE INVESTIGATION ON YOUR END WILL CLEARLY SHOW THIS TO BE THE CASE. I'D BE WILLING TO BET THAT MY CLOCK SPRING HAS THE SAME MANUFACTURING NUMBERS AS THE RECALLED CLOCK SPRINGS .
NHTSA complaint #10619168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesWillmar, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE WHEN I HEARD A CRACKING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL.THEN THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON.THEN I NOTICED THE HORN DID NOT WORK. UPON INVESTIGATION ON THE INTERNET I AM 100% CONVINCED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING HAS BROKEN.FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWS THERE IS A RECALL ON CHRYSLER-DODGE CLOCK SPRINGS BUT ONLY ON CERTAIN YEAR-MODELS WHICH DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. THE YEAR OR MODEL OF THE VEHICLE IS IRRELEVANT IF THE CLOCK SPRING PART IN QUESTION (THE ONE IN THE RECALL) WAS/IS STILL BEING INSTALLED ON VEHICLES NOT IN THE RECALL LIKE MINE A 2003 DODGE STRATUS A LITTLE INVESTIGATION ON YOUR END WILL CLEARLY SHOW THIS TO BE THE CASE. I'D BE WILLING TO BET THAT MY CLOCK SPRING HAS THE SAME MANUFACTURING NUMBERS AS THE RECALLED CLOCK SPRINGS .
NHTSA complaint #10619168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesHuron, OH
ENGINE
WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE CAR "CHUGGED" AND THEN STALLED. IT RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY AND I PASSED THROUGH TRAFFIC. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 8-10 SINCE IT'S FIRST OCCURRENCE. LAST OCCURRENCE WAS IN A DRIVE-THRU WAITING FOR SERVICE AND THE CAR "SPUTTERED" AND THEN STALLED. IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET THE CAR STARTED AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10512942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.