Dodge Stratus Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 296 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Dodge Stratus across 12 model years. The 1996 model year has the most (60). The words owners use most often: “transmission failed” (7% of reports).
- 296power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 12mention a crash
- 6mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- $2,650typical repair cost reported by owners
- 26%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Transmission failed: mentioned in 21 of 296 complaints (7%)
- Head gasket: mentioned in 21 of 296 complaints (7%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the Dodge Stratus at $2,650, and half of them between $1,550 and $3,550.
Based on 15 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2000–2011), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 95 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 296 complaints, 12 mention a crash, 12 a fire, 6 an injury.
Dodge Stratus power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Stratus | 4 | 5% | 34,664 |
| 2005 Stratus | 3 | 5% | 33,350 |
| 2004 Stratus | 12 | 8% | 37,980 |
| 2003 Stratus | 6 | 8% | 48,306 |
| 2002 Stratus | 21 | 14% | 59,750 |
| 2001 Stratus | 20 | 11% | 53,000 |
| 2000 Stratus | 21 | 10% | 55,870 |
| 1999 Stratus | 34 | 14% | 79,000 |
| 1998 Stratus | 24 | 9% | 78,000 |
| 1997 Stratus | 36 | 10% | 58,000 |
| 1996 Stratus | 60 | 11% | 60,500 |
| 1995 Stratus | 55 | 17% | 70,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift
Model years: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the floor shifter ignition-park interlock may fail and allow the shifter to be moved out of the park position with the key removed. An inoperative interlock may also allow the key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the park position.
Risk: Either circumstance may result in the vehicle rolling away without warning.
Fix: Dealers will install a new load-limiting push rod into the floor shifter lever of the affected vehicles. Owner notification began on june 14, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines
Model years: 2001
Problem: 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.
Risk: Fluid leakage from the cooler hoses can cause transaxle driveability problems and smoke if the oil contacts the front exhaust pipe.
Fix: 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.
Power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch
Model years: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The adjustment of the cable connecting the console shifter mechanism to the ignition key can cause a trapped key condition which can result in a low force required to depress the shift button. A combination of applying a mis-adjusted release button with a low force attempt to shift out of park with the key in the locked position, can break the connecting pin in the shifter.
Risk: If this happens, the "ignition-park" interlock system will be nonfunctional.
Fix: Dealers will inspect for proper operation of the system. Any vehicles that are not functional after the inspection will have the shift mechanism and cable replaced with a "self-adjusting" design.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I got this next site to do again email. Claim #11301605 and following up as to your next step. 3 recalls the dodge customer care people dont want to do or help me fix or conclude.
I bought a car in jan 2020 which has been sitting a few/couple years and i found 3 recalls on it. 1999 dodge stratus 2.4. I emailed u s customer care/ dodge customer care and got mail back stating yes on 3 recalls and a dealer in reno nv to call. I called and service and parts dept said yes on…
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…
2005 dodge stratus sedan 4 door automatic 2.7 w less than 60k miles. Reverse went out after what i think was a clinking sound near the front. It drives normally, just does nothing in reverse. If the car is parked it will roll backwards if the car is on a incline. Transmission rebuild is more than…
Car has shut down while driving on highway and on city street. Sometimes the steering wheel will lock up and be hard to turn. Sometimes speedometer will stop working correctly. Car will shut down.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge Stratuss have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 296 owner complaints about power train for the Dodge Stratus. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Dodge Stratus power train?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the Dodge Stratus?
Owners report a typical cost of $2,650 (half paid between $1,550 and $3,550), from 15 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Dodge Stratus?
The most frequent phrase is “transmission failed”, in 21 of 296 complaints, followed by “head gasket” (21).
Other Dodge Stratus problems
See all Dodge Stratus problems.