Dodge Stratus Steering Problems
Owners have filed 297 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Dodge Stratus across 12 model years. The 2000 model year has the most (66). The words owners use most often: “caught fire” (15% of reports).
- 297steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 18mention a crash
- 8mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 20%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.
- Caught fire: mentioned in 44 of 297 complaints (15%)
- Steering hose: mentioned in 38 of 297 complaints (13%)
- Piping connections: mentioned in 29 of 297 complaints (10%)
- Hydraulic power assist: mentioned in 29 of 297 complaints (10%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 143 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 297 complaints, 18 mention a crash, 75 a fire, 8 an injury.
Dodge Stratus steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Stratus | 9 | 12% | 57,750 |
| 2005 Stratus | 13 | 21% | 111,259 |
| 2004 Stratus | 13 | 9% | 118,000 |
| 2003 Stratus | 7 | 9% | 48,500 |
| 2002 Stratus | 9 | 6% | 60,000 |
| 2001 Stratus | 26 | 14% | 60,089 |
| 2000 Stratus | 66 | 31% | 89,000 |
| 1999 Stratus | 49 | 20% | 119,953 |
| 1998 Stratus | 19 | 7% | 97,526 |
| 1997 Stratus | 21 | 6% | 131,000 |
| 1996 Stratus | 42 | 8% | 80,000 |
| 1995 Stratus | 23 | 7% | 113,642 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Model years: 1999, 2000
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines, the high pressure power steering hose may prematurely heat age and develop a leak.
Risk: Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in an underhood fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the high pressure power steering hose free of charge. The the recall began on april 10, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm
Model years: 2005
Problem: On certain sedans and convertible model vehicles, the right steering knuckle may have been damaged during the component manufacturing process.
Risk: This could cause the steering knuckle to crack and separate from the upper control arm, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the right steering knuckle. The recall began on december 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Model years: 2001
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A nut in the steering gear assembly was not properly tightened, resulting in symptoms ranging from steering wheel vibration to stiff steering, and in the worst case, no ability to turn left.
Risk: A loss of steering control could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect these vehicles and replace the steering gear assembly if a loose nut connection is found.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Got this car 2 years ago and from day 1 when applying the brakes all the way the car is almost uncontrolable the wheel pulls one way or the other bad so i have to pump them and then it still pulls and i have replaced the brakes 4 times to make sure it wasnt the disc and also replaced the wheel…
Notice a smell from under the hood while driving open the hood fire put the fire out notice power hose had leak in it i feel dodge should be held accountable for this malfunction
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.
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge Stratuss have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 297 owner complaints about steering 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 steering?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Dodge Stratus?
The most frequent phrase is “caught fire”, in 44 of 297 complaints, followed by “steering hose” (38).
Other Dodge Stratus problems
See all Dodge Stratus problems.