1995 Dodge Stratus: problems, recalls and reliability
11 recalls and 318 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (26% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 318 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I have 1995 dodge stratus shifting down going down the road!!!! After rebuild on the tranny not once but twice change all the switches I figured it out. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2009
“While driving at approximately 30 mph, my car started to overheat. When I pulled over, the coolant was pouring out of the engine. I had the car towed to a garage and was told that it failed the "block test" meaning that it needed a new head gasket. I took the car to a second garage and was told the same thing. This is a known failure that has been happening since the car was produced. The manufacture needs to cover the parts and labor of this repair. I was told by my local dealer, dayton andrews dodge, that this particular car is not covered under the earlier recall. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2008
“Dodge has recalled 1999-2000 stratus because power steering fluid is leaking on back of engine in 2.4 liter cars. Fire hazard. We have a 1995 same motor same problem since the car hasn't been recalled its not dodge's problem. *jb”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 1995 dodge stratus. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle shifted into first gear without warning, which caused the vehicle speed to decrease. There were several repairs performed on the vehicle to correct the failure; however, the failure continued to occur. The transmission was rebuilt and the solenoid was replaced on two occasions. The sensors and relays were replaced on numerous occasions; however, the failure continued to occur. The failure mileage was 63,000 miles and current mileage was 68,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2007
“I had the rear brakes for the 1995 dodge stratus replaced on 3/01/2007 becouse brakes were worn out, and have since then had them replace 3 different times. Mechanic shop could not figure out why. They replaced everything and back brakes were still locking. I bought this car used to do my mail route on 8/03/2006 from a used car dealer, and did not know of any recalls. Also, the car swerved when hitting the brakes. Replaced brake lines, brake shoes, cylenders, drums and springs. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked in a parking lot, flames erupted from under the hood without warning. The fire department was alerted and extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. There was moderate fire damage to the under hood area. The police were not alerted. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership who determined the fire originated from the power steering hose. There was a NHTSA recall, # 06v001000, regarding the steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The manufacturer was alerted.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2006
“Dt: while the consumer was driving heard a knocking noise. She took vehicle to a mechanic, they told her that the lower ball joint was broken. No repairs were done made as of yet. The vehicle is not safe to drive.”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2005
“I have a 1995 dodge stratus when traveling about 45 mph my car automatically slips into neutral the vehicle jerks and slows down in speed I have to pull over to the side of the road and shut the car down and restart it, this problem happens intermittently, I took it a transmission shop and they could not find the problem they replaced the solenoid pack I still have the problem. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2005
“1995 dodge stratus caught on fire. *ts the consumer was driving, when all of a sudden the vehicle lost power. The consumer pulled onto the shoulder, exited the vehicle and saw smoke. A few minutes later the vehicle was engulfed in flames. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2005
“Took my car to get the power steering fixed after it stopped working. The repair shop called me and told me the car's engine had caught on fire and that they were not liable. I retrieved the vehicle and have since had to repair all of the electronics, hoses, hood, and paint in the engine compartment area. *jb”Owner report · Steering · May 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 28 of these complaints and injuries in 23 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 11 campaigns
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.
Remedy: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.
CERTAIN TIGAS FUEL PUMP MODULES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AND P/NOS. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES ARE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURE OF THE FLAPPER VALVE WAS OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESS SWELL OF THE FLAPPER VALVE RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.
Remedy: TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-461-1834.
CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULES, P/NOS. E7089M, E7094M, E7113M, AND E7129M, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURE OF THE FLAPPER VALVE WAS OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESS SWELL OF THE FLAPPER VALVE RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.
Remedy: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX TOLL-FREE AT 1-866-867-3759.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN SEPARATE DUE TO LOSS OF LUBRICATION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BALL JOINT END HOUSING COVER SEAL FOR LEAKAGE WITH A HIGH PRESSURE AIR TESTER AND THE RUBBER BOOT WILL BE VISUALLY INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE. IF THE COVER SEAL LEAKS OR THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WILL BE REPLACED.
THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDR PISTON ASSEMBLY.
CORROSION OF THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN CAUSE THE SOLENOID VALVES TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PLATE AND SILICONE GREASE INJECTED INTO THE SOLENOID CAVITY TO ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL FOR THIS CONDITION.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR DOES NOT ACHIEVE THE LOADING REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SEAT BELT OUTBOARD ANCHOR FLOOR ATTACHMENTS FOR PROPER POSITIONING. IF THE ANCHOR WAS IMPROPERLY ORIENTED, THE ORIENTATION WILL BE CORRECTED.
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.
Remedy: 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.
IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL IS NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN EXPANSION PLUG AND RETAINING BRACKET OVER THE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Stratus by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1995 Dodge Stratus reliable?
NHTSA has 318 owner complaints and 11 recall campaigns on record for the 1995 Dodge Stratus. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1995 Dodge Stratus problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 98,000 miles or less.
Does the 1995 Dodge Stratus have open recalls?
11 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.