2000 Dodge Stratus: problems, recalls and reliability
9 recalls and 216 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (28% 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 216 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving down a side road at around 25mpg, the left front wheel made a pop sound and abruptly stopped. When my daughter got out to investigate she saw that the wheel was folded under the car. She had it towed and we learned the tie-rod control arm failed and broke the shaft. Thank god she was not on the highway. We paid 1200.00 dollars to get her back on the road and 4 months later the passenger side is now making a loud squealing sound when you turn the wheel. Now I learn that it seems the whole front end of these cars are defective and dangerous! Oh, and the heat stopped working and will cost 500.00 to fix.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. While driving 30 mph, a loud grinding noise emitted from the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact coasted to the side of the road and noticed fluid coming from the front passenger wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower control arm and ball joint fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 197,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2016
“Vehicle stalled at high speed. Had fuel filter replaced by dodge dealer in marietta, ohio. Dealer did not check fuel pump while tank removed from automobile. Fuel pump was cause of stalling. Invoice # docs155552”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl-the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle the steering wheel is very difficult to turn. The contact stated after approximately 1 minute after starting the vehicle the steering problem subsides. The contact stated the vehicle defect was not repaired. The contact stated the manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 229,000. Jft. Report receipt date: jan 05, 2006 NHTSA campaign number: 06v001000 component(s): steering”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2013
“Drove car approximately 10 miles to store. Was in parking lot, pulling into a parking space, noticed smoke from under hood. Woman in lot stopped and told me my car was on fire. Backed out of parking spot to center of aisle. Car fully engulfed in flames within minutes. Cause of fire not yet determined. *tr”Owner report · Engine · May 2013
“Starting march I had problems with turning the wheel and I took car to get oil and ask mechanic to check power steering fluid. Im told it is full and that they do not why I have turn the wheel as if I have no power steering. Each month I get someone check power steering and told it is full. I have to turn thee opposite way when getting out of a park. Sometimes I back in park in order to get out. Then I start having problems with car making noise and car sound wheel going to break. Electrical problems..I have no horn,inside lights, air and radio due to I took fuse out because horn blowing, lights and locks going up and down. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. The contact stated that there was a loud, abnormal noise from the front end of the vehicle when attempting a turn or when driving at any speed. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic. The vehicle was inspected and the failure was located at the front passenger's side lower ball joint. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000 and the current mileage was 132,100.”Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning as the driver began traveling 65 mph. The driver turned the vehicle off on the emergency lane for a few minutes and was able to restart it. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop and the mechanic stated the fuel filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated the crank shaft sensor and the can sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified but they stated that the warranty expired. The failure mileage was 100,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus se. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was towed and inspected by a local mechanic. The mechanic advised the contact that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. The contact was diving 65 mph when the engine stalled. The vehicle restarted after the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who confirmed the failure was caused by a failing fuel pump. The manufacturer was contacted and stated the VIN qualified for recall NHTSA campaign id number:06e088000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump), but the mileage was over the limit. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 16 of these complaints and injuries in 16 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 9 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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INCORRECT CHILD LOCK INSTRUCTION LABELS.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH UNPAINTED FUEL TANK STRAPS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS.
IMPORT PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 30,351 FUEL FILTERS SOLD TO AND BRANDED BY THE AFFINIA GROUP AS CARQUEST P/N 86523, NAPA P/N 3523, AND WIX P/N 33523 FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE FILTERS MAY DEVELOP A LEAK IN THE HOSE ASSEMBLY AND/OR CONNECTORS DUE TO IMPROPERLY ADHERED LINE CONNECTORS.
Remedy: THE AFFINIA GROUP WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE FILTERS WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WIX FILTER RETURN CENTER AT 1-704-869-7411 OR IMPORT PRODUCTS AT 1-508-279-8207.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE WELD BETWEEN THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE BLOCK AND THE STAND-OFF BRACKET.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BRAKE LINE BRACKET TO THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE TUBE.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK.
Remedy: 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.
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.
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 2000 Dodge Stratus reliable?
NHTSA has 216 owner complaints and 9 recall campaigns on record for the 2000 Dodge Stratus. The most complained-about area is steering (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2000 Dodge Stratus problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 89,500 miles or less.
Does the 2000 Dodge Stratus have open recalls?
9 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.