2002 Dodge Stratus problems
Owners have filed 193 complaints about the 2002 Dodge Stratus with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 24.9% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of suspension at 18.1%.
Complaints193
Crashes19
Fires6
Injuries21
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 24.9% · 48
Suspension 18.1% · 35
Power train 10.9% · 21
Air bags 9.8% · 19
Service brakes, hydraulic 5.7% · 11
Steering 4.7% · 9
Electrical system 4.7% · 9
Vehicle speed control 4.1% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 19 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire and 21 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Dodge Stratus in this data, 2002 draws comparatively few complaints; 1996 is the outlier year.
Filings are rising — 24 in the last three years against 11 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 65,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Stratus. While driving 40 mph, the contact heard a rattling noise in the engine compartment. A mechanic stated that the engine could explode if the vehicle is driven. The contact spoke with Dodge and they stated that they were unaware of the failure. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 94,000. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 94,000 miles
Normal driving then the engine started clanking and quit. Service station said the 2.7 V6 is a terrible engine and need to be totally replaced. Called chrysler and they said they would not help me. It cost about $4000 to fix. Not sure what to do. Can't afford that there are thousands of complaints on www.Dontbuyone.Org with the same complaint. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 80,000 miles
Noticed increased oil usage with no leaks although oil was changed every 3 months or 3000 miles. At approx. 122000 Miles, engine threw a rod. Several Dodge/chrysler mechanics stated this was due to "oil sludge" buildup, saying this is a very common problem with the 2.7L v6 engine regardless of the type of oil used or frequency of oil changes. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 122,156 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…