2003 Dodge Stratus problems
Owners have filed 110 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Stratus with NHTSA. Suspension accounts for 16.4% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of air bags at 13.6%.
Complaints110
Crashes8
Fires0
Injuries7
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Suspension 16.4% · 18
Air bags 13.6% · 15
Electrical system 9.1% · 10
Vehicle speed control 7.3% · 8
Steering 6.4% · 7
Power train 6.4% · 7
Engine and engine cooling 6.4% · 7
Service brakes, hydraulic 5.5% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 8 describe a crash and 7 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Dodge Stratus in this data, 2003 draws comparatively few complaints; 1996 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 16 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 58,750 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Stratus. While driving 55 mph, the strut mounts seized. The contact was able to pull over and then slowly drive the vehicle to his residence. The mechanic stated that the rear strut mounts were rusted and replaced them at the cost of $500. The dealer information was unavailable. The current mileage was 53,000 and the failure mileage was unknown. Suspension
About two months ago the upper ball joint in my 2003 Dodge Stratus vehicle broke while my boyfriend was driving. We replaced that part, and the car was running fairly normal until this morning when the right rear tire folded in just like last time, the ball joint from that tire malfunctioned again. Suspension · reported at 125,527 miles
Dt: the contact stated while driving felt a slight bump while turning the wheels. He took the vehicle to a dealership, where they found it was the right side lower ball joints that where worn out. Repairs will be made at the contact's expense. Suspension · reported at 29,800 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…