KnownCarProblems2004 Dodge Stratus Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 144 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Dodge Stratus, most often about the suspension (26% of complaints, typically around 80,000 miles). It is 4th of 8 Stratus model years by number of complaints and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2004 Dodge Stratus problems
Suspension
38 complaints · 26%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: rear, front.
Events leading up to failure was just normal driving conditions for 79,500 miles. The failure was a rear strut mount breaking and losing suspension in the rear. This is a permanent failure and the opposite side is showing a crack and is ready to break as well. As of now the vehicle is not operable and if it were to…
Tl contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. While driving 10 MPH, she attempted to make a right turn, felt a bump and loud noises under the hood. She immediately drove the vehicle to a local mechanic. The mechanic stated that the failure was a result of the upper aluminum strut mounts and needed to be replaced immediately.…
Engine
26 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 41,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
: the contact stated that while driving 40 MPH on wet roads, smoke began to erupt from under the hood. The vehicle stalled completely, and could not be restarted. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where the dealer determined that the fan blades had detached and pierced the radiator.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. While idling, the vehicle surges forward sporadically without warning. When the failure occurs the RPM's rapidly increase and braking capability is reduced. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer numerous times, but they cannot determine the cause of the failure. The failure…
Electrical
16 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 34,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, wiring, 12v/24v/48v battery, instrument cluster/panel.
Car stalls at least once a day while in traffic or at a red light. Ill be going about 20 MPH and it stalls. This could cause an accident. Also it jerks when leaving a stop light or sign.
1. Ignition- ms. Faulkner was transporting me to pick up my vehicle and her vehicle engine shut off just before she came to a stop. She stated that this had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle did not stall the day I drove it but when I stopped at a signal light the engine surged momentary for approximately 3-4…
Air bags
15 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 65,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
: the contact stated while starting the vehicle the airbag light illuminated without any prior problems. Called chrysler dealer , who stated problem could be serious, not knowing which sensor malfunctioned. The air bag could deploy while driving without an accident. The mechanic at the dealer showed concern and…
: the contact stated that the driver's side seatbelt caught on fire twice and the passenger side air bag deployed. During each incident the air bag light illuminated on the dash. On the first incident the dealership determined there was an electrical short in the airbag module and in the left and right front squids.…
Speed control
13 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 103,000 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while in traffic at a complete stop, the brake pedal was engaged and suddenly the vehicle lunged forward. As a reslut, the contact crashed into the proceeding vehicle. There was no personal injury suffered. A police report was not filed regarding the…
Car has shut down while driving on highway and on city street. Sometimes the steering wheel will lock up and be hard to turn. Sometimes speedometer will stop working correctly. Car will shut down.
Steering
13 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 118,000 miles. Parts named most often: linkages.
Lower left front suspension arm ball joint broken. The outer bearing carrier, fell away from the suspension arm, pulling the half shaft out of the transmission, and the wheel/tire assembly jammed up in the wheel well with a complete loss of steering control. The vehicle was in motion just following a turn, in a…
Car has shut down while driving on highway and on city street. Sometimes the steering wheel will lock up and be hard to turn. Sometimes speedometer will stop working correctly. Car will shut down.
Transmission
12 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 38,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, axle assembly.
The ignition interlock on my 2004 Dodge Stratus is inoperative. At least twice, the key was removed after the engine was shut off by while the car was in drive. The car then began to roll away. The second time this happened, the car ran into an obstruction and suffered 25 thousand dollars in damage.
1. Ignition- ms. Faulkner was transporting me to pick up my vehicle and her vehicle engine shut off just before she came to a stop. She stated that this had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle did not stall the day I drove it but when I stopped at a signal light the engine surged momentary for approximately 3-4…
Fuel system
12 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 75,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, storage.
Every since I have had this car, there has been a problem with this car stalling while I am driving. I called the 800 number for Dodge to let them know that I saw that they had a recall for the problem that I am having only to be told that my car is not covered in this recall.
The events leading up the failure of my vehicle were, the car kept turning off. I could restart it afterwards without a problem. I took the vehicle to the Dodge dearlership and was told I needed a new transmission. This was repaired under the warranty. Afterwards, the car stalled a few times and I could restart. The…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2004 Dodge Stratus recalls
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Fix: Mmna will notify their owners, and chrysler will notify the chrysler and dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on july 20, 2015. Owners may contact mmna customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mmna's number for this recall is sr-15-005. Chrysler and dodge owners may contact chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is r30.
Full defect summary
Mitsubishi motors north america, inc. (mmna) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 eclipse vehicles manufactured april 5, 1999, to december 17, 2004, 2001-2005 eclipse spyder vehicles manufactured january 19, 2000, to march 18, 2005, 2001-2005 chrysler sebring vehicles manufactured april 17, 2000, to february 21, 2005, and 2001-2005 dodge stratus vehicles manufactured april 17, 2000, to february 22, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the passenger side sun visor may detach.
Fuel system: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk: Breakage could result in a leakage of fuel and in the presence of an ignition source, it could result a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump. The recall will begin on august 9, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
On certain 2-door passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be improperly molded.
Fuel system: fuel pump
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel pump pressure. Those vehicles exhibiting higher than normal fuel pump pressure will receive fuel pump modifications. Owner notification began on december 15, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
Full defect summary
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be restricted, causing excessive fuel pressure to build up in the fuel injection system. Excessive fuel pressure may result in a leak in the fuel return hose.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2004 Dodge Stratus
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Dodge Stratus?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: suspension (38 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles); engine (26 complaints, typically around 41,500 miles); electrical (16 complaints, typically around 34,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2004 Dodge Stratus have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from June 2, 2015 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2004 a bad year for the Dodge Stratus?
- It is 4th of 8 Stratus model years by number of complaints, with 144 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.