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1995 Dodge StratusProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 318 owner complaints about the 1995 Dodge Stratus, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 7 safety recalls.

41
CarFlaw IndexUse caution1.4× the Stratus median · #4 of 12 years by complaints
Safety recalls7Free fix at dealersOwner complaints31860 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage137kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 16, 2010. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1995 Dodge Stratus has problems

318 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling1066
Service brakes, hydraulic5610
Power train552
Electrical system414
Suspension241
Steering233
Air bags1814
Equipment181
Visibility161
13 other systems547

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

7 recalls

1995 Dodge Stratus recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Lever and linkage: floor shift

Recall 04V-021 · Jan 13, 2004 · 2,315,768 vehicles

Risk. EITHER CIRCUMSTANCE MAY RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AWAY WITHOUT WARNING.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch

Recall 98V-183 · Aug 6, 1998 · 685,000 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE "IGNITION-PARK" INTERLOCK SYSTEM WILL BE NONFUNCTIONAL.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Front: anchorage

Recall 98V-063 · Mar 20, 1998 · 91,544 vehicles

Risk. FAILURE OF A SEAT BELT ANCHOR CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF SEAT BELT PROTECTION, WHICH COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Control arm: lower ball joint

Recall 97V-201 · Nov 13, 1997 · 599,000 vehicles

Risk. SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 3 more recalls
–no report yet

Foundation components: master cylinder

Recall 96V-075 · May 3, 1996 · 151,800 vehicles

Risk. BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN DIMINISHED EFFECTIVENESS OF ONE HALF OF THE SPLIT BRAKE SYSTEM.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

Recall 96V-074 · May 2, 1996 · 90,000 vehicles

Risk. IF EITHER FRONT WHEEL VALVE STICKS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWERVE FROM A STRAIGHT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine: gasoline

Recall 96V-006 · Jan 11, 1996 · 40,000 vehicles

Risk. INADEQUATE SEALING AND RETENTION OF THE PLUG CAN RESULT IN OIL LEAKAGE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.

Best & worst years

1995 vs. every other Stratus year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Stratus median. How we score

'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1995 Dodge Stratus safety ratings

1995 Dodge Stratus 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
5 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1995 Dodge Stratus, and the recalls they led to.

  1. STEERING COLUMN SEPARATIONDP03002 · closed Jul 22, 2003
    No recall
  2. AUTO TRANS IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCKEA03011 · closed Jan 30, 2004
    Led to recall 04V-021
  3. LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILUREEA97016 · closed Nov 20, 1997
    Led to recall 97V-201
  4. SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATEPE02082 · closed Apr 23, 2003
    No recall
  5. LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILUREPE97009 · closed Sep 29, 1997
    No recall
In owners' words

What Stratus owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 10216618 · Jan 31, 2008 · 88,000 miles
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
Complaint 10148650 · Jan 13, 2006
REQUEST FOR REFUND FOR ALL REPAIRS MADE TO TRANSMISSION THAT WAS IN THE RECALL.*MR THE CONSUMER'S TRANSMISSION FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE MOUNT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE IGNITION WAS…
Complaint 10083763 · Jul 23, 2004 · 181,075 miles

Own a 1995 Stratus?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.