2004 Dodge StratusProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 144 owner complaints about the 2004 Dodge Stratus, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-338 the manufacturer reports only 3% of affected cars repaired.

2004 Dodge Stratus

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 9, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2004 Dodge Stratus has problems

144 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
Suspension381
Engine and engine cooling221
Electrical system162
Air bags1510
Vehicle speed control135
Steering131
Power train121
Structure91
Service brakes, hydraulic81
15 other systems435

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

3 recalls

2004 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.

3%repaired · 2017 Q2

Passenger side: inflator module

Recall 15V-338 · Jun 2, 2015 · 443,442 vehicles · 14,923 repaired

Risk. If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 04V-313 · Jun 29, 2004 · 8,108 vehicles

Risk. BREAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A LEAKAGE OF FUEL AND IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, IT COULD RESULT A FIRE.

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.

Mileage at failure

When do suspension problems start?

80kmiles, median

Based on the odometer reading in 32 suspension complaints. 69% were reported before 100,000 miles.

median0k50k100k150k200k+
4under 30k miles22under 100k miles10100k miles or more
Best & worst years

2004 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

2004 Dodge Stratus safety ratings

2004 Dodge Stratus 2-DR in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2004 Dodge Stratus frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
2004 Dodge Stratus side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrierNot rated
  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Stratus owners report

Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and then lost motive power. Additionally, the front passenger's side ball stud separated from the ball joint housing, and the front passenger's side tire was stuck…
Complaint 11442006 · Nov 29, 2021 · 51,000 miles
2.7 liter engine should be recalled and replaced because? 1. The internal water pump which have been known to wear out prematurely and destroy the engine regardless how well the owner maintains vehicle. 2. Subframe and rear suspension crossmember should be replace due to rotting out prematurely. 3…
Complaint 11418424 · May 25, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WERE UNKNOWN RATTLING SOUNDS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE WHEELS WERE WOBBLING AS IF THEY WERE GOING TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE…
Complaint 11415037 · May 3, 2021 · 116,508 miles

Own a 2004 Stratus?

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