1996 Dodge Stratus Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 6%of 554 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 124,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Dodge Stratus, 6% of the 554 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 124,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When driving over a bump, I noticed a noise from the rear of the car. I inspected the area and found that the bracket which secures the trailing arm link had disintegrated from rust. The trailing arm link was floating at the frame end. It serves to provide stability for the entire rear suspension. I replaced the brackets on both sides (left and right) as the other side was also near failure. The rest of the frame and undercarriage are nearly rust free. The failed and nearly failed parts are available.”
NHTSA complaint #10139292, filed 2005-10, 132,000 miles“Dt: the consumer complained about front lower control arm failure on 1996 Dodge Stratus. The front wheels locked up. The consumer took the car to the mechanic and the mechanic referred the consumer to the dealership. The dealership said that the car was repaired. The consumer stated that the car made noises when the brake were applied, and in reverse it popped. The consumer was taking the car back to mechanic for diagnosis. The consumer has not been in contact with chrysler as of now.”
NHTSA complaint #10136584, filed 2005-09, 136,778 miles“Consumer received recall 97 v 201 000 concerning lower control arm. While driving 10 MPH the right wheel collapsed due to lower ball joint failure. Dealer was notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10084030, filed 2004-08, 104,000 miles“My 1996 Dodge Stratus has 37,000 miles. In february 2002 I took it to sears for an oil change. Also asking them to see where oil was leaking (noticed oil on concrete in garage). They said valve cover gasket so I got that fixed for about $72.00 all along thinking that there were not that many miles driven. And to bad the warranty had just expired. I think it was 5 years or 25,000 miles. Within the next 2 months oil was leaking again. Took it in and end up paying $702.00 because the head gasket was bad. …”
NHTSA complaint #10008284, filed 2003-03“4 months after I purchased this car, I started having major problems with it. I've had to pay $830 for a head gasket at 82,000 miles, $318 for suspension + alignment because my tierods busted off while I was driving at 92,000 miles. I still cannot get the fuel injection problem fixed, because I'm out of money. I had taken this car in twice for the stalling, engine dying, and shaking problem, and it has never been fixed (started 4 months after I purchased the car).”
NHTSA complaint #724357, filed 2000-06Related recalls
- 97V201000Nov 13, 1997Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication.Covers: Dodge Stratus 1995–1997, Chrysler Cirrus 1995–1997, Sebring 1995–1997 +1 more
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 23 | 31% |
| 2005 | 18 | 29% |
| 2004 | 38 | 26% |
| 2003 | 15 | 20% |
| 2002 | 31 | 21% |
| 2001 | 41 | 22% |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% |
| 1999 | 9 | 4% |
| 1998 | 17 | 6% |
| 1997 | 19 | 5% |
| 1996 | 32 | 6% |
| 1995 | 24 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Stratus
335 complaintsBrakes
65 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsSteering
42 complaintsElectrical system
36 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsEquipment
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge Stratus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology