1997 Dodge Stratus Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 7%of 349 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 117,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Dodge Stratus, 7% of the 349 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 117,000 miles. 18 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We had frequent electrical problem with the car and took it to the liberty dealership in johnstown, oh to get them fixed until we got to the point that it was going to take more than the care was valued to guarantee the fix. These items were not covered under our warranty. One day after pulling into our driveway after work, I shut the car off, opened the drivers side door while pulling the emergency brake and the air bags deployed, giving me a pretty good shot in the face. The car was sitting still and not running. The keys weren't even in the ignition. …”
NHTSA complaint #10145247, filed 2005-12, 117,000 miles“The vehicle was in an accident. The vehicle was traveling about 60 MPH when it was struck broadside. The vehicle ran into some trees and the air bags did not deploy. This incident occurred because the consumer tried to avoid a head on collision. A fire started in the passenger side area.”
NHTSA complaint #10048614, filed 2004-01, 100,000 miles“Consumer's son was driving on the road and hit a deer on the front driver's side toward the center of the hood. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. There was $2500.00 in damages.”
NHTSA complaint #10087722, filed 2004-08, 127,000 miles“On july 27 1998 I was driving my Dodge Stratus south on state st in springville I was slowing down for a light I changed lanes to the right when my driver side airbag deployed ripping my hand off the steering wheel I stopped the car . My girlfreind and her kids where in the car. And jumped out of the car when I stopped. My arm was cut up from the cover on the airbag. I went to the hospital. Where they removed plastic from my forarm. I called the police and reported it. …”
NHTSA complaint #700637, filed 1998-11“The contact owns a 1997 Dodge Stratus. While driving 30 MPH, the contact rear ended another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. A police report was filed. The road conditions were normal. She noticed oil leaking after the crash. The repair shop stated that a new head gasket was needed. The current and failure mileages were 81,000. Updated 03-04-08”
NHTSA complaint #10210271, filed 2007-11, 81,000 milesAir bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 13 | 18% |
| 2005 | 9 | 15% |
| 2004 | 15 | 10% |
| 2003 | 15 | 20% |
| 2002 | 19 | 13% |
| 2001 | 26 | 14% |
| 2000 | 9 | 4% |
| 1999 | 10 | 4% |
| 1998 | 17 | 6% |
| 1997 | 24 | 7% |
| 1996 | 18 | 3% |
| 1995 | 18 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Stratus
158 complaintsBrakes
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
36 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge Stratus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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