1998 Dodge Stratus Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 4%of 272 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,450miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Dodge Stratus, 4% of the 272 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,450 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Battery light indicator on panel coming on/off leading to light glitches on speed indicator panel, radio clock, interior lights, headlights, rear defrost coming on by itself and glitching on the odometer reading. Car battery showing 11 volts out of 12 for cold start and alternator already changed out have receipt to show this past month.”
NHTSA complaint #10105846, filed 2005-01, 170,000 miles“The ignition key was stuck in the on position and could not be removed. The consumer contacted the manufacturer and the dealer but no assistance was offered.”
NHTSA complaint #10075479, filed 2004-07, 98,000 miles“The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that the gear shifted from park without the key in the ignition. The contact also stated that the key became stuck in the ignition. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 04v02100 (power train), however, the vehicle was not affected at the time and no repairs were done. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10604274, filed 2014-06, 50,000 miles“The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Stratus. While the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenace, it was discovered that the front ball joint and control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. On two separate occasions, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The dealer determined both times that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired both times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10759378, filed 2015-08, 5,000 miles“The contact stated while pulling into a parking lot, smoke was noticed coming from under the hood. The front hood was raised, and flames were noticed on top of the engine. There was nothing unusual about the way the vehicle had operated prior to the fire. The fire department was contacted, and extinguished the fire. The type of fire and exact component involved was unknown. The vehicle was towed to a local dealership, where it was deemed totaled. The contact planned to notify the manufacturer after filing a complaint with the NHTSA. …”
NHTSA complaint #10175304, filed 2006-12, 120,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other…
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 8 | 11% |
| 2005 | 5 | 8% |
| 2004 | 16 | 11% |
| 2003 | 10 | 13% |
| 2002 | 9 | 6% |
| 2001 | 19 | 10% |
| 2000 | 30 | 14% |
| 1999 | 34 | 14% |
| 1998 | 11 | 4% |
| 1997 | 31 | 9% |
| 1996 | 36 | 7% |
| 1995 | 41 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1998 Dodge Stratus
121 complaintsBrakes
43 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsEquipment
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Dodge Stratus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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