1999 Dodge Stratus Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 49about this part
- Share
- 20%of 251 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 119,953miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 49 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Dodge Stratus, 20% of the 251 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 119,953 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 26 a fire, 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.
“Fire under hood due to leaking power steering fluid hose, received recall notice in mail weeks after incident. Was fire department dispatched. Sold car to tow company for 150.00 on october 9. Reported this to chrysler dealership to try get money we paid for car. But they could not locate car to do inspection. We have several pics of car after it burned. Recall state that the defect in power steering hose was leaking on motor and igniting causing an under the hood fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10251395, filed 2008-12, 140,000 miles“While I was parallel parking my passenger saw heavy white smoke after I turned my steering wheel sharply. My steering wheel locked also. My passenger and I got out of the car and called 911. I believe I turned the ignition off before getting out. The smoke started on the front passenger side and flames were seen under the front of the car. The fire department came and put out the fire. Everything under the hood was burned and the car was a total loss. Afterwards the car (interior and exterior) smelled like burnt power steering fluid. I filed a claim with my insurance company.”
NHTSA complaint #10532906, filed 2013-07, 168,000 miles“I bought my 1999 Dodge Stratus 2.4l in september 2006 from the original owner with 145,000 miles. In may 2007, I had the valve covers and cam sensor wiring replaced due to oil leakage and rotted wiring (unrelated to one another). The car seemed to slowly leak power steering fluid but the mechanic was unable to identify a problem. On 7/29/2007 after a 50 mile drive, the car caught fire under the hood in front of the driver's passenger compartment after being parked for a short time. The vehicle is a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10197815, filed 2007-07, 156,000 miles“Car has not been on the road for over a year and 1/2 non-op. Realized power steering failed. Replaced power steering pump. Realized there was a recall on the power steering hose. Took to dealership. There they noticed there was fire damaged. Now chrysler is saying they are not responsible for fire damage because it was not replaced sooner. As I stated they car has not run for over 1 1/2 years. The dealership will not replace hose without authorization from chrysler. We will be responsible for fire damage but you should still replace hose. It was a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10236909, filed 2008-08, 100,000 miles“- the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Stratus. The steering wheel was difficult to steer. The dealer didn'thave the equipment to repair the failure and after calling another dealer, she was advised that the parts have not been available since august 2006. Updated 02/22/07.”
NHTSA complaint #10179513, filed 2007-01, 12,000 milesRelated recalls
- 06V001000Jan 5, 2006On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines, the high pressure power steering hose may prematurely heat age and develop a leak.Covers: Dodge Stratus 1999–2000, Chrysler Cirrus 1999–2000, Plymouth Breeze 1999–2000
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 9 | 12% |
| 2005 | 13 | 21% |
| 2004 | 13 | 9% |
| 2003 | 7 | 9% |
| 2002 | 9 | 6% |
| 2001 | 26 | 14% |
| 2000 | 66 | 31% |
| 1999 | 49 | 20% |
| 1998 | 19 | 7% |
| 1997 | 21 | 6% |
| 1996 | 42 | 8% |
| 1995 | 23 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1999 Dodge Stratus
53 complaintsBrakes
42 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
34 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsEquipment
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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