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Dodge StratusModel year report

2001 Dodge Stratus Problems

Complaints
186filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
70,185miles, 116 complaints with mileage
Recalls
10campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
21 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 18 city / 25 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Dodge Stratus (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe engine problems, particularly with the 2.7L V6, where complaints report oil sludge buildup, knocking and stalling, sometimes leading to engine replacement. Suspension and steering complaints are also common, frequently involving ball joints, control arms, strut mounts and a loose or stiff steering feel, and many of these complaints appear at moderate mileage rather than in the first few thousand miles.

  1. Engine cooling

    2.7L V6 oil sludge and engine failure

    • 27 complaints (15%)
    • median 65,000 mi at 5.9 yrs old (23 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $3,605 (median of 5 quotes)
    • filed 2003–2012

    Complaints describe oil sludge buildup in the 2.7L V6, followed by knocking, ticking or rattling noises, stalling and, in some cases, a seized or ruined engine. Several owners say they changed oil at short intervals and were still told by the dealer that the engine needed replacement; others report dealers attributed the buildup to maintenance and declined help because the warranty had expired. Some complaints note the engine stalled without warning while driving. Reported from roughly 30,000 to 120,000 miles, with many complaints between 60,000 and 90,000 miles.

    Recall 00V299002

    What to check: Check the oil level and look for sludge under the oil cap, and ask for oil change records. A compression or oil-pressure check before purchase can help reveal wear.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I own a 2004 Dodge Stratus that I changed the oil in every 3500 - 4000 miles even though the manufacturer recommends changes at 7500 mile intervals. The car had roughly 37000 miles on it back in 2006 when the 2.7l v6 engine seized due to excessive oil sludging causing an oil flow failure. At the time I just thought it was bad luck, but now after two years I read of countless thousands of cases where persons with the same 2.7l engine in there Dodge or chrysler vehicles had engines seize, and yet the company does nothing for us. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10233843, filed 2008-07, 37,000 miles

    “Consumer had a 2.7 liter engine which accumulated a great deal of motor sludge. Consumer changed the oil every 3,000 miles. Then, took the vehicle back to the dealership who had the vehicle diagnosed. Manufacturer told consumer that they were not responsible because the warranty expired.”

    NHTSA complaint #10094871, filed 2004-10, 42,390 miles
  2. Suspension

    Rear and front ball joint / control arm failure

    • 27 complaints (15%)
    • median 75,500 mi at 7.3 yrs old (24 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2002–2015

    Owners describe squeaking or grinding over bumps, then a pop or crack followed by a wheel leaning outward or collapsing into the wheel well. Complaints commonly identify rear ball joints, upper control arms and lower control arm or ball joint assemblies, and several mention that the joints cannot be re-lubricated. Dealers and shops replaced the affected assemblies, and some owners report parts being on backorder. Reported from about 25,000 to 130,000 miles, with many between 50,000 and 90,000 miles.

    What to check: Have a shop inspect all four ball joints and control arms for play and torn boots, and listen for squeaks or clunks over bumps during a test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Regarding our 2001 Dodge Stratus, lower control arm ball joint failure. Originally on october 25th of 2005 we had the left front control arm/ball joint assembly replaced because of severe squeaking during suspension movement. This was caused by lubrication failure. There is no way to re-lube this joint on this design. The assembly was replaced with the only available part at the time from Dodge. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10290977, filed 2009-11, 120,000 miles

    “Dodge Stratus 2001: severe squeaking during suspension movement: the car was having problems with squeaking noises during movement. Then while driving my daughters and their friends to the skating rink, I heard a loud pop, then grinding noise coming from under the car while making a left turn into the parking lot. I checked to see what was wrong and the left rear tire was bent outward and almost detached from the car. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10379581, filed 2011-01, 70,070 miles
  3. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission fluid leaks and shifting problems

    • 11 complaints (6%)
    • median 53,000 mi at 3.1 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2003–2008

    Owners report transmission fluid pooling under a parked car, hard jerking or loss of power when shifting, and in some cases the car refusing to move. Complaints mention leaking cooler lines and solenoid packs, a failed transmission sensor that put the car in limp mode, and transmissions needing rebuild or replacement. Some owners say the manufacturer told them their vehicle was not covered by a transmission line recall. Reported from about 25,000 to 84,000 miles, with several complaints under 55,000 miles.

    Recall 01V0110022 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check for reddish fluid under the front of the car and on the cooler lines, and drive from a stop through several shifts to feel for hesitation or harsh engagement.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have constantly taken my car in for the same reasons. The car jerks, the whole car vibrates when it rains, if it's cold out the car refuses to start in the morning. There have been numerous transmission and piston problems.”

    NHTSA complaint #10049465, filed 2003-12, 3,000 miles

    “80,000 miles on the transmission. The car would no longer move. Leaving me stranded. Costing $1,500 for a rebuit transmission for a newer car. No reason for a transmission to go out so soon. Also flickering with the dash/interior lights and radio when light are turned on.”

    NHTSA complaint #10072392, filed 2004-05, 84,000 miles
  4. Air bags

    Clock spring failure: airbag light, horn and cruise out

    • 19 complaints (10%)
    • median 70,500 mi at 9.0 yrs old (16 state mileage)
    • filed 2005–2016

    Complaints describe a clicking or cracking sound from the steering column, then the airbag light staying on while the horn and cruise control stop working. Owners say a dealer identified the clock spring (a spring in the steering wheel) as the part needing replacement, and some report being quoted for the repair rather than having it covered. A few describe the steering becoming stiff at the same time. Mostly reported between roughly 24,000 and 72,000 miles, often noticed while turning the wheel.

    Recall 00V306000Recall 15V338000Recall 16V401000

    What to check: Turn the wheel with the engine running and listen for clicking, and confirm the horn and cruise control work and the airbag light goes out after start-up.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was driving our 2001 Dodge Stratus to park at the movie theater , going only 5 MPH maybe less and I went to turn into the parking spot, I heard a click in the steering wheel, a pop, the airbag light came on and the horn does not work at all and the airbag light is still on. Everytime the steering wheel is turned, there is a clicking noise.”

    NHTSA complaint #10498472, filed 2013-02, 53,641 miles

    “I had pulled out of my driveway to return to work and when I turned the corner to leave my street I heard a cracking sound from the steering column and the airbag light came on immediately. The air bag light is constantly on, the cruise control does not work and the horn does not work either the vehicle was never involved in an accident and the vehicle had just over 35,500 miles on it.”

    NHTSA complaint #10170768, filed 2006-10, 35,500 miles
  5. Suspension

    Strut mounts and front end noise

    • 23 complaints (12%)
    • median 87,000 mi at 7.8 yrs old (18 state mileage)
    • filed 2002–2021

    Complaints describe a grind or pop over bumps and, in some cases, a strut mount breaking or a strut tower fracturing, with the spring rubbing against the tire. Owners point to corroded aluminum mounts and report replacing struts or mounts on both sides. Some note the parts were on national backorder, and one owner says the part needed for repair could not be obtained. Reported from roughly 70,000 to 250,000 miles, more often on higher-mileage cars.

    What to check: Inspect the strut mounts and towers for corrosion or cracking, and push down on each corner to listen for clunks or grinding.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have had this car for 2 years now with little problems. Had a few oil changes and some brake work done to it. But in the last year I have changed all the calipers in this car 2 to 3 times the break pads many times the ball joints the roaders the swing arm and the cluster dash. This was a great car till it stopped going over 30 without a terrible shake.”

    NHTSA complaint #10667226, filed 2014-12, 217,000 miles

    “2001 Stratus se heard a grind after going over a bump on the way home from work. Looked under car and saw driver side strut mount was broken. Took to mechanic and was told both mounts are broken and needed repair. These parts are made of cheap aluminum which is horrible material for salt corrosion. Was told part was on national backorder 2-3 weeks. Not believing hem, I called Dodge directly and was told basically told sorry, 1000 were shipped 7/3 but there was another 7,600 backorder!!! Now it will be end of july before I get parts. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10234182, filed 2008-07, 71,000 miles

Buying note. On this model year, the most useful checks are the 2.7L V6's oil condition and service history, plus a suspension inspection for ball joints, control arms and strut mounts. Ask whether the airbag and transmission-line recalls were completed, and test the horn, cruise control and shifting before buying.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 186 consumer complaints for the 2001 Dodge Stratus. 116 of the complaints include a mileage, and 24% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 70,185 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 7 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns and 20 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (6), Seats (4), Tires (4), Equipment (2), Exterior lighting (2), Fuel system (2), Interior lighting (2), Seat belts (2), Wheels (2), Electronic stability control (1), Engine (1).

Example complaints

Engine cooling: “We have a 2001 Dodge Stratus with a 2.7 v6 engine fist problem the water outlet started leaking then the water pump went out an then the lifters started knocking now the motor just died we did regular oil changes an matn.really spent a lot of money on the car to have it dead in the yard.”

NHTSA complaint #10286892, filed 2009-10, 13,000 miles

Suspension: “As I tried to start driving I heard a sound like a crack then I stop the car and walked around it and had found that the right side tire at the rear end was broken.”

NHTSA complaint #10604665, filed 2014-06, 248,866 miles

Air bags: “Clock-spring broke when I was backing out of a parking space and turning the steering wheel to the left. Now my air bag light stays on and everything electrical on the steering wheel does not work, this includes the horn, cruise control and the airbag. If this is not a safety issue deserving of a recall then what exactly is?”

NHTSA complaint #10605335, filed 2014-06, 105,000 miles

Steering: “2001 Dodge Stratus. Loss of control. Resulting in 2 separate crashes. I did sustain injury in the last incident. I was trying to turn left into a parking lot, wheel turned only partially. I could not get it to move the correct direction, and I ran into a tall (15in.) curb. Sustained whiplash and a large knot on my head. The 1st incident was while trying to turn left and my car would not go that way. I ended up hitting yet another tall curb,due to loss of control. …”

NHTSA complaint #10296348, filed 2009-12, 78,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

24% of the 116 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 50,000 and 100,000 miles.

2%0–103%10–2520%25–5033%50–7515%75–10024%100–1504%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (116 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 70,185 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’0225’05’08’11’14’21
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Dodge Stratus. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Stratus · coupe not rated4 / 4———
Stratus · sedan not rated5 / 5———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2001 Dodge Stratus version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Stratus FWD2.4L 4-cyl5-speed manual202723$2,900
Stratus FWD2.4L 4-cyl4-speed automatic182521$3,200
Stratus FWD3.0L 6-cyl5-speed manual182621$3,200
Stratus FWD3.0L 6-cyl4-speed automatic172520$3,350
Stratus FWD3.0L 6-cyl4-speed automatic172520$3,350
Stratus 4 Door FWD2.4L 4-cyl4-speed automatic182821$3,200
Stratus 4 Door FWD2.7L 6-cyl4-speed automatic182621$3,200
Stratus 4 Door FWD2.7L 6-cyl4-speed automatic172520$3,350

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

See all 10 recalls for the 2001 Dodge Stratus → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 20 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 20 bulletins →

Other model years of the Dodge Stratus

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20067452,0000—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20056273,0423—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200414466,8873—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20037563,5002—21Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200215066,5002—21Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200118670,18510—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200021688,0005—20Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199925190,5003—22Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199827275,0003—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199734995,0004—23Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199655496,9087—21Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199531897,0007—21Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Dodge Stratus model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Dodge Stratus?

Owners of this model year most often describe engine problems, particularly with the 2.7L V6, where complaints report oil sludge buildup, knocking and stalling, sometimes leading to engine replacement. The issues reported most often: 2.7L V6 oil sludge and engine failure; Rear and front ball joint / control arm failure; Transmission fluid leaks and shifting problems.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Dodge Stratus have?

NHTSA recorded 186 consumer complaints for the 2001 Dodge Stratus as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2001 Dodge Stratus is reported most often?

Engine cooling is named most often, in 58 complaints (31% of the total), followed by suspension with 41.

Has the 2001 Dodge Stratus been recalled?

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2001 Dodge Stratus get?

The EPA rates the 2001 Dodge Stratus (Stratus, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Dodge Stratus reported?

Among the 116 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 70,185 miles and the middle half falls between 50,000 and 100,000 miles; 24% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.