2002 Dodge Stratus Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 6%of 150 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Dodge Stratus, 6% of the 150 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 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.
“My car has a bad noise and popping sound in the front end. I was turning out of my moms driveway when my front passenger tire collapsed in .. My upper ball joint broke . After my car was jacked up my lower a arm and ball joint was broke .. I replaced everything . A week later the driver side ball joint had to be replaced . My car still makes a aweful sound like something is about to brake . Should I replace every part in the front . Cause it dangerous for myself and my child .”
NHTSA complaint #10716802, filed 2015-05, 185,750 miles“My car makes a loud clicking/grinding noise while applying the brakes and turning. I have had the steering rack replaced, the upper and lower control arms replaced twice, the ball joints replaced twice, the control arm bracket replaced, the sway bars replaced. The noise stopped after the bracket was replaced but came back after a month. This car has been in seven times with no resolve.”
NHTSA complaint #10025289, filed 2003-07, 4,600 miles“I was driving along the road and the rear drivers side upper ball joint separated and the car started swaying. Luckily I was on a side road where the speed limit was 30 MPH and nothing serious happened, but if I had been traveling down the interstate or other major highway my family and I could have been seriously hurt or even killed. I had the car repaired at darlings auto sales in ellsworth maine they have the exact date it happened and repair info if you need it. They contacted chrysler to see if it was covered or not. …”
NHTSA complaint #10102669, filed 2004-12, 360,152 miles“When consumer is making a turn, the vehicles' steering wheels makes a loud noise. Vehicle was serviced by a dealership who indicated that the power steering was leaking fuel, and parts are on back other, cause this is a common problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10002145, filed 2003-01, 30,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while making a turn, there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel. In addition, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10628911, filed 2014-08, 78,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10017651Nov 2, 2005Revised power steering system bleeding procedures.
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 2002 Dodge Stratus
48 complaintsSuspension
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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