2003 Dodge Stratus Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 13%of 75 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Dodge Stratus, 13% of the 75 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“I was backing out of parking space when I heard a cracking noise when I turned the steering wheel.then the airbag light came on.then I noticed the horn did not work. Upon investigation on the internet I am 100% convinced that the clock spring has broken.further investigation shows there is a recall on chrysler-Dodge clock springs but only on certain year-models which doesn't make sense. …”
NHTSA complaint #10619168, filed 2014-08, 90,000 miles“My girlfriend and I we're pulling out of a gas station and turning to the right when suddenly we heard a snap and the car stalled. It started right back up, where I was then greeted by my air bag dummy. Horn and cruise control no longer work either. Talked the dealership and they said it would cost at least $80 worth of investigative work to make sure it was a clock spring (which I could tell the second it happened). Said that the part and labor would be $200 after the detective work of course. No recall, not available at parts stores, so no driver air bag for me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10234210, filed 2008-07, 92,000 miles“I have 2003 Dodge status with the 2.4l 4 cylinder engine and automatic transmission. After coming back from a trip, most of which was at freeway speeds, I was stopped at a red light with my foot on the brake when the engine speed suddenly jumped from idle speed to 2000 rpms. The car luched forward causing me to almost hit the car in front of me. At the next 2 stops the engine speed jumped from idle speed to 1400 rpms. For the next week the problem did not happen again during normal around town driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10030644, filed 2003-08, 1,500 miles“The 2003 Dodge Stratus we own is not safe for driving. Rapidly overheating and shutting down, near accident with sudden stalling in traffic, regulators on the engine fan going out, headgaskets having to be replaced. Car is not a year and has been serviced 2 times and still malfunctions. Just got car back from shop and have to return it, because it is not idling properly. Constant problems with vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10032998, filed 2003-08, 9,183 miles“Turned into a parking spotand heard something pop in steering wheel area. Now the air bag light is staying on, horn does not work and cruise control not working.I have not repaired the problem at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10148930, filed 2006-01, 39,000 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…
- 10016602Aug 4, 2005Mil illumination - misfire diagnostic trouble code (dtcs) p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303, p0304.
- 10013716Mar 25, 2005Flash: mil illumination diagnostic trouble codes (dtc/diagnostic trouble code) p0300, p0301, p0302, p0302, p0303, p0304, p0305, p0306-cold start misfire.
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 2003 Dodge Stratus
15 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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