2003 Dodge Stratus Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 8%of 75 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Dodge Stratus, 8% of the 75 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,000 miles.
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.
“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“Dt: the consumer took vehicle to a dealership and repair shop several times for a squeaking noise that came from the left driver's side by the wheel. The source of the squeaking noise was unknown. The engine, a caliber to the steering wheel, air conditioning, brakes, and the flywheel were replaced. There is a still a squeaking noise and consumer does not know where it I comes from. The consumer is concerned about the safety of this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10135903, filed 2005-09, 33,000 miles“I own a 2003 Dodge Stratus and it suffered the same failure of its 2.7 liter engine as many others have experienced. The car does not run due to complete engine failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10328994, filed 2010-05, 67,000 miles“Reliable mechanics refused to change the oil on my 2003 Dodge Stratus because they don't want to be responsible for an engine which has only 47,200 miles on it.mechanics state there is a major problem with this engine and sludge build up, and it is likely to need repairs of the engine, ranging from $3,000 and up, soon. As I've done some investigating, I have seen this as a major problem. We are faithful with our oil changes, and feel this company needs to recall this engine and fix this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10111826, filed 2005-02“The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted and taken to the dealership which determined the sensors needed to be replaced. Also, the power steering failed. The dealership determined the power steering pump leaked causing the failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10152303, filed 2006-03, 20,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10223854Sep 7, 2016Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies…
- 10191460Feb 26, 2016Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10229181Feb 12, 2015Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must…
- 10223602Feb 12, 2015Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 14 | 19% |
| 2005 | 14 | 23% |
| 2004 | 22 | 15% |
| 2003 | 6 | 8% |
| 2002 | 48 | 32% |
| 2001 | 58 | 31% |
| 2000 | 23 | 11% |
| 1999 | 53 | 21% |
| 1998 | 121 | 44% |
| 1997 | 158 | 45% |
| 1996 | 335 | 60% |
| 1995 | 106 | 33% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge Stratus
15 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsSteering
7 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