2006 Dodge Stratus Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 8%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2006 Dodge Stratus, 8% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,000 miles. 2 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.
“The mechanic told me that the engine needs to be replaced. Sludge on the pick up tube clocked the screen and the engine seized. Always had the oil and filter changed every 3000 miles. Never herd of having to drop the pan and clean a pick up tube when doing a routine oil change. Owned lots of cars in the 30 years I been driving and never experience this. Car has been sitting in my driveway for over a year and I still have to make payments every month. Don't have the money for a new engine. Thanks Dodge. I will never ever buy a Dodge again. Piece of crap engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10564273, filed 2014-02, 107,000 miles“Valve gasket cover on engine leaks oil. This is now the 3rd time this has happened in less than a year. It happened in january, february and now in november 2013. The 3rd time the oil leak caused a fire on the engine. The auto place told me every time they fix this, the engine somehow eventually warps the valve gasket cover. This would suggest a defect within the vehicle. It has become both expensive and dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10553943, filed 2013-11, 76,636 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shook and a noise could be heard coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The traction control warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 147,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10968377, filed 2017-03, 147,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. While the vehicle was idling in traffic, the temperature gauge indicated that the vehicle was overheating. The contact later observed smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10874932, filed 2016-06, 120,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that she noticed fluid leaking from her vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. After diagnosis, they advised her that oil was leaking due to the seals and they needed to replace the engine. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages was approximately 105,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10507111, filed 2013-04, 105,000 milesEngine: other model years
Other parts of the 2006 Dodge Stratus
23 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 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