- The problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 21, 2005, and 2001-2005 Dodge Stratus vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 22, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the passenger side sun visor may detach.
- The risk
- If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
- The fix
- MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-005. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R30.
Vehicle safety record
2004 Dodge Stratus Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 144 complaints about the 2004 Dodge Stratus with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (38) and the engine & cooling (26). Those complaints describe 24 crashes, 1 fire and 17 injuries. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in June 2015 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2003 has 0 and the 2005 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Stratus year, for its age
#90 most complained-about 2004 vehicle
- Complaints
- 144
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 24
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 17
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2004 Dodge Stratus problems
Share of all 144 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2004 Dodge Stratus recalls 7
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Federal-mogul is recalling certain replacement control arm assemblies, part numbers k7425, 10945, fa4510x, k7427, 10946, and fa4611x, sold for use on various passenger vehicles listed above. The ball joint on the control arm assembly can fail causing the ball stud to wear through the control arm housing resulting in noise and/or separation of the ball stud from the housing.
- The risk
- If there is a separation of the ball stud from the housing, the driver can loose steering control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Federal-mogul will notify owners of record and replace the affected control arms free of charge. The safety recall began on january 28, 2011. Owners may contact federal-mogul at 1-877-489-6659.
- The problem
- Qualis automotive is recalling certain aftermarket ball joints sold for use on certain passenger vehicles. The socket may have been excessively hardened which could cause it to crack near the retaining ring groove allowing the ball stud to separate under impact load. The subject ball joints were sold as four part numbers, d10945, d10946, g10945, and g10946. The affected control arms, d10945 and d10946, are stamped with the following dates on the ball joints: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, and 116609. The g10945 and g10946 are the same part as the d10945 and d10946 respectively. They are labeled differently depending on the aftermarket customer.
- The risk
- Separation of the ball stud from the socket of the ball joint housing would allow the control arm to collapse and the wheel to fold in causing loss of steering control, possibly resulting in a crash.
- The fix
- Qualis automotive will replace the ball joints free of charge. The safety recall began on november 9, 2009. Owners may contact qualis automotive at 1-800-493-4128.
- The problem
- Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
- The problem
- Certain cardone master cylinders with part numbers 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987mza, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, and 11-3156, and with date codes lower than dca7078 sold as replacement equipment for use on the vehicles listed above. The seal on master cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid.
- The risk
- Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Cardone will notify owners and offer to repurchase any defective master cylinders. The recall began during april 2007. Owners can contact cardone at 1-800-777-4780.
- The problem
- On certain 2-door passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be improperly molded.
- The risk
- Breakage could result in a leakage of fuel and in the presence of an ignition source, it could result a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump. The recall will begin on august 9, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be restricted, causing excessive fuel pressure to build up in the fuel injection system. Excessive fuel pressure may result in a leak in the fuel return hose.
- The risk
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the fuel pump pressure. Those vehicles exhibiting higher than normal fuel pump pressure will receive fuel pump modifications. Owner notification began on december 15, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
What owners say
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144 complaints about the 2004 Dodge Stratus
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 6.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated while reversing, the passenger's side front wheel detached. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair with similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,334.
Fuel pump went out and in order for me to replace the fuel pump you have drop the tank. I could not get the intake hose off or the smaller fuel line along side it off. And there very little room to work with to get it off. And I have purchased the vehicle a little over a year ago and was not told about any recalls on this vehicle
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and then lost motive power. Additionally, the front passenger's side ball stud separated from the ball joint housing, and the front passenger's side tire was stuck on the fender, preventing the engine from falling onto the ground. The failure almost caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. While the vehicle was being placed on the flatbed tow truck, the...
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oil filter fractured and detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
2.7 liter engine should be recalled and replaced because? 1. The internal water pump which have been known to wear out prematurely and destroy the engine regardless how well the owner maintains vehicle. 2. Subframe and rear suspension crossmember should be replace due to rotting out prematurely. 3 Gloss on paint prone to pealing.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge stratus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there were unknown rattling sounds coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the wheels were wobbling as if they were going to detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ball joints on the control arm assembly were faulty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to nhtsa campaign number: 10e059000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 116,508.
I have noticed when I am turning my steering wheel to the left or right there appears to be somewhat of a lack of control and loosening of the front end of my vehicle as I am driving. Also, the suspension on my vehicle has become much more pronounced negatively.
While making a turn at 5mph, my front right wheel collapsed causing complete separation of the wheel and control arm in turn causing my axle to come out from the transmission at the cv joint. There is a recall for this ball joint issue but not for my vin specifically.
As I am turning the steering wheel when driving or idle the steering is making a squeaking/creaking noise I believe it has to do with recall: 10e059000 front control arm - lower arm
Driving on a 35 mph road going across the cross road got hit by a truck doing about 70 mph. Hit on the passenger side front bumper to the back edge truck f the front passenger tire. Put into a spin then was hit in the rear passenger tire and bumper. No air bags came out with massive trauma to both myself as driver and my passenger. Police, ambulance and doctors asked why the air bags did not expand. If the air bags would of worked less injuries would of happened. We had just stopped at a stop sign and proceeded to cross the road at like about 15 mph when hit.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge stratus. While driving various speeds over a bump, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. In addition, the fuel pressure warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened case number: 34782223. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.
The ball joint on the lower control arm assembly separated causing the front passenger side wheel to turn to the right and preventing the driver from being able to steer the car. The vehicle was in motion driving in a straight line when it happened. This is similar to nhtsa recall #10e059000 and #09e056000. I think the control arm was the original factory part. I'll attach pictures with the part number.
Car has shut down while driving on highway and on city street. Sometimes the steering wheel will lock up and be hard to turn. Sometimes speedometer will stop working correctly. Car will shut down.
Lately when I drive my car the check engine light will come on and then a couple minutes after it comes on the steering will lock up. It has done this multiple times within the last couple of months. The first time I was able to get it started again but then the speedometer wouldn't work. After the first time I thought it was fixed but now whenever it malfunctions the car shuts off on its own and will not start again until its been sitting untouched for at least 10 minutes. This has happened in town (25 mph) and on roads up to 55 mphs.
I was driving down the street and I parked at a friend's house. Me and him were talking and without warning the driver side airbag went off. No one was touching the car and I was not touching the steering wheel. I don't know what triggered the airbag to go off. And I'm glad I wasn't on the road when it happened.
Lower left front suspension arm ball joint broken. The outer bearing carrier, fell away from the suspension arm, pulling the half shaft out of the transmission, and the wheel/tire assembly jammed up in the wheel well with a complete loss of steering control. The vehicle was in motion just following a turn, in a parking area.
Car lost power. No accelerator or power in traffic.09/01/16 Was last time.. Does this quite often.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge stratus. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v338000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge stratus. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal noise and the brakes functioned intermittently. The failures happened without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the control arm assemblies were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. Nhtsa campaign numbers: 07e023000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and 10e059000 (suspension) were issued for these failures. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. *Tr
CAR IS LEAKING FUEL
I went to visit son and yes I took it to auto zone to have it checked to make sure that everything was ok to drive on the highway. So I made it to my sons home then I have to make a run to the store as I got back on the highway to drive a guy starts to flag me down and said there was sparks under my car an soon as I pull over to the side of the road the whole front part of my car caught a fire fire department was called car was towed. They say its nothing they can do even through it is a recall on the car for that reason,no one will return my calls from the company.
Hit a car doing 85 mph ripping off my front bumper an side panal on passsenger side along wit headlite assembly an grill air bag did not deploy. *Tr
I was following a semi when he missed his turn and slammed on the brakes. I didn't have enough time to stop and I hit the back end of the trailer. Half of the front end of my car went right under the trailer and my car was totaled. On impact, my airbags didn't deploy and my face hit the steering wheel which caused bruising and severe pain. *Tr
My windshield cracked on the passenger side of my dodge stratus I was told by the company that replaced my windshield that all the dodge car hes seen with this problem where water will get in the top of the windshield and I well rust from the inside out this would be a safety issue on the road to the driver/passenger safety up to pedestrians on the road also if the air bags where to deploy it could cause the windshield to detach from the car I have photo of the car rust under the windshield I don't have pitches of the windshield. *Tr
Car is driven on regular city streets and freeways. Roads I drive are paved - no country, dusty roads and area isn't heavy in pollution. I purchase my gas from shell or chevron and refill at 1/4 to 1/3 tank to reduce chance of picking up sediment from fuel tank. Noticed while driving on freeway.That car would drop in speed from 60 mph to 20 rather quickly and then forget about going up a hill. I was also getting 8-10 mpg. A couple weeks later I noticed even on level city streets the loss of power. Car was...
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diagnosed as catalytic converter and with california emission regulations the cost of parts and labor was $ 1,600.00. A year later, I noticed some loss of power and increased fuel consumption. Car was diagnosed to need cat converter replaced again and paid another $ 1,600.00. Also was diagnosed that rear mounts needed replacement and was wondering if this was normal. Very bouncy ride. *Tr
Driving down the road, I had lost my brakes, took it to a mechanic and the brakes line on the left front wheel broke, this happened in september 2013, and the left front brake line broke again in december 2013. I called the dealer and they said there were no recalls for brakes, maybe next time I'll be traveling the interstate and realize I have no brakes when I need to apply them. *Tr
Dodge Stratus: every year compared
All Stratus years2004 Dodge Stratus vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Dodge Stratus | 144 | 7 | F | |
| 2004 Dodge Ram | 1,157 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Durango | 1,115 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 | 582 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Ram 3500 | 214 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Dakota | 206 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Intrepid | 129 | 2 | A | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan | 116 | 3 | A | Compare |
| 2004 Dodge Neon | 94 | 5 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2004 Dodge Stratus
Does the 2004 Dodge Stratus have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2004 Dodge Stratus: inflator module (June 2015); lower arm (December 2010); lower ball joint (October 2009); headlights (May 2009) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Dodge Stratus?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (38), engine & cooling (26), electrical system (16).
How many complaints has the 2004 Dodge Stratus had?
144 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 19, 2004 and the latest on July 9, 2025. Of these, 24 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 17 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2004 Dodge Stratus a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 2 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Dodge Stratus year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
What should I do if my 2004 Dodge Stratus has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data