VehicleVerdict

1995 Dodge Stratus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 462 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Stratus year — the 1995 model ranks #2 of 14 Stratus years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 30 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 116 reports (25% of the total).

462

NHTSA complaints

11

Recalls

5

Investigations

30

Crash-involved

15

Fires reported

30

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1995 compare to other Stratus years?

Stratus NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 highlighted776 complaints1992: 1 complaints1995: 462 complaints1996: 776 complaints1997: 451 complaints1998: 334 complaints1999: 344 complaints2000: 270 complaints2001: 269 complaints2002: 193 complaints2003: 110 complaints2004: 196 complaints2005: 99 complaints2006: 110 complaints2007: 2 complaints
Stratus NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Stratus years to avoid →

What are the most common 1995 Dodge Stratus problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine11625%
Brakes7216%
Transmission6013%
Electrical System4911%
Suspension276%
Steering266%
Airbags204%
Visibility & Wipers184%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)143%
Fuel System133%
Speed Control112%
Body & Structure82%
Other82%
Seats61%
Seat Belts51%
Tires & Wheels41%
Lighting41%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 1995 Dodge Stratus have recalls?

11 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10E059000SuspensionDecember 27, 2010 · 22,689 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

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.

09E056000SuspensionOctober 9, 2009 · 5,787 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

06E091000Fuel SystemNovember 2, 2006 · 24,358 units

Defect

CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULES, P/NOS. E7089M, E7094M, E7113M, AND E7129M, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURE OF THE FLAPPER VALVE WAS OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESS SWELL OF THE FLAPPER VALVE RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.

Consequence

FUEL RESTRICTION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR ENGINE STALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX TOLL-FREE AT 1-866-867-3759.

06E088000Fuel SystemOctober 23, 2006 · 39,243 units

Defect

CERTAIN TIGAS FUEL PUMP MODULES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006, SOLD UNDER VARIOUS BRAND NAMES AND P/NOS. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES ARE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURE OF THE FLAPPER VALVE WAS OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, LEADING TO EXCESS SWELL OF THE FLAPPER VALVE RESTRICTING THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.

Consequence

FUEL RESTRICTION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER AND/OR ENGINE STALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

TI AUTOMOTIVE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TI AUTOMOTIVE TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-461-1834.

04V021000TransmissionJanuary 13, 2004 · 2,315,768 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.

Consequence

EITHER CIRCUMSTANCE MAY RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AWAY WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOAD-LIMITING PUSH ROD INTO THE FLOOR SHIFTER LEVER OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

98V183000TransmissionAugust 6, 1998 · 685,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE CABLE CONNECTING THE CONSOLE SHIFTER MECHANISM TO THE IGNITION KEY CAN CAUSE A TRAPPED KEY CONDITION WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOW FORCE REQUIRED TO DEPRESS THE SHIFT BUTTON. A COMBINATION OF APPLYING A MIS-ADJUSTED RELEASE BUTTON WITH A LOW FORCE ATTEMPT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITH THE KEY IN THE LOCKED POSITION, CAN BREAK THE CONNECTING PIN IN THE SHIFTER.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE "IGNITION-PARK" INTERLOCK SYSTEM WILL BE NONFUNCTIONAL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM. ANY VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL AFTER THE INSPECTION WILL HAVE THE SHIFT MECHANISM AND CABLE REPLACED WITH A "SELF-ADJUSTING" DESIGN.

98V063000Seat BeltsMarch 20, 1998 · 91,544 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR DOES NOT ACHIEVE THE LOADING REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."

Consequence

FAILURE OF A SEAT BELT ANCHOR CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF SEAT BELT PROTECTION, WHICH COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SEAT BELT OUTBOARD ANCHOR FLOOR ATTACHMENTS FOR PROPER POSITIONING. IF THE ANCHOR WAS IMPROPERLY ORIENTED, THE ORIENTATION WILL BE CORRECTED.

97V201000SuspensionNovember 13, 1997 · 599,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN SEPARATE DUE TO LOSS OF LUBRICATION.

Consequence

SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BALL JOINT END HOUSING COVER SEAL FOR LEAKAGE WITH A HIGH PRESSURE AIR TESTER AND THE RUBBER BOOT WILL BE VISUALLY INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE. IF THE COVER SEAL LEAKS OR THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WILL BE REPLACED.

96V075000BrakesMay 3, 1996 · 151,800 units

Defect

THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL.

Consequence

BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN DIMINISHED EFFECTIVENESS OF ONE HALF OF THE SPLIT BRAKE SYSTEM. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHT(S) WILL SIGNAL SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT PRIOR TO PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDR PISTON ASSEMBLY.

96V074000BrakesMay 2, 1996 · 90,000 units

Defect

CORROSION OF THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN CAUSE THE SOLENOID VALVES TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Consequence

IF EITHER FRONT WHEEL VALVE STICKS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWERVE FROM A STRAIGHT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PLATE AND SILICONE GREASE INJECTED INTO THE SOLENOID CAVITY TO ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL FOR THIS CONDITION.

96V006000EngineJanuary 11, 1996 · 40,000 units

Defect

IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL IS NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINED.

Consequence

INADEQUATE SEALING AND RETENTION OF THE PLUG CAN RESULT IN OIL LEAKAGE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN EXPANSION PLUG AND RETAINING BRACKET OVER THE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, WHEN THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB PRIOR TO FIRE, VEHICLE WAS RUNNING ROUGH AND USED A LOT GAS. DIRTY FUEL RAIL WAS REPLACED AND 4 INJECTORS THAT WERE PLUGGED. CONSUMER IS AWARE OF RECALL 96V00600 RELATING TO THIS CONDITION. *TT

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 14, 2003 · crash

THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WIT ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, APPLIED BRAKES AND FOOT WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE CONSUMER REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THE DEFECTS DESCRIBED RELATE TO RECALL NUMBER 96V075000. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 9, 1998 · crash

I HAVE A 1995 DODGE STRATUS WHEN TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH MY CAR AUTOMATICALLY SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL THE VEHICLE JERKS AND SLOWS DOWN IN SPEED I HAVE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT THE CAR DOWN AND RESTART IT, THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY, I TOOK IT A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND THEY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 15, 2005

AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, WENT INTO THE HOUSE, AND A FRIEND CAME TO NOTIFY CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE PERMANENT REGISTRATION ON THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN RECEIVED. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 30, 2004 · fire

WHILE DRIVING, LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE, DROPPED DOWN, DAMAGED WHEEL/LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT, CAUSED FIRE IN LEFT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER; ACCORDING TO DEALER, ALL PARTS NEED REPLACING, INCLUDING BRAKE PADS. VEHICLE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 19, 1997 · fire

1995 Dodge Stratus — common questions

Is the 1995 Dodge Stratus reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 462 complaints put the 1995 model at #2 of 14 Stratus years. It is one of the Stratus years to avoid.

What are the most common 1995 Stratus problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (116 complaints), brakes (72 complaints), transmission (60 complaints).

Does the 1995 Dodge Stratus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns affecting the 1995 Dodge Stratus. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1995 Dodge Stratus under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Stratus years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Stratus years to avoid are 1996, 1995, 1997. The cleanest record among Stratus years belongs to 1992.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.