VehicleVerdict

2000 Dodge Stratus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2000 Dodge Stratus sits mid-pack among Stratus years: 270 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 233, with 9 recalls and 3 closed investigations. Complainants reported 26 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (66), brakes (35), and electrical system (31), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

270

NHTSA complaints

9

Recalls

3

Investigations

21

Crash-involved

70

Fires reported

26

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other Stratus years?

Stratus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 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, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Stratus years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Dodge Stratus problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering6624%
Brakes3513%
Electrical System3111%
Engine2610%
Fuel System2610%
Transmission218%
Suspension124%
Visibility & Wipers114%
Airbags93%
Seat Belts73%
Other73%
Body & Structure73%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)31%
Lighting31%
Speed Control31%
Seats21%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2000 Dodge Stratus have recalls?

9 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.

09E043000OtherJuly 7, 2009 · 30,351 units

Defect

IMPORT PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 30,351 FUEL FILTERS SOLD TO AND BRANDED BY THE AFFINIA GROUP AS CARQUEST P/N 86523, NAPA P/N 3523, AND WIX P/N 33523 FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE FILTERS MAY DEVELOP A LEAK IN THE HOSE ASSEMBLY AND/OR CONNECTORS DUE TO IMPROPERLY ADHERED LINE CONNECTORS.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

THE AFFINIA GROUP WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE FILTERS WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WIX FILTER RETURN CENTER AT 1-704-869-7411 OR IMPORT PRODUCTS AT 1-508-279-8207.

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.

06V001000SteeringJanuary 5, 2006 · 216,299 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK.

Consequence

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

00V366000Child SeatNovember 9, 2000 · 1,211,756 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.

00V196000BrakesJuly 17, 2000 · 3,400 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE WELD BETWEEN THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE BLOCK AND THE STAND-OFF BRACKET.

Consequence

SEPARATION OF THE STAND-OFF BRACKET FROM THE BLOCK COULD CAUSE FATIGUE DAMAGE OF THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE TUBE AND RESULT IN A HALF SYSTEM BRAKE LOSS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL ADD A BRAKE LINE BRACKET TO THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE TUBE.

00V066000OtherMarch 2, 2000 · 17,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH INCORRECT CHILD LOCK INSTRUCTION LABELS.

Consequence

THE INCORRECT LABELS COULD CAUSE CONFUSION AS TO WHETHER THE CHILDPROOF SAFETY LOCK WAS ACTIVATED.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS.

00V067000Fuel SystemMarch 2, 2000 · 38 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH UNPAINTED FUEL TANK STRAPS.

Consequence

THE PAINT PROVIDES CORROSION PROTECTION NECESSARY TO ENSURE THE STRAPS DO NOT LOOSEN OVER TIME.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

I RECEIVED A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE ON 12-22-2006 RE MY 2000 DODGE STRATUS , BUT TO NO AVAIL MY VEHICLE BURNT UP ON 12-06-2006 AND I TRIED TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM WITH DAIMLER CHRYSLER OVER THE PHONE THEY WERE RUDE AND UN PROFESSIONAL I WOULD LIKE SOME RESULTS DUE TO THE FACT THE REASON FOR THIS WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 6, 2006 · fire

AFTER BEING IN AN ACCIDENT HEAD ON THERE WAS NOT MUCH DAMAGE TO VEHICLE, SOON AFTER CONSUMER GOT OUT OF VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK CONSUMER STATED ABS FAILED.*SLC

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 25, 2001 · fire

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 2002 DODGE STRATUS GOT STUCK IN MUD. CONTACTB WENT TO GET HELP WHEN SHE RETURNED APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES LATER THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. SHE HAD NOT HAD ANY RECENT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 7, 2007 · fire

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL IN THE MORNING. JUST A FEW BLOCKS FROM HOME, THE ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. THEN A LADY IN ANOTHER VEHICLE SUGGESTS TO MY WIFE THAT HER VEHICLE MAY BE OVERHEATING AS LITTLE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. MY WIFE CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK, BUT THE VEHICLE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 20, 2005 · fire

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE BACKFIRED AND WAS THE CAUSE OF…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 13, 2007 · fire

2000 Dodge Stratus — common questions

Is the 2000 Dodge Stratus reliable?

It is close to typical for the Stratus: 270 NHTSA complaints, 9 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2000 Stratus problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (66 complaints), brakes (35 complaints), electrical system (31 complaints).

Does the 2000 Dodge Stratus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 Dodge Stratus. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2000 Dodge Stratus under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 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.