The vehicle dossier US · 2002

2002 Dodge
STRATUSProblems & recalls

150 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Engine appears in 51 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 150 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Engine51 reports
Suspension31 reports
Other components21 reports
Transmission & drivetrain21 reports
Air bags19 reports
Brakes11 reports
Steering9 reports
Electrical system9 reports
Body & structure7 reports
Visibility4 reports
Fuel system1 reports
See original component labels
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE26
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING16
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION15
AIR BAGS12
SUSPENSION:REAR10
SUSPENSION9
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL7
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT5
POWER TRAIN4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC3
STRUCTURE:BODY3
STEERING3
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER3
ENGINE3
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE2
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER2
EQUIPMENT2
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM2
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING2
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE1
WHEELS:RIM1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID1
SEAT BELTS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS1
VISIBILITY1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE1
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING1
STRUCTURE1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR1
WHEELS1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT1
INTERIOR LIGHTING1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR1
STEERING:RACK AND PINION1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS1
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER1
SUSPENSION:FRONT1
TIRES1
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID1
SERVICE BRAKES1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Mar 28, 2016
Mileage, where supplied

68,000 miles is the median among 113 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 43,125–96,234 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

6 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Jun 3, 2016 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 16V401000

Reported concern

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus vehicles, equipped with beige interiors. The affected vehicles were previously repaired for a recall issue using an incorrect part. The incorrect part may not prevent the passenger side sun visor from detaching if the passenger frontal air bag deploys and the passenger side sun visor is folded down in a certain position.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Chrysler will notify the affected owners. Dealers will install the correct tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2016, owners will be sent a second email when parts are available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Read campaign 16V401000 at NHTSA
Jun 2, 2015 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 15V338000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: SR-15-005 (FCA R30)

Read campaign 15V338000 at NHTSA
Dec 27, 2010 Safety recallSUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARMCampaign 10E059000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 10E059000 at NHTSA
Oct 9, 2009 Safety recallSUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINTCampaign 09E056000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 09E056000 at NHTSA
May 11, 2009 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 09E025000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 09E025000 at NHTSA
Mar 29, 2007 Safety recallSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDERCampaign 07E023000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 07E023000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

66 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jul 22, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions9004275KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program …NHTSA ID 10229256

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10229256 at NHTSA
Jul 22, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions9004275KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program …NHTSA ID 10221686

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10221686 at NHTSA
Apr 30, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions23-015-20Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19NHTSA ID 10175743

Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

Components: EQUIPMENT · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10175743 at NHTSA
Apr 22, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions08-049-20Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replaceme…NHTSA ID 10175735

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10175735 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions3100519Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.NHTSA ID 10220101

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10220101 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions3100319Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.NHTSA ID 10220099

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10220099 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions3100619Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.NHTSA ID 10220097

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Components: EQUIPMENT · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10220097 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions31-005-19Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.NHTSA ID 10169249

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

Components: EQUIPMENT · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10169249 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions31-003-19Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.NHTSA ID 10169247

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10169247 at NHTSA
Nov 20, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions31-006-19Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.NHTSA ID 10169245

Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10169245 at NHTSA
Sep 7, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions68332810Service - 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 to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installat…NHTSA ID 10223854

Service - 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 to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar® Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make a complete oil pan gasket. 5. Lay the oil pan gasket(s) onto the oil pan flange.~ 6. Ensure the oil pan gasket segment joints are properly aligned. 7. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the top of the oil pan gasket.~ 8. Install the oil pan. Starting from the center and working outward, tighten the oil pan bolts to 28 N·m [21 ft. lbs.].

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10223854 at NHTSA
Feb 26, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsR2118796AValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.NHTSA ID 10191460

Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10191460 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Nov 6, 2002 ClosedSAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATEPE02082

THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.

Recorded closure: Apr 23, 2003

Find investigation PE02082

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