NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls and 186 owner complaints for the 2001 Dodge Stratus. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (57) and suspension (41). The EPA rates it 20–23 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“VERY FORTUNATE THIS HAPPENED AS WE WERE PULLING INTO THE GARAGE. SUDDENLY SOUNDED LIKE SOMEONE UNDER THE HOOD HITTING THE ENGINE BLOCK WITH A HAMMER. NOW HAVE TO HAVE A RE-MANUFACTURED ENGINE INSTALLED ON A CAR WITH ONLY 65K MILES. CANT AFFORD NOT TO, CANT SCRAP THE VEHICLE WITH THIS LOW OF MILES. RIDICULOUS AFTER WHAT ALL I HAVE READ ABOUT THE 2.7L ENGINE SINCE THEN. I PERSONALLY CHANGED OIL WELL UNDER MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDATIONS, USING SYNTHETIC MOST OF ITS LIFE. *TR”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROADWAY AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE FRONT STRUT TOWER FRACTURED AND WENT THROUGH THE DRIVER'S SIDE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE WHERE IT REMAINED AWAITING REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WENT TO C.R. MOTORS OF HUDSON (518 S MERIDIAN RD, HUDSON, MI 49247, (517)306-2561) AND REQUESTED INFORMATION ON REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 193,000.”
“WHILE DRIVING MY DODGE STRATUS SE, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON IN RED, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN MAKING A CLICKING NOISE WHILE TURNING, AND THE HORN STOPPED WORKING ALL AT THE SAME TIME.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stratus Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Stratus Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Stratus Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Stratus 4 Door Auto (S4), 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Stratus 4 Door Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Stratus Auto (S4), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Stratus Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Stratus 4 Door Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
14 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 186 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (57), suspension (41), air bags (26). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2001 Dodge Stratus at 20–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).