Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Stratus vs FORD F 150
How the Dodge Stratus and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Dodge Stratus vs FORD F 150: The Stratus averaged 139.7 complaints per year over 7 years, while the F-150 averaged 1131.1 per year over 10 years. The Stratus had 51 recalls and 102 crash-related complaints; the F-150 had 145 recalls and 328 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Stratus or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Stratus
The Dodge Stratus is a mid-size car that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to own as it ages. Over seven years, it averaged about 140 complaints per year, with many reports of engine stalling, oil leaks, and suspension noises. Recalls for airbag inflators and suspension parts add to the ownership burden. Buyers should expect to deal with a range of mechanical and safety issues.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that, while popular, has a high volume of owner complaints—over 11,000 in ten years. The most common issues involve the transmission, electrical glitches, and lighting problems. Many complaints describe hard shifting, sudden power loss, and warning messages. This suggests that some model years may require frequent repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Stratus | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 978 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 51 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 102 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 139.7 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 84 Better | 287 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Dodge Stratus
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING198
- 02SUSPENSION185
- 03STEERING147
- 04AIR BAGS113
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM104
Owners report the engine shutting off while driving at highway speeds, as well as major oil leaks that can cost around $900 to fix. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include crunching or clunking noises when turning, and alignment problems that persist even after multiple repairs. This can affect steering and ride quality, and may indicate worn suspension parts.
Some owners experienced the steering wheel locking up without warning, leading to a crash. Others had the steering wheel become angled after alignments. This is a serious safety concern that needs immediate attention.
There are reports of airbags not deploying in crashes, and recalls for passenger-side inflator modules. This means the airbag may not protect you in a collision, which is a critical safety issue.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE STILL HAD STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY SO THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY OFF AND IT WAS ABLE TO RESTART IMMEDIATEL…”
“DECEMBER 2010 I NOTICED A MASSIVE OIL LEAK/SPILL UNDER MY CAR. TOOK TO SHOP IMMEDIATELY. THEY TOOK APART TIMING COVER SET AND DID SOME REPLACEMENTS. COST APPROXIMATELY $900. A FEW WEEKS LATER, AN EVEN BIGGER OIL LEAK/SPILL. TOOK TO SHOP IMMEDIATELY. THEY REPL…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Owners describe hard or delayed shifts, jerking, and sudden loss of power, often related to the 10-speed automatic transmission. These problems can occur while driving and may lead to dangerous situations.
Complaints include warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available,' as well as loud bangs from the transmission. Electrical glitches can be frustrating and costly to diagnose.
There are recalls and complaints about headlights, which can affect visibility and safety. Faulty lighting may not illuminate the road properly, increasing accident risk.
Some owners report engine-related issues, though fewer than transmission problems. Recalls for engine components suggest potential defects that could lead to performance problems or failures.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Dodge Stratus — 51 recalls
The defect: 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, 20…
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 custom…
The 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 SO…
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 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 HO…
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 defect: 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, 20…
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 custom…
FORD F 150 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
Dodge Stratus or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Dodge Stratus has far fewer complaints per year (about 140) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100). However, the Stratus complaints often involve severe safety issues like stalling and steering lock-up. The F-150's higher volume means more reported problems, but many are transmission and electrical annoyances. In practice, the Stratus may have fewer overall issues, but they can be more dangerous.
Key differences
- The Dodge Stratus has about 140 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 has over 1,100, but the Stratus issues often involve stalling and steering lock-up.
- The Stratus has recalls for airbag inflators and suspension parts, while the F-150 has recalls for headlights, battery cables, and engines.
- Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission problems like hard shifting and power loss, whereas Stratus owners report engine oil leaks and suspension noises.
- The Stratus has 1 death and 84 injuries reported, while the F-150 has 1 death and 287 injuries, though the F-150 has more vehicles on the road.
- Check for oil leaks around the timing cover and engine, as owners report massive leaks that can be expensive to fix.
- Test the steering for any locking or unusual noises when turning, and check for uneven tire wear that might indicate suspension issues.
- Test drive the truck and pay attention to transmission shifting, especially between gears 4-5, 5-6, and 7-8, looking for jerks or delays.
- Check for any warning messages on the dashboard related to the front camera or pre-collision assist, as these are common electrical complaints.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls (especially airbag and suspension for Stratus, or lighting and engine for F-150) have been addressed.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the engine and transmission for the F-150, and suspension and steering for the Stratus.
- For the Stratus, ask about any history of oil leaks or engine stalling, and check for recent alignments or suspension repairs.
- For the F-150, test the transmission thoroughly and check for any electrical glitches like warning lights or camera malfunctions.
- Search NHTSA.gov for the specific model year to see if there are any open recalls or additional complaints that might affect your decision.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Dodge Stratus or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Stratus vs FORD F 150
- Dodge Stratus total complaints
- 978
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Dodge Stratus total recalls
- 51
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Dodge Stratus avg complaints/year
- 139.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Stratus
- Dodge Stratus top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN