2000 Dodge Stratus Problems

Severe Issues

Used DODGE STRATUS shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 241 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Steering Defects the most reported area.

older7 years2001

Before you buy

This 2000 Dodge Stratus has 241 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Steering Defects.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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241
Complaints
16
Crashes
64
Fires
19
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
9
Recalls

2000 Dodge Stratus Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2000 Dodge Stratus trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

17
MPG City
16–19 range
25
MPG Hwy
24–27 range
20
MPG Combined
19–22 range
444
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $4,250 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.

2000 Dodge Stratus Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
β—‹Stability Control: Noβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2000 Dodge Stratus has 241 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2000 Dodge Stratus β€” key reliability facts
Make
Dodge
Model
Stratus
Model year
2000
NHTSA owner complaints
241
Crash-related complaints
16
Safety recall campaigns
9
Top reported component
Steering Defects
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
20
EPA MPG city / highway
17 / 25
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Electronic stability control
No

Common problems

Most common 2000 Dodge Stratus problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
68
complaints

Steering Defects

Crash-related:2
Fires:34
Injuries:1
#2
33
complaints

Brake System

Crash-related:5
Fires:1
Injuries:9
#3
32
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
Fires:10
Injuries:2

Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Brake System, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2000 Dodge Stratus?

This DODGE STRATUS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.

Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.

May Suit

This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2000 Dodge Stratus

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
  • Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
  • Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN

Before You Close the Deal

  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2000 Dodge Stratus, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

The DODGE STRATUS has 241 NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. 16 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Recall context: 9 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.

Key Findings
  • 241 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 9 federal recall campaigns
  • 16 crash-related complaints on record
Top Concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume β€” popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Full breakdown

All 2000 Dodge Stratus complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2000 Dodge Stratus. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Steering Defects68234β€”
Brake System3351β€”
Engine Problems32110β€”
Electrical Faults31β€”18β€”
Hydraulic2941β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain222β€”β€”
Fuel System22β€”4β€”
Gasoline19β€”3β€”
Suspension Failures18β€”β€”β€”
Visibility12β€”β€”β€”
Equipment10β€”1β€”
Airbag Malfunctions107β€”β€”
Structural Problems7β€”1β€”
Seat Belt Issues72β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues4β€”1β€”
Air41β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues4β€”β€”β€”
Other3β€”1β€”
Seat-Related Issues31β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration31β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System2β€”β€”β€”
Interior Lighting2β€”β€”β€”
Parking-Brake Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2000 Dodge Stratus. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 241 most recent complaints

Suspension FailuresFeb 26, 2018

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A SIDE ROAD AT AROUND 25MPG, THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL MADE A POP SOUND AND ABRUPTLY STOPPED. WHEN MY DAUGHTER GOT OUT TO INVESTIGATE SHE SAW THAT THE WHEEL WAS FOLDED UNDER THE CAR. SHE HAD IT TOWED AND WE LEARNED THE TIE-ROD CONTROL ARM FAILED AND BROKE THE SHAFT.…

Suspension FailuresAug 11, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, A LOUD GRINDING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED FLUID COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAK…

Fuel/Propulsion SystemAug 8, 2016

VEHICLE STALLED AT HIGH SPEED. HAD FUEL FILTER REPLACED BY DODGE DEALER IN MARIETTA, OHIO. DEALER DID NOT CHECK FUEL PUMP WHILE TANK REMOVED FROM AUTOMOBILE. FUEL PUMP WAS CAUSE OF STALLING. INVOICE # DOCS155552

Steering DefectsDec 15, 2015

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR WHEN THE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY SNAPPED IN HALF, THE ENTIRE TIRE ALMOST CAME ALL THE WAY OFF.

Steering DefectsNov 19, 2013

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1 MINUTE AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING PROBLEM SUBSIDES. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE DEF…

Steering DefectsJun 7, 2013

MY DODGE STRATUS STARTED BLOWING HORN WITHOUT ME TOUCHING. EVERYTIME I TURN THE WHEEL THE HORN BLOWS. THEN TWO DAYS LATER THE LIGHT CAME IN THE CAR WOULD NOT GO OFF. THEN LOCKS START GOING UP AND DOWN AND DOOR MAKE BEEP AS IF A DOOR HIS OPEN. I HAD TO REMOVE THE FUSES TO STOP HOR…

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 7, 2013

STARTING MARCH I HAD PROBLEMS WITH TURNING THE WHEEL AND I TOOK CAR TO GET OIL AND ASK MECHANIC TO CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID. IM TOLD IT IS FULL AND THAT THEY DO NOT WHY I HAVE TURN THE WHEEL AS IF I HAVE NO POWER STEERING. EACH MONTH I GET SOMEONE CHECK POWER STEERING AND TOLD…

Structural Problems FireMay 15, 2013

DROVE CAR APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES TO STORE. WAS IN PARKING LOT, PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, NOTICED SMOKE FROM UNDER HOOD. WOMAN IN LOT STOPPED AND TOLD ME MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPOT TO CENTER OF AISLE. CAR FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES WITHIN MINUTES. CAUS…

Suspension FailuresJan 2, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN OR WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE FAILURE WAS LOCA…

Engine ProblemsNov 29, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AS THE DRIVER BEGAN TRAVELING 65 MPH. THE DRIVER TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF ON THE EMERGENCY LANE FOR A FEW MINUTES AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SH…

Engine Problems FireApr 3, 2012

MY SON DROVE MY CAR A SHORT DISTANCE AND PARKED IT AT A RESTAURANT. HE WAS INFORMED WITHIN MINUTES THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AND THE FIRE DEPT. EXTINQUISHED AN ENGINE COMPATMENT FIRE. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. HAPPENED IN AKRON OHIO APPROX. NOV. 2011. *TR

Steering Defects FireJan 11, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS A LOSS IN THE POWER STEERING AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMALL FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AREA AND IMMEDIATELY EXT…

Fuel SystemDec 13, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS SE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND INSPECTED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF…

Fuel SystemNov 21, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT WAS DIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A FAILING FUEL PUMP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTAC…

Steering Defects FireNov 15, 2011

AFTER DRIVING MY CAR A FRIEND WENT OUTSIDE AND SEEN SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD.SHE CALLED ME AND I RAN TO THE CAR AND I SEEN FIRE UNDER THE FRONT WHEEL'S. FRIENDS SPRAYED WATER ON THE HOOD AND I OPENED IT UP A LITTLE AND THEY SPRAYED THE FIRE AND PUT IT OUT. BY THIS TIM…

Steering Defects FireJun 16, 2011

I NEED SOME ONE TO INVESTIGATE A RECALL PART ON A 2000 DODGE STRATUS ON A POWER STEERING LEAK THAT CAUSE A FIRE UNDER THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP. AND THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT TELLING THE TRUTH ON WHAT CAUSE THE FIRE. *TR

Suspension FailuresApr 19, 2011

LOWER BALL JOINT/ CONTROL ARM DEFECTIVE. NO EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES OR UNUSUAL WEAR ON THE VEHICLE TO PRECIPITATE THIS PROBLEM. THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART WAS SEEN ON OTHER 2000 DODGE STRATUS VEHICLES WITH APPLICABLE RECALLS. MY VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM BUT BASED ON MY VIN NUM…

Engine Problems FireNov 30, 2010

2000 DODGE STRATUS ENGINE FIRE. AFTER PARKING THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY, I BEGAN TO SMELL AND SEE SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE OF THE CAR. DETERMINING THAT IT WAS ON FIRE, I BACKED IT OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY (LUCKILY THE DRIVEWAY WAS SLOPED) TO GET IT A WAY FROM THE HOUSE. *TR

Fuel SystemSep 18, 2010

MY CAR IS LEAKING GAS, AND THE FUEL NECK HAS RUSTED. APPARENTLY THERE IS A NATIONAL BACK ORDER ON THIS PRODUCT AND I AM UNABLE TO GET IT UNTIL OCTOBER 30TH. WHEN I ASKED THE DEALER WHAT I SHOULD DO ABOUT THIS PROBLEM HE SAID THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WAITING ON THIS SAME PART AND THA…

Electrical FaultsAug 30, 2010

HAD DODGE STRATUS 2000 ES FOR TEN YEARS. MILEAGE AT APPROXIMATELY 53,000. THIS YEAR WHEN INTERIOR HOT THE FOLLOWING DO NOT WORK: WINDSHIELD WIPERS, DASH GAUGES, SECURITY SYSTEM, DASH INDICATOR FOR TRANSMISSION GEAR, COOL AIR THROUGH AIR CONDITIONER. SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING THI…

Page 1 of 13

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2000 Dodge Stratus.

Safety recalls

2000 Dodge Stratus recalls

9 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2000 Dodge Stratus. 9 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

EQUIPMENT

#09E043000EQUIPMENTJul 7, 2009
Safety recall

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

#09E056000SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINTSep 10, 2009
Safety recall

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

#10E059000SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM27/12/2010
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

#00V067000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTINGFeb 3, 2000
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

#00V066000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSFeb 3, 2000
Safety recall

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

#06V001000STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONSMay 1, 2006
Safety recall

CHILD SEAT

#00V366000CHILD SEATSep 11, 2000
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

#06E088000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP23/10/2006
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

#00V196000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS17/07/2000

Across model years

Compare Dodge Stratus model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2000 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2000 Dodge Stratus buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2000 Dodge Stratus reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 241 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. This DODGE STRATUS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2000 Dodge Stratus?β–Ύ

#1: Steering Defects (68 complaints). #2: Brake System (33 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (32 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2000 Dodge Stratus?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2000 Dodge Stratus?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2000 Dodge Stratus, NHTSA complaints include 16 crash-related reports and 64 fire reports out of 241 total complaints. 19 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2000 Dodge Stratus have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2000 Dodge Stratus. A major recall area is EQUIPMENT. 9 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2000 Dodge Stratus?β–Ύ

This DODGE STRATUS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.

Wider context: See the full Dodge Stratus reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.