2001 Dodge Stratus Problems

Severe Issues

Used DODGE STRATUS shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 192 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.

20007 years2002

Before you buy

This 2001 Dodge Stratus has 192 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

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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192
Complaints
8
Crashes
2
Fires
7
Injuries
1
Fatalities
14
Recalls

2001 Dodge Stratus Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2001 Dodge Stratus trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

18
MPG City
17–20 range
26
MPG Hwy
25–28 range
21
MPG Combined
20–23 range
423
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $4,000 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. 8 trims analysed.

2001 Dodge Stratus Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β€” showing 2001 Dodge Stratus 2-DR

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 2001 Dodge Stratus has 192 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 14 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2001 Dodge Stratus β€” key reliability facts
Make
Dodge
Model
Stratus
Model year
2001
NHTSA owner complaints
192
Crash-related complaints
8
Safety recall campaigns
14
Top reported component
Engine Problems
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
21
EPA MPG city / highway
18 / 26
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Electronic stability control
No

Common problems

Most common 2001 Dodge Stratus problems

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

#1
60
complaints

Engine Problems

Fires:1
#2
41
complaints

Suspension Failures

Crash-related:2
Injuries:1
#3
26
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:4
Injuries:3

Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Suspension Failures, Airbag Malfunctions. 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 2001 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 2001 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 2001 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 192 NHTSA complaints and 14 recalls on record. 8 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Recall context: 14 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.

Key Findings
  • 192 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 14 federal recall campaigns
  • 8 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 2001 Dodge Stratus complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Dodge Stratus. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems60β€”1β€”
Suspension Failures412β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions264β€”β€”
Steering Defects2621β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain20β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults19β€”β€”β€”
Brake System141β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration12β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic101β€”β€”
Structural Problems9β€”β€”β€”
Visibility6β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues5β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues4β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues4β€”β€”β€”
Equipment3β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System2β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline2β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Parking-Brake Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Interior Lighting2β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures2β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1β€”β€”β€”
Air1β€”β€”β€”
Child Seat1β€”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 2001 Dodge Stratus. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 192 most recent complaints

Suspension FailuresFeb 10, 2021

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 WH…

Airbag MalfunctionsAug 6, 2016

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.

Steering DefectsApr 11, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN IND…

Airbag MalfunctionsOct 22, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V338000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE…

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 18, 2015

STOPPED AT STOP SIGN. STARTED TO MAKE RIGHT HAND TURN, HEARD POP IN THE STEERING COLUMN, WARNING BELL WENT OFF, AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. HORN STOPPED WORKING AND NO CRUISE CONTROL. TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR REPLACEMENT OF CLOCKSPRING TODAY, 7/18/2015, AT A COST OF $167.99…

Seat-Related IssuesMay 6, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR PANEL FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT CONTROLS FAILED TO ADJUST THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE …

Steering DefectsDec 19, 2014

I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 2 YEARS NOW WITH LITTLE PROBLEMS. HAD A FEW OIL CHANGES AND SOME BRAKE WORK DONE TO IT. BUT IN THE LAST YEAR I HAVE CHANGED ALL THE CALIPERS IN THIS CAR 2 TO 3 TIMES THE BREAK PADS MANY TIMES THE BALL JOINTS THE ROADERS THE SWING ARM AND THE CLUSTER DASH. …

Suspension FailuresAug 4, 2014

FRONT LOWER RIGHT BALL JOINT AND CONTROL ARM FAILURE. THIS RESULTED IN CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE LINES, CONTROL ARM, LOSS OF CONTROL, STEERING, TIE RODS, UPPER BALL JOINT, CV AXLE SEVERED, AND BENT FRAME. CHRYSLER TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE OF MY VIN NUMBER I WASN'T ELIGIBLE FO…

Electrical FaultsJun 23, 2014

CLOCK-SPRING BROKE WHEN I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT. NOW MY AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AND EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL ON THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT WORK, THIS INCLUDES THE HORN, CRUISE CONTROL AND THE AIRBAG. IF THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISS…

Suspension FailuresJun 20, 2014

AS I TRIED TO START DRIVING I HEARD A SOUND LIKE A CRACK THEN I STOP THE CAR AND WALKED AROUND IT AND HAD FOUND THAT THE RIGHT SIDE TIRE AT THE REAR END WAS BROKEN. *TR

Airbag MalfunctionsMay 14, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH AN EXPLOSIVE NOISE THAT CAUSED SOME HEARING LOSS TO THE CONTACT'S RIGHT EAR. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT. THE MANUFACTURER STAT…

Uncategorized IssuesMar 22, 2014

OIL LIGHT CAME ON A MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT IT. HAS OIL IN IT SO I DONT KNOW WHY IT WOULD BE ON.

Uncategorized IssuesMar 22, 2014

WHEN THE STEERING WILL IS TURNED ALL THE WAY IT MAKES A SQUELLING NOISE. PUT POWER STEERING FLUID IN AND STILL NO CHANGE.

Electrical FaultsMar 1, 2014

PURCHASED A USED 2001 DODGE STRATUS AND ABOUT A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING IT I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT THE STORE WHEN I HEARD A SNAP/POP SOUND FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND NOW EVERYTIME I TURN THE WHEEL I CAN HEAR A POPPING OR CLICKING SOUND. THE …

Steering DefectsFeb 18, 2013

I WAS DRIVING OUR 2001 DODGE STRATUS TO PARK AT THE MOVIE THEATER , GOING ONLY 5 MPH MAYBE LESS AND I WENT TO TURN INTO THE PARKING SPOT, I HEARD A CLICK IN THE STEERING WHEEL, A POP, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND THE HORN DOES NOT WORK AT ALL AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS STILL ON. EVE…

Brake SystemNov 8, 2012

WHEN GOING ON THE BRAKES THE CAR JERKS. *TR

Engine ProblemsAug 6, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT WITHOUT WARNING AS SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STAT…

Structural ProblemsJul 31, 2012

TRUNK DOOR DESIGN HAS A DEFECT THAT WILL CAUSE THE TRUNK DOOR TO SLAM DOWN WITH EXCESSIVE AND UNIMPEDED FORCE WITHOUT WARNING AND WILL DO SO ON ITS OWN, EVEN IN CALM WINDS. MULTIPLE INCIDENT HAVE OCCURRED WHERE THE TRUNK DOOR HAS SLAMMED DOWN WHILE THE DRIVER OR THE PASSENGER WA…

Suspension FailuresJun 27, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH, THE BALL AND AXLE JOINTS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER TO THE SHOULDER AND STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN T…

Steering DefectsJun 15, 2012

I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR A LITTLE OVER 3 YEARS NOW. FIRST IT WAS THE PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT. THEN A YEAR LATER IT WAS THE BALL JOINT ON THE DRIVER SIDE PLUS THE CONTROL ARM. THEN IT WAS THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. THEN RIGHT AFTER THAT I FIND OUT THE BALL JOINT I HAD JUST REPLACED ON …

Page 1 of 10

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2001 Dodge Stratus.

Safety recalls

2001 Dodge Stratus recalls

14 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2001 Dodge Stratus. 14 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

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#16V401000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEMar 6, 2016
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#15V338000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEFeb 6, 2015
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

#09E025000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSNov 5, 2009
Safety recall

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

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

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

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

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

#07E023000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER29/03/2007
Safety recall

CHILD SEAT

#00V366000CHILD SEATSep 11, 2000
Safety recall

SEATS

#01V005002SEATSAug 1, 2001
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

#00V320002FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS27/10/2000
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

#00V306000AIR BAGS:FRONTALDec 10, 2000
Safety recall

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

#00V278000STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS18/09/2000
Safety recall

STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)

#00V225002STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)Oct 8, 2000
Safety recall

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

#00V299002ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINEFeb 10, 2000
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

#01V011002POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES16/01/2001

Across model years

Compare Dodge Stratus model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2001 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

2001 Dodge Stratus buying FAQ

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

Is the 2001 Dodge Stratus reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 192 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 14 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 2001 Dodge Stratus?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (60 complaints). #2: Suspension Failures (41 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (26 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2001 Dodge Stratus?β–Ύ

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

How safe is the 2001 Dodge Stratus?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2001 Dodge Stratus, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 192 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2001 Dodge Stratus have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 14 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2001 Dodge Stratus. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 14 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 2001 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 Engine Problems 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.