Before you buy
This 2004 Dodge Stratus has 144 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Suspension Failures.
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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2004 Dodge Stratus Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2004 Dodge Stratus trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2004 Dodge Stratus Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2004 Dodge Stratus 2-DROfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Dodge Stratus has 144 owner complaints, 24 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Suspension Failures. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Stratus
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 144
- Crash-related complaints
- 24
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Suspension Failures
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2004 Dodge Stratus problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Suspension Failures
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Suspension Failures, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. 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 2004 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 2004 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 2004 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 144 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. 24 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 7 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 144 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 7 federal recall campaigns
- 24 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2004 Dodge Stratus complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Dodge Stratus. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Failures | 38 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 26 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 16 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 15 | 10 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 13 | 5 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 11 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — |
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 2004 Dodge Stratus. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated while reversing, the passenger's side front wheel detached. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact re…
Fuel pump went out and in order for me to replace the fuel pump you have drop the tank. I could not get the intake hose off or the smaller fuel line along side it off. And there very little room to work with to get it off. And I have purchased the vehicle a little over a year ago…
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and then lost motive power. Additionally, the front passenger's side ball stud separated from the ball joint housing, and the front passenger's s…
2.7 liter engine should be recalled and replaced because? 1. The internal water pump which have been known to wear out prematurely and destroy the engine regardless how well the owner maintains vehicle. 2. Subframe and rear suspension crossmember should be replace due to rotting …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WERE UNKNOWN RATTLING SOUNDS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE WHEELS WERE WOBBLING AS IF THEY WERE GOING TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPEND…
I HAVE NOTICED WHEN I AM TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT THERE APPEARS TO BE SOMEWHAT OF A LACK OF CONTROL AND LOOSENING OF THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE AS I AM DRIVING. ALSO, THE SUSPENSION ON MY VEHICLE HAS BECOME MUCH MORE PRONOUNCED NEGATIVELY.
WHILE MAKING A TURN AT 5MPH, MY FRONT RIGHT WHEEL COLLAPSED CAUSING COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL AND CONTROL ARM IN TURN CAUSING MY AXLE TO COME OUT FROM THE TRANSMISSION AT THE CV JOINT. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS BALL JOINT ISSUE BUT NOT FOR MY VIN SPECIFICALLY.
AS I AM TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN DRIVING OR IDLE THE STEERING IS MAKING A SQUEAKING/CREAKING NOISE I BELIEVE IT HAS TO DO WITH RECALL: 10E059000 FRONT CONTROL ARM - LOWER ARM
DRIVING ON A 35 MPH ROAD GOING ACROSS THE CROSS ROAD GOT HIT BY A TRUCK DOING ABOUT 70 MPH. HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT BUMPER TO THE BACK EDGE TRUCK F THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. PUT INTO A SPIN THEN WAS HIT IN THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE AND BUMPER. NO AIR BAGS CAME OUT WITH MASS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OVER A BUMP, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHA…
THE BALL JOINT ON THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY SEPARATED CAUSING THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL TO TURN TO THE RIGHT AND PREVENTING THE DRIVER FROM BEING ABLE TO STEER THE CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN IT HAPPENED. THIS IS SIMILAR TO NHTSA RE…
CAR HAS SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND ON CITY STREET. SOMETIMES THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP AND BE HARD TO TURN. SOMETIMES SPEEDOMETER WILL STOP WORKING CORRECTLY. CAR WILL SHUT DOWN.
LATELY WHEN I DRIVE MY CAR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THEN A COUPLE MINUTES AFTER IT COMES ON THE STEERING WILL LOCK UP. IT HAS DONE THIS MULTIPLE TIMES WITHIN THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. THE FIRST TIME I WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AGAIN BUT THEN THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD…
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND I PARKED AT A FRIEND'S HOUSE. ME AND HIM WERE TALKING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG WENT OFF. NO ONE WAS TOUCHING THE CAR AND I WAS NOT TOUCHING THE STEERING WHEEL. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TRIGGERED THE AIRBAG TO GO OFF. AND I'M GLAD I…
LOWER LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION ARM BALL JOINT BROKEN. THE OUTER BEARING CARRIER, FELL AWAY FROM THE SUSPENSION ARM, PULLING THE HALF SHAFT OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION, AND THE WHEEL/TIRE ASSEMBLY JAMMED UP IN THE WHEEL WELL WITH A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN …
CAR LOST POWER. NO ACCELERATOR OR POWER IN TRAFFIC.09/01/16 WAS LAST TIME.. DOES THIS QUITE OFTEN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 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. TH…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE BRAKES FUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURES HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES WERE DEFECTIVE …
CAR IS LEAKING FUEL
I WENT TO VISIT SON AND YES I TOOK IT TO AUTO ZONE TO HAVE IT CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING WAS OK TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY. SO I MADE IT TO MY SONS HOME THEN I HAVE TO MAKE A RUN TO THE STORE AS I GOT BACK ON THE HIGHWAY TO DRIVE A GUY STARTS TO FLAG ME DOWN AND SAID THERE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Dodge Stratus.
Safety recalls
2004 Dodge Stratus recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Dodge Stratus. 7 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2004 Dodge Stratus buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Dodge Stratus reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 144 owner complaints, 24 crash-related complaints, and 7 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 2004 Dodge Stratus?▾
#1: Suspension Failures (38 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (26 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (16 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Dodge Stratus?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Dodge Stratus?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Dodge Stratus, NHTSA complaints include 24 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 144 total complaints. 17 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Dodge Stratus have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Dodge Stratus. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 7 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 2004 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. Pay extra attention to Suspension Failures 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
Rate the 2004 Dodge Stratus based on your ownership experience.
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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.