2006 Dodge Stratus Problems
Used DODGE STRATUS shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 74 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Suspension Failures the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2006 Dodge Stratus has 74 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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2006 Dodge Stratus Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2006 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. 3 trims analysed.
2006 Dodge Stratus Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial 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 2006 Dodge Stratus has 74 owner complaints, 19 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Suspension Failures. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Stratus
- Model year
- 2006
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 74
- Crash-related complaints
- 19
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- 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 2006 Dodge Stratus problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Suspension Failures
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Suspension Failures, Engine Problems, 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 2006 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 2006 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 2006 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 74 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. 19 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 74 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 3 federal recall campaigns
- 19 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 2006 Dodge Stratus complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Dodge Stratus. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Failures | 23 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 20 | — | 2 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 13 | 11 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 9 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | 3 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | 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 2006 Dodge Stratus. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that she parked and inspected the vehicle and became aware of the control ar…
The entire front suspension feels as though it is going to fall outward at any moment. I have had this inspected by two separate dodge dealerships. I’ve also had this inspected by friends that are mechanics. I also have knowledge and I know something is not right with the control…
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON STREET WAY WHEN LOWER CONTROL ARM ON DRIVER SIDE BROKE WHERE BALL JOINT IS..LUCKY NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME OR AROUND ME WHILE DRIVING COULD OF CAUSED A SERIOUS WRECK..HAD TO CALL TOW TRUCK TO TOW IT BACK TO MY HOUSE
I WAS DRIVING DOING ABOUT 25 MPH. THANK GOD I WASN'T DRIVING ANY FASTER WHEN ALL OF SUDDEN. I HEARD A LOUD NOISE. I HAD LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING I RAN IN TO A GUARD RAIL MY CAR DIDN'T WANT TO GO BECAUSE THE RIGHT PASSENGER FRONT SIDE WAS TOTALLY TOUCHING THE GROUND I GOT OU…
I WAS DRIVING LIKE NORMAL, THEN WHEN I WENT UP THE RAMP ONTO THE THE SHOPPING CENTER, THE RIGHT WHEEL ALL OF A SUDDEN HIT THE PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND THE RIM WAS HITTING THE BRAKE CALIPER. IT WAS IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL, WOULD NOT STOP, AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT HAD TO CRASH THE VEHICLE INTO A POLE TO GET IT TO STOP. TH…
WHEN DRIVING HOME THE 2006 DODGE STRATUS SXT SEDAN AS MENTIONED BROKE ON ME AND MY FAMILY INTO A STORE PARKING LOT WHERE THE ENTIRE WHEEL CAME OFF THE CAR LEAVING ME AND MY FAMILY STRANDED LUCKILY WE WEREN'T ON THE HWY DRIVING HWY SPEEDS OR IM SURE ME AND MY FAMILY WOULDN'T PROBA…
I WAS DRIVING HOME WENT TO GO TURN LEFT AND THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE. I STOPPED THE CAR LOOK AT THE FRONT AND THE BALL JOINT ON MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SNAPPED, THIS EXACT PROBLEM IS ON THE RECALL LIST BUT MY CAR ISNT ON THEIR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACE…
RECALL BALL JOINTS AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS TIRED OF REPLACING TIRES AND I LOOKED IT UP THERE WAS 0 RECALLS ASSISTED ON MY CAR
CAR WONT START
TAMARA RECALL MY FUEL TANK HAS A EVAPORATION LEAK AND THE MECHANIC SAID IT'S FROM THE SCREWS THAT HOLD THE GAS TANK ON HAS CAUSED MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON ALSO THE SUSPENSION IS VERY BAD AND I HAD THEM REPLACED WHEN I FIRST NAUGHT THE CAR IT SHOULD NOT BE AS BAD AS IT I…
HI! MY SON WAS DRIVING MY 2006 DODGE STRATUS AND THE CONTROL ARM BROKE AND THE AXLE SEPARATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUSING IT TO HIT A PARKED CAR. WE HAVE A POLICE REPORT THAT DOCUMENTS THE AXLE SEPARATION AND PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE. I NOTICED ONLINE THAT THIS HAD BEEN A PROB…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND A NOISE COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS N…
MY BALL JOINT SNAPED AND MY RADIATOR WHAS HEATED UP BADLE I PUT A WHOLE IN MY RADATOR HOSE AS WELL.
2006 DODGE STRATUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING VEHICLE ACCIDENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HER SON HIT A UTILITY POLE HEAD-ON AT 85 MPH. *JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING IN TRAFFIC, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE CONTACT LATER OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICL…
I WAS HEARING A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM BOTH SIDES OF MY CAR IN THE FRONT. I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMER THAT MY LOWER AND UPPER CONTROL ARMS WERE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE BALL JOINTS AND LIFTED THEM UP WITH A HUGE SCREWDRIVER. I WAS T…
MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS LIFTING FROM ITS PLACE ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE COVER. THIS IS A CONCERN FOR ME BECAUSE I FEAR THAT IT WILL RELEASE AT SOME POINT DUE TO THE HEAT OR MOTION. I NOTICE THE PROTRUSION WHEN I AM CLEANING UP MY CAR AND I DO NOT TOUCH IT NOR DO I PREFER FOR A…
WHILE IN MOTION FRONT DRIVER SIDE FELL APART MY WHEEL BROKE OFF,WHILE GOING THROUGH THE PARKING LOT OF A GROCERY STORE
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2006 Dodge Stratus.
Safety recalls
2006 Dodge Stratus recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2006 Dodge Stratus. 3 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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2006 Dodge Stratus buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2006 Dodge Stratus reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 74 owner complaints, 19 crash-related complaints, and 3 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 2006 Dodge Stratus?▾
#1: Suspension Failures (23 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (20 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (13 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2006 Dodge Stratus?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2006 Dodge Stratus?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2006 Dodge Stratus, NHTSA complaints include 19 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 74 total complaints. 9 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2006 Dodge Stratus have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2006 Dodge Stratus. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT. 3 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 2006 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 2006 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.