MYRModel Year Report

1998 Dodge Stratus

◆ Worse than typical
1998 Dodge Stratus
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
272
Recalls
7

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

45% of complaints

Complaints per year

1992: 1 complaint 1992 1995: 318 complaints 1996: 554 complaints 1996 1997: 349 complaints 1998: 272 complaints 1998 272 1999: 251 complaints 2000: 216 complaints 2000 2001: 186 complaints 2002: 150 complaints 2002 2003: 75 complaints 2004: 144 complaints 2004 2005: 62 complaints 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 2 complaints
1992: 1 complaint 1992 1995: 318 complaints 1995 1996: 554 complaints 1996 1997: 349 complaints 1997 1998: 272 complaints 1998 272 1999: 251 complaints 1999 2000: 216 complaints 2000 2001: 186 complaints 2001 2002: 150 complaints 2002 2003: 75 complaints 2003 2004: 144 complaints 2004 2005: 62 complaints 2005 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 2 complaints 2007
1992: 1 complaint 1992 1995: 318 complaints 1995 1996: 554 complaints 1996 1997: 349 complaints 1997 1998: 272 complaints 1998 272 1999: 251 complaints 1999 2000: 216 complaints 2000 2001: 186 complaints 2001 2002: 150 complaints 2002 2003: 75 complaints 2003 2004: 144 complaints 2004 2005: 62 complaints 2005 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 2 complaints 2007

1998: 272 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19921
1995318
1996554
1997349
1998272
1999251
2000216
2001186
2002150
200375
2004144
200562
200674
20072

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

45% · 122 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIREINJURY

Service brakes

22% · 59 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The ABS and the braking system quit working I got on the freeway and I had breaks by the time I got three off ramps later to get off the freeway I had no brakes they didn't work in the pedal went all the way to the floor causing and…

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-04-27

Power train

9% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that the gear shifted from park without the key in the ignition. The contact also stated that the key became stuck in the ignition. The failure occurred on multiple occasions.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-18

Also filed under Electrical system

Suspension

7% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing lower ball joint and front.

Steering

7% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing tie rod assembly and hose, piping, and connections.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1998Complaint volume 272 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    1998-10-26Power train98V183000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The adjustment of the cable connecting the console shifter mechanism to the ignition key can cause a trapped key…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect for proper operation of the system. Any vehicles that are not functional after the inspection will have the shift mechanism and cable replaced with a "Self-adjusting" Design.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1999-11-22Service brakes, hydraulic99V244000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The right rear brake tube can contact the exhaust system clamp and wear a hole in it.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake tubes for visible evidence of contact with the exhaust system clamp. If the tube shows evidence of contact, it will be replaced. If no evidence of contact exists…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2002-11-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-04-23 Safety belt cinching latch plate
  5. I
    2003-07-17Engineering analysisClosed 2004-01-30 Auto trans ignition-park interlock
  6. R
    2004-06-14Power train04V021000 On certain passenger vehicles, the floor shifter ignition-park interlock may fail and allow the shifter to be moved out of the park position with the key removed. An inoperative interlock may also…

    Remedy: Dealers will install a new load-limiting push rod into the floor shifter lever of the affected vehicles. Owner notification began on June 14, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2006-10-06Fuel system, gasoline06E088000 Certain tigas fuel pump modules manufactured between June 1 and September 24, 2006, sold under various brand names and p/nos. These fuel pump modules are sold as aftermarket for use in certain…

    Remedy: Ti automotive will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pump modules free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2006. Owners may contact ti automotive toll-free at 1-877-461-1834.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2009-08-01Equipment09E043000 Import products is recalling 30,351 fuel filters sold to and branded by the affinia group as carquest p/n 86523, napa p/n 3523, and wix p/n 33523 for use as replacement equipment on the vehicles…

    Remedy: The affinia group will notify owners and the filters will be replaced free of charge. The safety recall began on August 1, 2009. Owners may contact wix filter return center at 1-704-869-7411 or…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    2009-11-09Suspension09E056000 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…

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    2011-01-28Suspension10E059000 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…

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Dodge Stratus — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 122 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 59 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 24 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 98V183000 · Power train
  • Recall 99V244000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 04V021000 · Power train
  • Recall 06E088000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 09E043000 · Equipment
  • Recall 09E056000 · Suspension
  • Recall 10E059000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1998 Dodge Stratus reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Dodge Stratus is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Dodge Stratus?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Dodge Stratus have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.