2004 Dodge Stratus
This year had at least 30% fewer 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1995 | 318 |
| 1996 | 554 |
| 1997 | 349 |
| 1998 | 272 |
| 1999 | 251 |
| 2000 | 216 |
| 2001 | 186 |
| 2002 | 150 |
| 2003 | 75 |
| 2004 | 144 |
| 2005 | 62 |
| 2006 | 74 |
| 2007 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
13% of complaints: suspension — 18 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: suspension — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASH8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE AT A STOP OR COMING TO A STOP, TOOK TO DEALER IN 2009 DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG BUT HAS DONE THIS EVER SINCE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130222
WHEN PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE IT SURGED BACKWARDS. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND HIT A BRICK WALL. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040423
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 12 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: steering — 10 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20191104
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE RESTRICTED, CAUSING EXCESSIVE FUEL PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. EXCESSIVE FUEL
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP PRESSURE. THOSE VEHICLES EXHIBITING HIGHER THAN NORMAL FUEL PUMP PRESSURE WILL RECEIVE FUEL PUMP MODIFICATIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 15, 2003. OW
Campaign 03V443000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE IMPROPERLY MOLDED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON AUGUST 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 04V313000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Campaign 07E023000 — check if this car was fixed
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
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 RETAINI
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.
Campaign 09E056000 — check if this car was fixed
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 BALL
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.
Campaign 10E059000 — check if this car was fixed
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Remedy: MMNA will notify their owners, and Chrysler will notify the Chrysler and Dodge owners. Dealers will install a tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015.
Campaign 15V338000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Dodge Stratus — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V443000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V313000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E023000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E056000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10E059000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V338000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Dodge Stratus reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Dodge Stratus is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Dodge Stratus?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Dodge Stratus have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.