Is the 2005 Dodge Stratus reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Dodge Stratus is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Dodge Stratus?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 Dodge Stratus have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2005 Dodge Stratus

▲ Better than typical

2005 Dodge Stratus
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:31:34.085Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 62
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Suspension

Complaints per year

2005: 62 complaints

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

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

Suspension

29% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing rear and lower ball joint.

CRASHINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

26% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Steering

21% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing arm and column.

CRASHINJURY

Air bags

15% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Stratus. While making a right turn, the steering wheel locked without warning and the vehicle crashed into a light pole.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-12

I was driving down dundee rd in Illinois and it was rain/snow mix and as I was coming to an intersection the car failed to stop and when the impact happend the airbags failed to deploy and the car was in motion on a city…

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-20

Also filed under Service brakes

A truck made an illegal lane change and he hit me on the front drivers side and damaged my light, hood, windshield, the computer, and other things under the hood. The impact was very strong and none of the air bags deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-07-26

Also filed under Electrical system and structure

Electrical system

11% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

CRASHFIRE

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2004-11-15Seat belts04V532000 On certain sedans, the left and right rear outboard retractor and turning loop bolts on the seat belts may not have been properly tightened.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the affected fasteners. The recall began on November 15, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2004-12-27Steering04V579000 On certain sedans and convertible model vehicles, the right steering knuckle may have been damaged during the component manufacturing process.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the right steering knuckle. The recall began on December 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-04-02Service brakes, hydraulic07E023000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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 →
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 →
R

2015-07-20Air bags15V338000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Dodge Stratus — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Suspension: 18 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 16 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 13 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 04V532000 · Seat belts
Recall 04V579000 · Steering
Recall 07E023000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 09E056000 · Suspension
Recall 10E059000 · Suspension
Recall 15V338000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2005 Dodge Stratus reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Dodge Stratus is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Dodge Stratus?: The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Dodge Stratus have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.