2000 Dodge Stratus problems & reliability
216 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2000 Dodge Stratus, alongside 5 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
11 complaints report injuries (16 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2000 Dodge Stratus vehicles were involved in 6 fatal crashes with 5 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 66 | 31% |
| Electrical System | 30 | 14% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 27 | 13% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 23 | 11% |
| Power Train | 21 | 10% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 19 | 9% |
| Suspension | 12 | 6% |
| Visibility | 10 | 5% |
| Air Bags | 9 | 4% |
| Seat Belts | 7 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 89,500 miles (middle 50% between 65,018 and 125,000 miles), based on 114 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“While driving down a side road at around 25mpg, the left front wheel made a pop sound and abruptly stopped. When my daughter got out to investigate she saw that the wheel was folded under the car. She had it towed and we learned the tie-rod control arm failed and broke the shaft. Thank god she was not on the highway…”
Suspension · filed Feb 26, 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge stratus. While driving 30 mph, a loud grinding noise emitted from the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact coasted to the side of the road and noticed fluid coming from the front passenger wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it…”
Suspension · filed Aug 11, 2016
“Vehicle stalled at high speed. Had fuel filter replaced by dodge dealer in marietta, ohio. Dealer did not check fuel pump while tank removed from automobile. Fuel pump was cause of stalling. Invoice # docs155552”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Aug 8, 2016
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- POWER STEERING FLUID FIRES
Engineering Analysis EA05019 · opened Nov 7, 2005 · closed Jan 12, 2006
- ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Preliminary Evaluation PE05036 · opened Jun 29, 2005 · closed Nov 7, 2005 · led to recall 06V001000
- SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE
Preliminary Evaluation PE02082 · opened Nov 6, 2002 · closed Apr 23, 2003
Technical service bulletins
50 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2000 Dodge Stratus. The 10 most recent:
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery…
08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 22, 2020
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100619 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
31-005-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-003-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-006-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only…
68332810 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 7, 2016
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2000 Dodge Stratus has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2000 Dodge Stratus?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 89,500 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.