2002 Dodge Stratus recalls and problems

The 2002 Dodge Stratus has 2 recalls and 150 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is engine.

2002 Dodge Stratus
Photo: 2002 Dodge Stratus by S. Foskett, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How the 2002 compares
Fewest complaintsMost complaints

High complaint count among 8 Stratus model years — 3rd most.

2recalls
150complaints
10crashes
4fires
11injuries
68,000median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.
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2 recalls

Air Bags

Jun 3, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V401000 · 16,315 vehicles

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus vehicles, equipped with beige interiors. The affected vehicles were previously repaired for a recall issue using an incorrect part. The incorrect part may not prevent the passenger side sun visor from detaching if the passenger frontal air bag deploys and the passenger side sun visor is folded down in a certain position.

Risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

Remedy & notes

Chrysler will notify the affected owners. Dealers will install the correct tether strap to retain the passenger sun visor, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2016, owners will be sent a second email when parts are available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Air Bags

Jun 2, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V338000 · 443,442 vehicles

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2000-2005 Eclipse vehicles manufactured April 5, 1999, to December 17, 2004, 2001-2005 Eclipse Spyder vehicles manufactured January 19, 2000, to March 18, 2005, 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 21, 2005, and 2001-2005 Dodge Stratus vehicles manufactured April 17, 2000, to February 22, 2005. In the affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the passenger side sun visor may detach.

Risk: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

Remedy & notes

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. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-005. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R30.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2002: 4 complaints20022003: 14 complaints2004: 32 complaints2004322005: 12 complaints2006: 19 complaints20062007: 9 complaints2008: 22 complaints20082009: 4 complaints2010: 10 complaints20102011: 3 complaints2012: 5 complaints20122013: 2 complaints2014: 6 complaints20142015: 6 complaints2016: 2 complaints20162

NHTSA investigations

SAFETY BELT CINCHING LATCH PLATE

PE02082 · opened Nov 6, 2002 · closed Apr 23, 2003
Summary

THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.

2002 vs. other Dodge Stratus years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2002. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2002 Dodge Stratus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns covering the 2002 Dodge Stratus, the latest from Jun 3, 2016 (air bags). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge Stratus?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention engine (51), suspension (31), power train (21). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.