RoadVitals

2006 Dodge Stratus

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
74
Latest Jul 10, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Dec 27, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
22
9 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 74 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Dodge Stratus, most frequently naming the suspension, engine and airbags categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 26 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
10E059000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Dec 27, 2010
22,689 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING.
The risk: IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
09E056000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Oct 9, 2009
5,787 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SOLD AS FOUR PART NUMBERS, D10945, D10946, G10945, AND G10946. THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS, D10945 AND D10946, ARE STAMPED WITH THE FOLLOWING DATES ON THE BALL JOINTS: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, AND 116609. THE G10945 AND G10946 ARE THE SAME PART AS THE D10945 AND D10946 RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE LABELED DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON THE AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER.
The risk: SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
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.
QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE LLCView on NHTSA.gov
07E023000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Mar 29, 2007
13,128 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
The risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 74
Suspension
Filed Jul 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that she parked and inspected the vehicle and became aware of the control arm on the ground, the tire pushed away from the vehicle, and bolts and screws on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID
11531294
Incident
Jun 8, 2023
Mileage
200,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Mar 30, 2023

The entire front suspension feels as though it is going to fall outward at any moment. I have had this inspected by two separate dodge dealerships. I’ve also had this inspected by friends that are mechanics. I also have knowledge and I know something is not right with the control arms tire rods, ball joints. The front suspension is horrible. I worry every day. I’m gonna runoff the road or I’m gonna hit someone or something bad is gonna happen. Upon doing my research, I saw many other Dodge Stratus vehicles that were recalled for the same exact reason. My question is why was my car left out of the recall when clearly it has major safety issues.

NHTSA ID
11514528
Incident
Mar 1, 2022
Suspension
Filed Feb 19, 2021

VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON STREET WAY WHEN LOWER CONTROL ARM ON DRIVER SIDE BROKE WHERE BALL JOINT IS..LUCKY NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME OR AROUND ME WHILE DRIVING COULD OF CAUSED A SERIOUS WRECK..HAD TO CALL TOW TRUCK TO TOW IT BACK TO MY HOUSE

NHTSA ID
11396944
Incident
Jan 1, 2020
Body & structureOther / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Feb 13, 2020

I WAS DRIVING DOING ABOUT 25 MPH. THANK GOD I WASN'T DRIVING ANY FASTER WHEN ALL OF SUDDEN. I HEARD A LOUD NOISE. I HAD LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING I RAN IN TO A GUARD RAIL MY CAR DIDN'T WANT TO GO BECAUSE THE RIGHT PASSENGER FRONT SIDE WAS TOTALLY TOUCHING THE GROUND I GOT OUT THE CAR SEEN MY ENTIRE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WAS OFF THE CAR. I THEN STARTED CRYING. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR IN JULY 2019 98,000 ORIGINAL MILES. BAD PURCHASE DECISION!

NHTSA ID
11308997
Incident
Dec 1, 2019
Mileage
101,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteeringSuspension
Filed Jan 12, 2020

I WAS DRIVING LIKE NORMAL, THEN WHEN I WENT UP THE RAMP ONTO THE THE SHOPPING CENTER, THE RIGHT WHEEL ALL OF A SUDDEN HIT THE PASSENGER WHEEL WELL AND THE RIM WAS HITTING THE BRAKE CALIPER. IT WAS IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET.

NHTSA ID
11298649
Incident
Dec 24, 2019
Mileage
135,000 mi
Powertrain (other)Steering
Filed Nov 4, 2019
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL, WOULD NOT STOP, AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT HAD TO CRASH THE VEHICLE INTO A POLE TO GET IT TO STOP. THE CONTACT THEN QUICKLY TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO WEEKLEY CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP (50 MAIN ST, BUTLER, OH 44822, (419) 883-2461). THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO START THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN RECALL ON THE VEHICLE AND THEY WOULD SEND A TECHNICIAN TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAD THE VEHICLE FOR FOUR WEEKS AND WERE STILL WAITING FOR THE MANUFACTURER TO SEND A TECHNICIAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN AN UNKNOWN NHTSA RECALL WHEN IT WAS PURCHASED USED WITH ONLY 6,000 MILES. THE CRASH OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,900.

NHTSA ID
11277953
Incident
Sep 15, 2019
Mileage
41,900 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Jul 1, 2019

WHEN DRIVING HOME THE 2006 DODGE STRATUS SXT SEDAN AS MENTIONED BROKE ON ME AND MY FAMILY INTO A STORE PARKING LOT WHERE THE ENTIRE WHEEL CAME OFF THE CAR LEAVING ME AND MY FAMILY STRANDED LUCKILY WE WEREN'T ON THE HWY DRIVING HWY SPEEDS OR IM SURE ME AND MY FAMILY WOULDN'T PROBABLY BE LIVING HERE TODAY. I WENT ONLINE TO CHECK WE'RE THERE ANY RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE AND IT CAME BACK AS BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY WHICH IS THE CAUSE OF THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE

NHTSA ID
11228607
Incident
Jun 30, 2019
Mileage
168,458 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed May 15, 2019

I WAS DRIVING HOME WENT TO GO TURN LEFT AND THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE. I STOPPED THE CAR LOOK AT THE FRONT AND THE BALL JOINT ON MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SNAPPED, THIS EXACT PROBLEM IS ON THE RECALL LIST BUT MY CAR ISNT ON THEIR.

NHTSA ID
11207645
Incident
May 15, 2019
Mileage
28,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

9004009

POWER TRAIN

Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins are present in the engine block, which align the transmission center line to the crank shaft centerline and visually inspect the dowel alignment holes in the transmission case. If the holes are damaged or elongated the transmission should be replaced to prevent further damage to the transmission/flexplate or pump bushing due to the inability to properly align the engine to the transmission during the repair. 3. All 62TE equipped vehicles. If pump bushing is scored or damaged and the dowel pin alignment holes are ok, replace the pump assembly as opposed to complete transmission. 4. All 62TE equipped vehicles. If vehicle is jerking/slipping with MIL code(s) P0740 or P2764, check TCC Solenoid operation. If TCC Solenoid is ok, the codes are indicative of a torque converter failure. Replace the torque converter.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

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 program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

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 program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

23-015-20

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

08-049-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

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 replacements are necessary.

31-003-19

EQUIPMENT

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.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Dodge Stratus by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2007200—
2006Viewing743057.0
2005626056.7
20041447055.1
2003756155.8
20021506156.8
200118614154.5
20002169371.7
19992517570.6
19982727263.6
19973497365.8
199655411365.2
199531811564.8
1992100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.