2003 Dodge Stratus Coupe problems

Filed Jun 12, 2016 · WA

Same dash warping problem as many others. I suspect this it is more widespread than what you see here. I'm concerned that the warping could affect air bag deployment.

Filed Apr 25, 2016 · Airbags, Body · 119,102 miles · GA

The entire dashboard from driver's side to passenger side as well as from the front where it meets the windshield to where it wraps over and connects to entire panel facing the front seats is warping and pulling away from everything it is suppose to help hold into place. It is now rising above the passenger air bag compartment. If this air bag deploys it will definitely either throw the entire dashboard or massive pieces of it directly toward the passenger and driver (since the warping has dislodged it from everything) or it will deploy and the warped dashboard could cause the air bag to be thrown up toward the windshield, sun visor support & new tether strap which could cause even more issues. The warping has also started to affect every cover it connects to on the dash, pulling & pushing them loose. These items can now also be thrown throughout the vehicle in a crash. I have only owned my vehicle 6 months, the summer heat has not even arrived. At the rate it is warping, I have no doubt it will probably be a minimum of 2 inches above air bag compartment within the next 3 months. Please help us stay safe and recall these dashboards before someone gets seriously injured. Accidents are bad enough, we need to prevent additional injuries and problems that these defective dashboards are obviously going to cause.

Filed Dec 14, 2015 · Airbags · TN

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 dodge stratus coupe. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v338000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Aug 21, 2014 · Body · WA

Same dash warping problem as many others have posted. Not holding my breath for a replacement though.

Filed Mar 26, 2012 · Body · AL

I own a 2003 dodge stratus coupe in which the dashboard is warping and coming a loose. I purchased this car used in 2008 in great condition, however after owning it for a few months the dashboard started pulling away from the speedometer, the air condition vents and other places on the board. Just recently, I have noticed that the problem continues to spread and now the glove department has started unhinge itself. This has become very unsettling because I am afraid that the airbag which is only a few inches above the glove department will eventually deploy. I believe this is a serious matter that must be addressed. I have researched and found out that several owners of car are facing the same problem. Not mention, I have also discovered that a white film appears on the interior of the window above the dash which causes a glare and a impairment when I drive. I have to constantly wipe and clean the inside window when I drive in order to see. This is very dangerous especially when condensation builds up on the inside. And the condensation builds up because the dashboard has flipped up towards the windshield. I should not have to constantly wipe the inside of the windshield as if I'm a human wiper blade.

Filed Aug 14, 2010 · Body · 65,000 miles · IL

I own a 2003 dodge stratus coupe(engineered by mitsubishi) and my clear coat has started to fade leaving white spots on the top of my car right behind the sunroof. It has also started to fade on the trunk of my vehicle as well. This issue only seems to ba happening to the cars manufactured with black paint. Other cars I have seen with this problem also manufactured by mitsubishi are 1995-2000 chrysler sebring coupe, dodge avenger coupe, mitsubishi eclipse, mitsubishi galant. Also, 2001-2005 dodge stratus coupe, chrysler sebring coupe, mitsubishi eclipse and galant. The condition worsens over time and eventually start to go down the a,b and c pillar and hood of the car. Again this is only with the black paint. This a very common problem with the black paint on these cars and as the owner of one I would like something done about it.

Filed Feb 18, 2009 · Body · WA

Dash vinyl is separating or peeling off at the defrost vent from the dash. No known way to fix it. Will need replaced with a better design.

Filed Sep 9, 2008 · Body · 75,000 miles · WI

The dashboard material is unstable. Near the windshield defrost vents it has started to bend upwards along the vents edges. The passenger vent, next to the airbag, has also popped out a little due to stress from the dashboards.

Filed Jun 5, 2008 · Body · 71,000 miles · CA

The dash board has warped and pieces are falling inside the dash.

Filed Nov 13, 2007 · Body · 41,500 miles · IN

I purchased a 2003 stratus new. Shortly after purchase the paint started flaking off the top. The dealership repainted the top without complaint. The shop manager said they had alot of them with the same problem. 500 miles after the warranty expired the entire car started to loose the paint. I returned to the dealership with the car and after being put off for five weeks was told the district manager said to bad they were not going to fix the car. I took the car to two different body shops, and both advised the primer was bad and they had seen alot of the 2003 dodges with the same problem.