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2002 Dodge Stratus problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Dodge Stratus is engine and cooling, typically around 80,000 miles. It has 2.0 times the complaints of a typical Stratus model year.

Year to avoid2.0x the typical complaints
Year score
50/100
Owner complaints
150
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
66
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
20-22mpg
Typical repair
$4,900

The worst 2002 Dodge Stratus problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Dodge Stratus

Engine failure 20Ball joint 17Knocking 9No deployment 7Jerking 7Check engine light 6Fire or smoke 6Hesitation 6Transmission failure 6Stalling 5

Recalls 2

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported June 3, 2016 · 16,315 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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
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.

Recall number 16V401000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported June 2, 2015 · 443,442 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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
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.

Recall number 15V338000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2002 Dodge Stratus

Defect investigations

Safety belt cinching latch plateOpened November 6, 2002, closed April 23, 2003

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.

PE02082

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Dodge Stratus 66

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 66 bulletins for the 2002 Dodge Stratus

2002 Dodge Stratus fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylFWD1926-2721-22
3.0L 6‑cylFWD17-1825-2620-21
2.7L 6‑cylFWD17-1825-2620-21

What 2002 Dodge Stratus owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 28, 2016 · Airbags · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge stratus. 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 notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Feb 18, 2016 · Airbags · OH

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 dodge stratus. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v338000 (air bags) however, the part needed to perform the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure the contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Oct 28, 2015 · Airbags · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge stratus. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v338000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Sep 15, 2015 · Suspension · 186,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge stratus. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the rear driver side ball joint fractured from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the ball joint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred over time with the remaining three ball joints detaching from the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 186,000.

Filed Sep 11, 2015 · Airbags · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge stratus. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v338000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide the part to do the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Sep 3, 2015 · Engine · 98,252 miles · FL

The internal water pump failed. This caused water to leak into the oil pan. The water got hot enough on a 600 miles trip from florida to mississippi that it boiled and caused the oil to turn into sludge (molasses like consistency). This caused a lack of lubrication of the dual camshafts which in turn burned up. End result was engine failure.

Filed May 16, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · 185,750 miles · IN · crash

My car has a bad noise and popping sound in the front end. I was turning out of my moms driveway when my front passenger tire collapsed in .. My upper ball joint broke . After my car was jacked up my lower a arm and ball joint was broke .. I replaced everything . A week later the driver side ball joint had to be replaced . My car still makes a aweful sound like something is about to brake . Should I replace every part in the front . Cause it dangerous for myself and my child .

Filed Feb 24, 2015 · Suspension · 112,000 miles · ID

My daughter pulled out of mcdonald's turning right and the left wheel collapsed under the vehicle. There was no accident and no one was injured. I had it towed to our house. I have read on line and found that it is a common problem.

Filed Aug 27, 2014 · Airbags, Steering · 78,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge stratus. The contact stated that while making a turn, there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel. In addition, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.

Filed Aug 7, 2014 · Suspension · 191,300 miles · RI

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge stratus. The contact stated that while driving and making a turn, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front driver side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front driver side lower control arm and ball joint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and two weeks later the clicking noise recurred. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the control arm was cracked. The control arm and ball joint was replaced for a second time and two weeks later the failure recurred for a third time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 191,300.

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Questions about the 2002 Dodge Stratus

Is the 2002 Dodge Stratus reliable?

Owners have filed 150 complaints about the 2002 Dodge Stratus, 2.0 times a typical Stratus model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2002 Dodge Stratus year score?

The 2002 Dodge Stratus scores 50 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Dodge Stratus: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Dodge Stratus?

Engine and cooling, with 51 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles. Next is suspension (31).

How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge Stratus have?

2 recalls, covering air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Dodge Stratus get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Dodge Stratus range from 20 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 26-27 highway.

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