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2004 Dodge Stratus problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Dodge Stratus is suspension, typically around 80,000 miles. It has 1.9 times the complaints of a typical Stratus model year.

Typical year1.9x the typical complaints
Year score
49/100
Owner complaints
144
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
57
Worst area
Suspension
Fuel economy
20-24mpg

The worst 2004 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 2004 Dodge Stratus

Stalling 15Ball joint 13No deployment 7Sudden acceleration 7Grinding brakes 6Engine failure 6Check engine light 5

Recalls 3

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

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported June 29, 2004 · 8,108 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain 2-door passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be improperly molded.
Risk
Breakage could result in a leakage of fuel and in the presence of an ignition source, it could result a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump. The recall will begin on august 9, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 04V313000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported November 4, 2003 · 5,911 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be restricted, causing excessive fuel pressure to build up in the fuel injection system. Excessive fuel pressure may result in a leak in the fuel return hose.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel pump pressure. Those vehicles exhibiting higher than normal fuel pump pressure will receive fuel pump modifications. Owner notification began on december 15, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑992‑1997.

Recall number 03V443000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2004 Dodge Stratus

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Dodge Stratus 57

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

See all 57 bulletins for the 2004 Dodge Stratus

2004 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‑cylFWD19-2126-2921-24
3.0L 6‑cylFWD1825-2621
2.7L 6‑cylFWD17-1925-2620-21

What 2004 Dodge Stratus owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 9, 2025 · Wheels · 136,334 miles · MT

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated while reversing, the passenger's side front wheel detached. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair with similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,334.

Filed Feb 15, 2023 · Fuel system · MI

Fuel pump went out and in order for me to replace the fuel pump you have drop the tank. I could not get the intake hose off or the smaller fuel line along side it off. And there very little room to work with to get it off. And I have purchased the vehicle a little over a year ago and was not told about any recalls on this vehicle

Filed Nov 29, 2021 · Suspension · 51,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and then lost motive power. Additionally, the front passenger's side ball stud separated from the ball joint housing, and the front passenger's side tire was stuck on the fender, preventing the engine from falling onto the ground. The failure almost caused a collision. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. While the vehicle was being placed on the flatbed tow truck, the oil filter fractured and detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

Filed May 25, 2021 · Body, Engine · NH

2.7 liter engine should be recalled and replaced because? 1. The internal water pump which have been known to wear out prematurely and destroy the engine regardless how well the owner maintains vehicle. 2. Subframe and rear suspension crossmember should be replace due to rotting out prematurely. 3 Gloss on paint prone to pealing.

Filed May 3, 2021 · Suspension · 116,508 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge stratus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there were unknown rattling sounds coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the wheels were wobbling as if they were going to detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ball joints on the control arm assembly were faulty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency campaign number: 10e059000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 116,508.

Filed Apr 13, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · 148,000 miles · MI

I have noticed when I am turning my steering wheel to the left or right there appears to be somewhat of a lack of control and loosening of the front end of my vehicle as I am driving. Also, the suspension on my vehicle has become much more pronounced negatively.

Filed Feb 10, 2020 · Suspension · 150,000 miles · NC

While making a turn at 5mph, my front right wheel collapsed causing complete separation of the wheel and control arm in turn causing my axle to come out from the transmission at the cv joint. There is a recall for this ball joint issue but not for my VIN specifically.

Filed Nov 4, 2019 · Steering · 139,000 miles · IL

As I am turning the steering wheel when driving or idle the steering is making a squeaking/creaking noise I believe it has to do with recall: 10e059000 front control arm - lower arm

Filed Oct 16, 2018 · Airbags · 179,171 miles · IL · crash · 8 injuries

Driving on a 35 MPH road going across the cross road got hit by a truck doing about 70 MPH. Hit on the passenger side front bumper to the back edge truck f the front passenger tire. Put into a spin then was hit in the rear passenger tire and bumper. No air bags came out with massive trauma to both myself as driver and my passenger. Police, ambulance and doctors asked why the air bags did not expand. If the air bags would of worked less injuries would of happened. We had just stopped at a stop sign and proceeded to cross the road at like about 15 MPH when hit.

Filed Jul 20, 2018 · Fuel system · 151,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge stratus. While driving various speeds over a bump, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. In addition, the fuel pressure warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened case number: 34782223. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.

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Compare the 2004 Dodge Stratus

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Questions about the 2004 Dodge Stratus

Is the 2004 Dodge Stratus reliable?

Owners have filed 144 complaints about the 2004 Dodge Stratus, 1.9 times a typical Stratus model year.

What is the 2004 Dodge Stratus year score?

The 2004 Dodge Stratus scores 49 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 2004 Dodge Stratus?

Suspension, with 38 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles. Next is engine (26).

How many recalls does the 2004 Dodge Stratus have?

3 recalls, covering air bags and fuel system, gasoline.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Dodge Stratus get?

Official estimates for the 2004 Dodge Stratus range from 20 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-21 city and 26-29 highway.

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