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.
2004 Dodge Stratus: ball joint or control arm failure
13 of the 144 complaints about the 2004 Dodge Stratus describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 13
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- typical mileage
- 100,000
- recalls
- 0
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
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.
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.
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
The ball joint on the lower control arm assembly separated causing the front passenger side wheel to turn to the right and preventing the driver from being able to steer the car. The vehicle was in motion driving in a straight line when it happened. This is similar to the federal safety agency recall #10e059000 and #09e056000. I think the control arm was the original factory part. I'll attach pictures with the part number.
Lower left front suspension arm ball joint broken. The outer bearing carrier, fell away from the suspension arm, pulling the half shaft out of the transmission, and the wheel/tire assembly jammed up in the wheel well with a complete loss of steering control. The vehicle was in motion just following a turn, in a parking area.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge stratus. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal noise and the brakes functioned intermittently. The failures happened without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the control arm assemblies were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The federal safety agency campaign numbers: 07e023000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and 10e059000 (suspension) were issued for these failures. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
There are two recalls on the same model/year of my car (10e0959000 and 09e056000). In august, 2013 an automotive repairman told me that the problem with my vehicle is that the car needs a front control arm and lower ball joint. This is directly related to the two recalls. But I was told by a dodge dealer that my VIN # does not have any recalls. How is it determined that only some vehicles are included in the recall and not others? It is too much of a coincidence that my vehicle has the exact same malfunctions as in the two recalls. How do I get my VIN # added to the recall list?
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge stratus. The contact stated that while traveling at unknown speeds, she heard a loud bang. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was discovered that the driver's side ball joints had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge stratus. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact heard a grinding sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The grinding sound progressed over time and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic advised the contact that the front driver and passenger side lower ball joints, outer tie rods and the stabilizer bar would have to be replaced. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09e056000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
2004 dodge stratus left axle broke off while driving. Consumer also states that the tire fell off, brake rotor was replaced and then the ball joint went bad. *kb the consumer also stated the transmission gasket was replaced twice and the vehicle smelled hot.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 dodge stratus. The vehicle was purchased on june 13, 2005 and the oil light has been illuminating on the instrument panel ever since. The dealer attempted to diagnose the failure on several occasions; however, they stated that cleaning some parts would correct the issue. The failure continued to persist. An independent mechanic stated that the oil switch and plugs were not in place. He replaced them with parts that were purchased from the dealer, but the oil light remained illuminated. Four months ago, a dealer diagnosed the vehicle due to noise present in the engine area. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced at the cost of $3,000; however, she could continue to drive the vehicle for a short period of time. While driving approximately 60 MPH on september 1, 2008, the engine shut off. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and it was towed to her residence. The tie rod also failed on another occasion while driving approximately 60 MPH. She was able to stop the vehicle without incident and it was towed to the dealer for repair. There was no warranty for the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000 and current mileage was 107,000. Updated 10/14/08. *lj the consumer was informed the vehicle needed a new engine. Updated 10/16/08.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2004 Dodge Stratus ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 2004 Dodge Stratus?
13 of 144 owner complaints about the 2004 Dodge Stratus (9%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 1996.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2004 Dodge Stratus?
There are 0 recalls and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2004 Dodge Stratus
Stalling 15No deployment 7Sudden acceleration 7Grinding brakes 6Engine failure 6Check engine light 5
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