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2005 Dodge Stratus problems

The most common problem on the 2005 Dodge Stratus is engine and cooling, typically around 71,246 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Stratus model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
73/100
Owner complaints
62
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
39
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
21-24mpg

The worst 2005 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.

  • Engine
    19
  • Suspension
    18
  • Steering
    13
  • Airbags
    9
  • Brakes
    6
  • Electrical
    5
  • Wheels
    5
  • Body
    3
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Seats
    2
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Dodge Stratus

Ball joint 14Harsh shifting 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

Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: armReported December 9, 2004 · 26,354 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sedans and convertible model vehicles, the right steering knuckle may have been damaged during the component manufacturing process.
Risk
This could cause the steering knuckle to crack and separate from the upper control arm, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the right steering knuckle. The recall began on december 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 04V579000 · Recall details

Seat belts: rear/otherReported November 2, 2004 · 8,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sedans, the left and right rear outboard retractor and turning loop bolts on the seat belts may not have been properly tightened.
Risk
In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten the affected fasteners. The recall began on november 15, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 04V532000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2005 Dodge Stratus

Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Dodge Stratus 39

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

See all 39 bulletins for the 2005 Dodge Stratus

2005 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‑cylFWD1825-2721
2.7L 6‑cylFWD192521

What 2005 Dodge Stratus owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 27, 2022 · Engine, Suspension · SC

Unknown the only thing that I can tell you for sure is that struts are bad Call was like this when I bought it

Filed Apr 22, 2021 · Seats · 158,000 miles · CA

Seatbelt snapped off from chest restraint on one seat, the other was locking mechanism

Filed Oct 8, 2020 · Brakes, Steering · 73,083 miles · FL

Got this car 2 years ago and from day 1 when applying the brakes all the way the car is almost uncontrolable the wheel pulls one way or the other bad so I have to pump them and then it still pulls and I have replaced the brakes 4 times to make sure it wasnt the disc and also replaced the wheel bearings and the shop told me the lower control arm and upper and lower ball joints are cracking up and so its not safe for me to drive and I dont have the money to be replacing something that shouldnt be messed up my car has low miles it started makimg clunking noises whem going over a bump and any time car is moving it is squeaking noises coming frpm front of car

Filed Feb 19, 2019 · Seat belts · 150,000 miles · NV

My seatbelts for my two window seats don't have the safety lock function. I was putting my sons car seat in my car and the seat belt wouldn't lock when I pulled it all the way out like its supposed to. I tried both sides and neither of them worked but both my front seatbelts work.

Filed May 11, 2018 · Electrical, Steering · 180,500 miles · IL

Takata there are several things that I have seen as a recall on a dodge stratus and tried to report it and whomever I be talking to is in denial about that my car is showing me the signs that it's needs to be fixed because it's a malfunction my ball joint is bad because of the front right steering knuckle has messed it up and my gas gauge is messed up with the alarm and temp control is also messed up

Filed Jan 12, 2018 · Airbags, Steering · IL · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 dodge stratus. While making a right turn, the steering wheel locked without warning and the vehicle crashed into a light pole. The driver had a seizure after the crash and was transported to the hospital for medical attention. Only the front passenger side air bag deployed. A police report was filed, but it was not consistent with the contact's account of what occurred. The vehicle was towed to a repair facility. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or dealer. After ten days, the vehicle was no longer accessible after being towed to a yard. The manufacturer was made aware of the crash months after it happened. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Dec 24, 2017 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · VA

2005 dodge stratus sedan 4 door automatic 2.7 w less than 60k miles. Reverse went out after what I think was a clinking sound near the front. It drives normally, just does nothing in reverse. If the car is parked it will roll backwards if the car is on a incline. Transmission rebuild is more than the car is worth. This should be a recall. So many dodge transmission issues, they are losing many customers.

Filed Dec 19, 2017 · Brakes, Driver assistance · GA

My car is pulling to right pops every time you move clickes in turning even in the slites turning shocks are bottoming out every turn cant go over a speed bump with out it hitting hard scared to drive my kids in it please help happends all time

Filed Nov 20, 2017 · Airbags, Brakes · 195,000 miles · IL · crash · 1 injury

I was driving down dundee rd in illinois and it was rain/snow mix and as I was coming to an intersection the car failed to stop and when the impact happend the airbags failed to deploy and the car was in motion on a city street

Filed Jul 14, 2017 · Steering · IL · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 2005 dodge stratus. While making a right turn, the steering wheel jerked and locked. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a pole and damaged the front end. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that only the passenger side air bag deployed. A police report was not filed. The contact sustained injuries to the right knee and had a seizure that required medical attention. The dealer was not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a state matter. The failure mileage was unavailable.

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Questions about the 2005 Dodge Stratus

Is the 2005 Dodge Stratus reliable?

Owners have filed 62 complaints about the 2005 Dodge Stratus, fewer than a typical Stratus model year.

What is the 2005 Dodge Stratus year score?

The 2005 Dodge Stratus scores 73 out of 100 (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 2005 Dodge Stratus?

Engine and cooling, with 19 complaints, typically around 71,246 miles. Next is suspension (18).

How many recalls does the 2005 Dodge Stratus have?

3 recalls, covering air bags, steering and seat belts.

What gas mileage does the 2005 Dodge Stratus get?

Official estimates for the 2005 Dodge Stratus range from 21 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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