Without warning, while driving my 2006 dodge stratus sxt at 35 MPH the bolts on the caliper bracket broke. I had no brakes and had to have it towed. One of the bolts crumbled in the mechanics hands when he removed it and the caliper bracket was bent. The bolts broke and bracket bent on the front driver's side of the car. A bracket was ordered from a local dealership and installed on my car. The brakes are good but now on the left front there is a constant squeak which worsens when braking and from time to time while driving, a knocking sound comes from the same area. I have put it in the shop twice but the knocking sound is so sporadic the mechanics have not heard it.
Dodge Stratus knocking problems
40 of the 2,653 owner complaints about the Dodge Stratus describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 2001 model year.
- owner complaints
- 40
- worst model year
- 2001
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,000
- typical mileage
- 62,890
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Engine failure 7Won't start 4Stalling 3Fire or smoke 3Ball joint 3Loss of power 2Brake failure 2Steering noise 1
What owners say
We have a 2001 dodge stratus with a 2.7 v6 engine fist problem the water outlet started leaking then the water pump went out an then the lifters started knocking now the motor just died we did regular oil changes an matn.really spent a lot of money on the car to have it dead in the yard.
Was heading north the 805 freeway from chula vista to camp pendleton ca, car began making a knocking noise and the knocking continued to get worse as I drove down the road. Suddenly car lost all power and engine shut off. Was hardly able to get it off to the side of the freeway. Got it towed to a repair shop the next day. Was told problem was engine failure due to oil sludge and that this was a very common complaint for the engine and car. Was not repaired simply towed back home because cost was over 5,000 dollars. The car is not even worth 5,000 dollars.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 dodge stratus. While the vehicle was parked in a loading zone, the engine suddenly shut off. The vehicle made a knocking noise and the contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the water pump, oil gasket, and timing belt failed. The vehicle was towed to a different shop for a less expensive repair. The new repair shop confirmed the same failures, in addition to oil contamination and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle is currently at a local repair shop. The current and failure mileages were 62,890. Updated 02-18-09 updated 02/18/09.
I have had to replace control arms on my 2002 dodge stratus several times now. There is constant knocking under my car. I believe it is the same problem as all of the recalls that are with the dodge products; however, no recall has been issued for the dodge stratus 2002.
2001 dodge stratus...noise in front end. Told it was bearings on 3 separate occasions, and they were replaced. Engine ticking/ possible valve tap numerous complaints to dealer being told that year model runs rough; and could trade it for a more expensive car. Now trying to have rear struts put in and the aluminum plate that holds them in is powder. The part is not available. Dodge is the only place to order the part and was informed this is an old car and the part was on back order.
2001 dodge stratus se has issues with the rear strut mount. Consumer states that there is a back order on the upper strut mounts. *nj the consumer stated the blower resistor stopped working and two days later, the vehicle would not start. The consumer had to purchase a fuel pump. The consumer then started to hear a knocking noise in the steering. The consumer was informed the knocking noise was due to the fact that the steering column was too large for the components. The thermostat broke into pieces and the transmission stopped shifting gears.
While on 495 long island expressway the car made a load knocking sound and died. When towed to our mechanic he said it was engine failure. This happened in nov. 2007(the car was purchased new in august 2002), and there were no funds to fix it which has caused transportation/financial difficulties in regard to work from nov. 2007 until the present,june 2008. The daimler chrysler rep. Said they weren't responsible because we didn't bring the car to them for our oil changes. I just received an estimate to replace the engine with a jaspar engine for 4,500 to 5,000 dollars.
Oil light started flickering most when I was applying the brake. The engine started knocking maybe 3 weeks after. I knew I was due for an oil change so I had one done yesterday that didn't stop the knocking. I take it to the dealer I brought the car to have it looked at and he told me it was the engine so last night as im driving the knocking got real loud and you could smell something burning. The oil light was flickering more. Before I knew it the car had completely shut down.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge stratus. While driving 20 MPH, a knocking noise was heard coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle failed and was towed. The contact was told that this is a very common failure due to sludge build up in the engine. The entire engine had to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 80,000.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The harness for the crankshaft position sensor could come in contact with a new protective shield causing a grounded circuit.
- Risk
- Prolonged wiring harness contact with the heat shield will cause the wiring insulation to wear and eventually to ground out. This could cause the engine to die-out, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will re-route the crankshaft position sensor harness.
Recall number 00V299002 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline
- What is wrong
- In certain vehicles, the engine cylinder head oil galley plug does not seal properly and engine cylinder head oil is not adequately retained.
- Risk
- Inadequate sealing and retention of the plug can result in oil leakage which could cause a fire in the engine compartment.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install an expansion plug and retaining bracket over the cylinder head oil galley plug.
Recall number 96V006000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge Stratus knocking
Which Dodge Stratus years have engine knocking or ticking problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2001 (14 complaints), 2002 (9 complaints) and 1996 (7 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine knocking or ticking on the Dodge Stratus?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,000 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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