2005 Dodge Stratus Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2005 Dodge Stratus has 62 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 50, ranking 2nd-worst among the 3 model years with data. Engine issues (32%) and suspension/wheel problems (31%) are the top reported areas, with three recalls covering airbags, steering, and seat belts.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #2 of 3 Stratus years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 62
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 14
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 11
- Top issue
- Engine
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 25.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 0
Top 2005 Dodge Stratus problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine20 (32%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires19 (31%)
- Steering13 (21%)
- Airbags9 (15%)
- Brakes6 (10%)
- Electrical System5 (8%)
- Structure & Body5 (8%)
- Fuel System3 (5%)
- Other3 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report airbags failing to deploy during moderate-speed frontal or rear-end collisions.
- Some describe the right front wheel breaking off while driving at low speed, linked to an unlubed ball joint.
- Others report the steering wheel jerking and locking during a turn, leading to a crash into a fixed object.
- Brake failure reports include one wheel locking up while the other three did not respond during hard braking.
- One owner reported an engine fire that started after a rear-end collision and spread to another vehicle.
- Electrical problems included airbags, horn, cruise control, and fuel gauge all failing along with a smoking ignition switch.
2005 Dodge Stratus recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 15V338000Jun 2, 2015Airbags443,442 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
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.
- NHTSA 04V579000Dec 9, 2004Steering26,354 vehicles
Steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm
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.
- NHTSA 04V532000Nov 2, 2004Seat Belts8,000 vehicles
Seat belts:rear/other
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.
2005 Dodge Stratus fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 25.5 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Stratus years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Dodge Stratus reliable?
- NHTSA lists 62 complaints for the 2005 Stratus with a complaint index of 50, ranking it 2nd-worst of the 3 model years with data. Engine and suspension problems are the most common complaint areas.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Dodge Stratus?
- Engine issues make up 32% of complaints and suspension/wheel/tire issues make up 31%. Steering problems account for 21% of complaints and airbag issues account for 15%.
- Does the 2005 Dodge Stratus have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists three recalls for the 2005 Stratus: one for airbags, one for a steering knuckle that may have been damaged during manufacturing, and one for improperly tightened rear seat belt bolts.
- How does the 2005 Stratus compare to other model years?
- The 2005 model's complaint index of 50 falls between the 2006 model's index of 100 and the 2007 model's index of 0, based on the 3 years with available data.
- What mileage do 2005 Stratus problems typically show up at?
- Median mileage at failure across all reported problems is 73,083 miles, though engine complaints median at 71,246 miles and suspension complaints median at 121,517 miles.