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2004 Dodge Stratus: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2004 Dodge Stratus has 148 owner complaints on file with NHTSA[1]. Suspension, engine and electrical reports lead the list, and three recalls are on record[2][3][4][5][6][7].
Reported problems
NHTSA has 148 owner complaints for this model year[1]. 25 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 18 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one part.
| Component group | Complaints | Median mileage at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension[2] | 39 | 79,800 |
| Engine[3] | 26 | 41,500 |
| Electrical system[4] | 16 | 34,000 |
| Air bags[10] | 16 | 65,000 |
| Speed control[11] | 13 | 103,000 |
| Steering[12] | 13 | 118,000 |
| Power train[13] | 12 | 37,980 |
| Structure[14] | 11 | 37,000 |
We read a small sample of the complaint texts for four of these groups. This is what owners describe in that sample, not a count of all owners.
- Suspension. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 8 describe a rear strut mount or bracket breaking[2]. Some owners in the sample blame corrosion[2]. 4 describe waiting for back-ordered parts[2].
- Engine. In a sample of 12, 6 describe stalling, surging or lunging forward at low speed or at stops[3]., surging or lunging forward at low speed or at stops[3]. 4 say the dealer could not find or repeat the problem[3].
- Electrical system. In a sample of 12, 7 describe the car dying or shutting off while driving[4]. 3 describe key or ignition switch trouble[4].
- Air bags. In a sample of 12, 8 say the air bags did not deploy in a crash[10]. 3 describe the warning light coming on[10]. Whether any given crash should have set off the air bags is not something these reports can settle.
Air bag complaints stand out for severity. 11 of the 16 mention a crash and 12 mention injuries, higher than any other group in the table[10].
Recalls
NHTSA lists three recalls for this model year, newest first.
- Passenger sun visor (15V338). Announced June 2, 2015[5]. If the passenger air bag goes off while the sun visor is folded down in a certain position, the visor can come loose and fly backward. That raises the risk of injury. The recall lists 2001 to 2005 Dodge Stratus cars built April 17, 2000 to February 22, 2005[5]. Dealers install a tether strap to hold the visor, and the recall notice says it is free of charge[5].
- Fuel pump hose fitting (04V313). Announced June 29, 2004[6]. On certain 2-door cars, the return line fitting on the electric fuel pump may be molded badly[6]. It could break and leak fuel, and with a spark that could cause a fire[6]. The remedy is a replacement fuel pump. The recall covers 8,108 vehicles[6].
- Fuel pump pressure (03V443). Announced November 4, 2003[7]. On certain cars, the return line fitting on the electric fuel pump may be restricted. Fuel pressure can build up and cause a leak in the return hose, which could lead to a fire. Dealers check the pump pressure and modify the pump when pressure reads higher than normal. The recall covers 5,911 vehicles[7].
Not every car is covered by every recall. Not every car is covered by every recall, so check which ones apply to yours.
Fuel economy
EPA lists several versions of the 2004 Stratus. Combined mileage runs from 20 to 24 MPG[9][15]. The best is the 2.4L four-cylinder with a 5-speed manual[9]. The lowest is the 2.7L six-cylinder 4 Door with a 5-speed manual[15].
| Version | City / Hwy / Combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd[9] | 21 / 29 / 24 | $2,800 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[16] | 19 / 26 / 21 | $3,200 |
| 4 Door, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[17] | 20 / 27 / 22 | $3,050 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Premium[18] | 18 / 26 / 21 | $3,900 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Premium[19] | 18 / 25 / 21 | $3,900 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S4), Premium[20] | 18 / 25 / 21 | $3,900 |
| 4 Door, 2.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd[15] | 17 / 25 / 20 | $3,350 |
| 4 Door, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85[21] | 19 / 25 / 21 | $3,200 |
| 4 Door, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85[22] | 19 / 26 / 21 | $3,200 |
All versions are front-wheel drive. The 3.0L versions call for premium fuel, The 3.0L versions call for premium fuel, and they have the highest estimated yearly cost[19][18][20].[19][18][20]. EPA's cost figures use today's fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings list this model year as not rated, for both the 2 DR and the 4 DR[23][24]. That means there is no crash test star score to compare.
How 2004 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 318 | 7 |
| 1996 | 554 | 7 |
| 1997 | 349 | 4 |
| 1998 | 272 | 3 |
| 1999 | 251 | 3 |
| 2000 | 216 | 5 |
| 2001 | 218 | 10 |
| 2002 | 163 | 2 |
| 2003 | 91 | 2 |
| 2004 | 148 | 3 |
| 2005 | 65 | 3 |
| 2006 | 74 | 0 |
NHTSA has complaints and recalls on file for Stratus model years 1995 to 2006[8]. The 2004 model year has 148 complaints, which is ninth highest of those twelve years[8].
- More complaints: 1996 (554), 1997 (349), 1995 (318), 1998 (272), 1999 (251), 2001 (218), 2000 (216) and 2002 (163)[8].
- Fewer complaints: 2003 (91), 2006 (74) and 2005 (65)[8].
On recalls, 2004 has 3, the same as 1998, 1999 and 2005[8]. 2001 has the most, with 10[8]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat this as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2004 Stratus?
The record is mixed. Complaints are lower than for the 1995 to 2002 years but higher than for 2003, 2005 and 2006[8]. In the complaint texts we read, rear strut mounts, stalling and air bag non-deployment came up, so those are worth asking about[2][3][10]. Have the rear suspension looked at, and check your VIN for the three recalls[5][6][7]. Fuel economy is modest, and the 3.0L six-cylinder versions cost more to run per year than the 2.4L versions[16][9][19]. The car has no NHTSA star rating, so judge safety by the car's condition and its recall history[23][24].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the common problems with the 2004 Dodge Stratus?
- Suspension has the most complaints at 39, then engine at 26 and electrical at 16[2][3][4]. In the sample we read, owners describe rear strut mounts breaking[2].
- Has the 2004 Dodge Stratus been recalled?
- NHTSA lists three recalls: a passenger sun visor tether (15V338), and two fuel pump recalls (04V313 and 03V443)[5][6][7].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2004 Dodge Stratus?
- EPA lists 20 to 24 MPG combined depending on version[9][15]. The 2.4L manual gets 24 combined[9].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 148 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Dodge Stratus (25 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 18 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 39 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,800). NHTSA vehicle records
- 26 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 16 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 15V338, filed June 2, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 04V313, filed June 29, 2004: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 03V443, filed November 4, 2003: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Dodge Stratus model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Stratus, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 16 complaints name the air bags component group (11 crashes, 0 fires, 12 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the speed control component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 103,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 118,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,980). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Stratus 4 Door, 2.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Stratus, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Stratus 4 Door, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Stratus, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Stratus, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Stratus, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S4), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Stratus 4 Door, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Stratus 4 Door, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records