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2006 Dodge Stratus: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 74 owner complaints for the 2006 Stratus and no recalls on file[1][2]. The complaints are unverified, and suspension, engine and air bags lead the list[3][4][5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 74 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 19 mention a crash, 3 a fire and 9 injuries[1]. None report a death[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name several parts.
- Suspension (23 complaints). Two mention crashes[3]. The median mileage at failure is 110,000[3]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe worn or broken ball joints, control arms and tie rods, in most of the 12 texts we read[3] would overstate, so use: in about 8 of 12 texts[3].
- Engine (20 complaints). Two mention fires, none a crash[4]. The median mileage at failure is 53,300[4]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe oil leaking from the crankshaft or front seal, sometimes returning after a repair, In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe oil leaking from the crankshaft or front seal, sometimes returning after a repair, in 5 of 12 texts[4]. Five of the 12 describe the engine stalling or losing power while driving[4].
- Air bags (13 complaints). Eleven mention crashes and 8 mention injuries[5]. The median mileage at failure is 58,000[5]. In a sample of 12 texts we read, some of them repeated, 8 describe air bags that did not deploy in a crash[5].
- Steering (9 complaints). Three mention crashes and 1 a fire[7]. The median mileage at failure is 57,750[7]. In the 9 texts we read, 5 describe sudden loss of steering control or failed front-end parts[7].
- Electrical system (8 complaints). None mention a crash, fire or injury[8]. The median mileage at failure is 41,000[8].
- Wheels (6), brakes (5) and fuel system (4). The wheels group has 1 crash and a median of 137,000 miles[9]. The brakes group has 3 crashes and 1 injury[10]. The fuel system group has no crashes, fires or injuries[11].
The air bag and steering numbers are the heaviest outcomes, but each group is small. Treat them as a reason to have those systems inspected, not as proof of how often they fail.
Recalls
NHTSA shows 0 recalls on file for the 2006 Stratus[2]. Check any specific car by VIN before you buy.
Fuel economy
The EPA lists two engines for the Stratus 4 Door, both automatic 4-speed and front-wheel drive[6][12].
| Engine | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl, regular fuel[6] | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | 22 MPG | $3,050 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl, gasoline or E85[12][13] | 19 MPG | 25 MPG | 21 MPG | $3,200 |
The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
Safety ratings
The NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings list the 4 DR FWD version as not rated[14]. That means there is no star score to compare. It does not say the car is safe or unsafe.
How 2006 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 counts for each Stratus model year run from 554 complaints in 1996 down to 65 in 2005[2]. The 2006 model has 74 complaints, the second fewest of the 12 years[2]. Only 2005 is lower. The next closest is 2003 with 91[2].
The 2006 year also has 0 recalls, the fewest of any year[2]. Other years have between 2 and 10[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so this is a rough guide only.
Should you buy a used 2006 Stratus?
Compared with other Stratus years, 2006 has few complaints and no recalls on file[2]. That is a fair sign, not a guarantee. The complaints that exist point to the suspension, engine oil leaks and air bags[3][4][5]. Ask for a suspension and steering inspection and check for oil leaks. The car has no NHTSA crash rating[14]. Our data does not cover reliability scores or repair costs, so a pre-purchase inspection matters.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Dodge Stratus?
- Suspension has the most NHTSA complaints at 23, then engine at 20 and air bags at 13[3][4][5].
- Does the 2006 Dodge Stratus have any recalls?
- NHTSA shows 0 recalls on file for this model year[2].
- What gas mileage does a 2006 Dodge Stratus get?
- The EPA rates the 2.4L at 20 city, 27 highway and 22 combined MPG[6]. The 2.7L is rated 19, 25 and 21[12].
- Is the 2006 Dodge Stratus safe?
- NHTSA has not rated it, so there are no stars to cite[14].
- Is 2006 a good year for the Dodge Stratus?
- By complaint and recall counts, it is among the lowest of the 12 years: 74 complaints and 0 recalls[2].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 74 owner complaints on file for the 2006 Dodge Stratus (19 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 9 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Dodge Stratus model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 23 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 110,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 20 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,300). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the air bags component group (11 crashes, 0 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 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
- 9 complaints name the steering component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,750). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the wheels component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 137,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 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 / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records