2002 Dodge Stratus Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2002 Dodge Stratus.

20012003
Complaints
193
Crashes
19
Fires
6
Injuries
21
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2002 Dodge Stratus Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#126 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Avg mileage:86,352 mi
Fires:1
#216 complaints

Engine & Cooling

Avg mileage:84,860 mi
Fires:1
#315 complaints

Automatic Transmission

Avg mileage:89,628 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2002 Dodge Stratus.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
26
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
86,352
Engine & Cooling
16
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
84,860
Automatic Transmission
15
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
89,628
Airbags
12
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
77,960
Suspension:Rear
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
98,492
Suspension Failures
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
111,176
Air Bags:Frontal
7
complaints
Crashes
5
Fires
Avg Miles
78,000
Unintended Acceleration
7
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
18,934
Electrical Faults
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
86,233
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
5
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
23,167
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
82,775
Transmission / Drivetrain
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Engine Problems
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Suspension:Rear:Shock Absorber
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Wiring
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Other Equipment
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Door
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Upper Ball Joint
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Horn
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Dodge Stratus. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2002 Dodge Stratus

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~459,757 vehicles.

16V401000Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
~16,315 affected

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus vehicles, equipped with beige interiors. The affected vehicles were previously repaired for a recall issue using an incorrect part. The incorrect part may not prevent the passenger side sun visor from detaching if the passenger frontal air bag deploys and the passenger side sun visor is folded down in a certain position.

15V338000Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
~443,442 affected

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.

Other Dodge Stratus Years

2002 Dodge Stratus — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2002 Dodge Stratus reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2002 Dodge Stratus has 193 NHTSA complaints, 19 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine with 26 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2002 Dodge Stratus?
Top reported problems: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine (26 complaints, avg 86,352 mi); Engine & Cooling (16 complaints, avg 84,860 mi); Automatic Transmission (15 complaints, avg 89,628 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Dodge Stratus?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 81,263 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2002 Dodge Stratus?
NHTSA complaints for the 2002 Dodge Stratus include 19 crash-related reports, 6 fire reports, 21 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2002 Dodge Stratus have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 459,757 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2002 Dodge Stratus?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Dodge Stratus reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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