2003 Dodge Stratus recalls and problems

The 2003 Dodge Stratus has 2 safety recalls and 75 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
75
Crashes / fires
7 / 0
Injuries / deaths
7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Dodge Stratus vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Dodge Stratus recalls

Recall 15V-338: Air Bags

Reported Jun 2, 2015 · 443,442 vehicles affected · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-443: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Nov 4, 2003 · 5,911 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel return line hose fitting on the electric fuel pump may be restricted, causing excessive fuel pressure to build up in the fuel injection system. Excessive fuel pressure may result in a leak in the fuel return hose.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel pump pressure. Those vehicles exhibiting higher than normal fuel pump pressure will receive fuel pump modifications. Owner notification began on december 15, 2003. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

2003 Dodge Stratus problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension18
Air Bags15
Electrical System10
Vehicle Speed Control8
Power Train7
Engine and Engine Cooling7
Steering7
Service Brakes, Hydraulic6
Structure6
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Equipment5
Engine4

Most reported parts

  • Suspension › Rear — 7
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 3
  • Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 3
  • Power Train › Axle Assembly — 2
  • Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly — 2
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 2
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 64,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Dodge Stratus complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · reported Oct 27, 2023
Car was owned by school govement it has been worked on several times for bad suspension.and documented.ball joint bad suspension front and back.back dating 2 or 3 years.no accidents just bad suspension
Air Bags · reported Sep 8, 2023
When replacing the Clock Spring I noticed the Airbag serial number matched numbers from other vehicles for recall but my vehicle was not listed in recall.Vin number [XXX] 2003 Dodge Stratus Sedan INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine · at 180,037 miles · reported Nov 13, 2019
The contact owns a 2003 dodge stratus. While at an intersection, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle jerked and lost power without warning. The contact managed to veer to the shoulder of the road. Once the vehicle was turned off and restarted, it resumed normal operation. Also, when the vehicle struck a bump in the road, it veered to the right intermittently. An independent mechanic replaced the starter; however, the failure recurred. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,037. The VIN was unknown.
Air Bags · at 178,000 miles · reported Jun 19, 2017
The contact owns a 2003 dodge stratus. The contact stated that the vehicle's horn had no functionality and the vehicle speed control did not function. In addition, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and the dealer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000. The VIN was not provided.
Air Bags · at 114,150 miles · reported Oct 23, 2016
While driving my 2003 dodge stratus, I was in the process of turning and I heard a kind of snap and then I felt and heard a grinding in my steering wheel. For about a week whenever I had to make a turn there was this noise list a spring was caught and almost would get caught and I would have to quickly jerk the steering wheel so it wouldn't get stuck and keep me from turning. My airbag light came on and stays on, so it won,t deploy in an accident, my horn doesn't work, and I lost function of my speed control. I was told this is my clockspring. This faulty clockspring was recalled in many dodge…

Other Dodge Stratus years

Compare all Dodge Stratus years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Dodge Stratus have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Dodge Stratus: 15V-338 (air bags), 03V-443 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Dodge Stratus?

Owners report suspension problems most often (18 reports), followed by air bags (15). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 64,000 miles.

Are Dodge recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.