2002 Dodge Stratus Coupe
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › Stratus Coupe › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Dodge Stratus Coupe. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
13 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
Cracks in the dashboard. Car doesn't sit in much direct sunlight. Appeared out of nowhere. I am concerned about safety issues regarding airbags. Also not aesthetically pleasing on otherwise nice interior. I do not take this vehicle on bumpy roads.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge stratus coupe. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v338000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 dodge stratus coupe. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v338000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the vehicle would receive the recall repair. A month ago, while driving an unknown rate of speed, the contact struck a deer and the air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained pains to the right leg, right knee, and foot. A police report was not filed and the contact did not receive medical attention. The vehicle was not inspected to determine why the air bags did not deploy. The manufacturer and the dealer were contacted for several months and the contact was unable to determine when the recall repair would be completed. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Electrical system
Speaker in the back cargo area started smoking and caught fire and stereo shorted out. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages · Visibility
Plastic cover over driver door that controls the windows cracked and broke off causing the buttons to drop inside the door cavity. went to dealer to get replacement part, told I had to order entire door cover as replacement for approx $800. now the driver door will not close and latch shut.…
Plastic cover over driver door that controls the windows cracked and broke off causing the buttons to drop inside the door cavity. went to dealer to get replacement part, told I had to order entire door cover as replacement for approx $800. now the driver door will not close and latch shut. Attempted to move plastic part that would lock onto metal door frame, no luck. Unable to drive car if door will not close. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
I purchased a 2002 dodge stratus r/t. the main problem that I am experiencing IS: strong (dangerous) gas fumes are entering the cabin. it's been going on since feb 2009. I can smell the fumes almost all of the time while driving the vehicle. the smell IS strong outside the vehicle even while it…
I purchased a 2002 dodge stratus r/t. the main problem that I am experiencing IS: strong (dangerous) gas fumes are entering the cabin. it's been going on since feb 2009. I can smell the fumes almost all of the time while driving the vehicle. the smell IS strong outside the vehicle even while it IS parked with the engine running. I cannot drive my vehicle with the air conditioning or heat on because it sucks the gasoline fumes from the engine into the cabin. I've taken the vehicle to the dealership several time and they cannot find the source of the leak. Also I've had other mechanics look at this vehicle and they don't know how fix the problems. I cannot allow passengers to ride in my vehicle because I have concerns for their safety. I believe there IS a safety defect (fire hazard/poisonous) and that someone really needs to look into this. I'm getting frequent headaches, weakness and dizziness and cannot afford to purchase a new car right now. *Tr
- Steering
My steering all of a sudden got locked to the left and I almost ran into and other car. I went to a repair place and they told me it was my rack and pinion. I just got back from a trip and had no problems thank god but to go out all of a sudden. It scared me pretty bad I parked the car it IS to dangerous to drive. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal · Unknown or other
I have 2 large cracks in my dash, my car IS well taken care of and does not sit in direct sunlight, one crack appeared over a year ago, I was driving and all of a sudden a loud cracking noise, now again the same thing only the newest crack IS much larger and still getting bigger I also hear other…
I have 2 large cracks in my dash, my car IS well taken care of and does not sit in direct sunlight, one crack appeared over a year ago, I was driving and all of a sudden a loud cracking noise, now again the same thing only the newest crack IS much larger and still getting bigger I also hear other cracking noise while driving so I imagine it IS just matter of time before I have more cracks. I am concerned that this may cause safety issues. dealer says nothing IS covered to fix this problem. *tr
- Structure
Dashboard continues to crack in several places. this raises safety concerns in terms of frontal impact and air bag deployment. vehicle was never in a crash that would cause cracks. *jb
- Structure
I have two large cracks that have appeared in the dash of my vehicle. I do not know how the cracks occurred, they just appeared. because of the cracks, I'm afraid that in a crash the dash will fall apart and harm those individuals in the vehicle. at this point, nothing has been done to correct this problem.*jb
- Structure
Dash cover cracked and broken in several places. raises airbag deployment (safety) and aesthetic (re-sale) issues. *nm
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
My 2002 dodge stratus coupe has faulty starts. this problem has occurred several times, I have had it towed to the dealers twice before. There was one occasion when it didn't start, then hours later all of a sudden it did. the first time I took the vehicle to the dealers, they said it was a…
My 2002 dodge stratus coupe has faulty starts. this problem has occurred several times, I have had it towed to the dealers twice before. There was one occasion when it didn't start, then hours later all of a sudden it did. the first time I took the vehicle to the dealers, they said it was a problem with a large evaporation leak. the second time, the dealership couldn't figure out the problem , kept the car for 4 days, then told me the car started on its own. This last time the car died when I was reversing out of a parking space. I tried to restart it many times with no luck, I had it towed to the dealership again, which at first they couldn't figure out the problem, now they are telling me its a problem with the psm connection to the fuel pump. but something happened while they tried to fix it which caused a shortage , then they realized it was "defective wiring". the mechanics at the dealership are now taking my car apart and trying to replace all the faulty wiring. But there IS another issue, I have service receipts showing "won't start, drivability concern" dating back from 6/13/02 , 14 months prior to my purchasing the new vehicle. *jb
- Electrical system
Service engine soon light keeps coming on. car was running at extremely high rpms at times. gas mileage was significantly lower than in the past. dodge stated originally that the problem was the spark plugs. replaced all spark plugs. light came back on two weeks later. they then stated it…
Service engine soon light keeps coming on. car was running at extremely high rpms at times. gas mileage was significantly lower than in the past. dodge stated originally that the problem was the spark plugs. replaced all spark plugs. light came back on two weeks later. they then stated it was a problem with the pulley on the end of the crank shaft that was causing the engine to misfire and trigger the light to come on. after 10 additional days in the shop, they replaced the part. today the light came on again and as of now are unsure what the problem IS. today IS the 18TH day it has been in the shop in the past 6 weeks. *la
- Structure
2002 stratus makes loud noise when turning vehicle and going across road bumps at same time. Our drive has a 6 in sloped curb that when pulling out of, or pulling into, IS a constant source of this noise. Dealer service tech went on test ride with me heard the noise and could not find source. He wanted to keep car for several days to determine problem. *Jb
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10229256KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10223854Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make a complete oil pan gasket. 5. Lay the oil pan gasket(s) onto the oil pan flange.~ 6. Ensure the oil pan gasket segment joints are properly aligned. 7. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the top of the oil pan gasket.~ 8. Install the oil pan. Starting from the center and working outward, tighten the oil pan bolts to 28 Nm [21 ft. lbs.].
- 10221686KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.
- 10220995Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10175743Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 1012900882212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio). Mopar offers an alternative product (82213192) which is a water based product approved for sale in the aforementioned states.~ ~ Please inform the customer & your prep dept that spraying excessive amounts of the fabric protector on load floors will result in the breaking down of the adhesive (glue) that is used to create the bond between the fabric (carpet) and the load floor. This will apply to any vehicles equipped with rear load floors such as WK, WD, PM, MK, KA, KK. The carpet will appear to be loose, wrinkly, or bunch up~
- 10013731Powertrain control module initialization.
- 635723This bulletin provides information about ATF+4 usage.
- 635717Malfunction indicator lamp on due to erroneous detection of misfire codes. Update.
- 634272Flash programming failure recovery. *Slc
- 634082Chrome wheel care. *Slc
- 633988Subject regarding interior lights or accessories not functioning. *Slc
- 633480Subject regarding a front strut spring rattle sound. *Slc
- 628214Some sunroof equipped vehicles may exhibit sunroof glass shudder when the glass IS opening or not fully closed.
- 625658Electrical feature changes.
- 625620Subject regarding safety systems - vehicle modifications / repair.
- 620059Subject regarding airbag / clock spring service for various models including 2002 model year jeep liberty.
Every Dodge Stratus Coupe model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.