The 2004 Stratus is a budget-friendly sedan plagued by catastrophic 2.7L V6 engine sludge failures and chronic automatic transmission issues. The 2.4L four-cylinder is notably more reliable, but suspension and electrical gremlins affect all variants.
2.7L V6 Catastrophic Engine Sludge Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Engine knocking or ticking that worsens with heat, Low oil pressure warning light at idle, Sudden loss of power or complete engine seizure, Excessive oil consumption between changes, Visible sludge buildup on oil fill cap
Fix: The 2.7L V6 has notorious oil passage design flaws causing sludge accumulation even with proper maintenance. Typically requires complete engine replacement or rebuild with new pistons, rings, bearings, and crankshaft work. 18-25 labor hours for used engine swap, 35-45 hours for full rebuild.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
41TE Automatic Transmission Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed 2-3 shift, especially when cold, Slipping between gears under acceleration, Shuddering or jerking during shifts, Transmission overheating (burnt smell), Check engine light with transmission codes
Fix: The 41TE four-speed automatic has weak solenoid packs and input shaft issues. External oil cooler often leaks into radiator causing cross-contamination. Rebuild typically needed rather than solenoid-only fix. 12-16 labor hours for removal, rebuild, and reinstall. Replace external cooler simultaneously.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Lower Ball Joint and Control Arm Separation
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise over bumps from front end, Wandering steering or poor alignment retention, Excessive tire wear on inside edge, Visible play when prying on suspension, In severe cases, wheel tilts outward dramatically
Fix: Ball joints are pressed into control arms and fail prematurely, sometimes catastrophically separating (NHTSA recall worthy). Replace entire control arm assemblies rather than pressing new joints. Both sides recommended even if one fails. 3-4 labor hours for both sides including alignment.
Estimated cost: $600-900
Fuel Pump and Sending Unit Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition with cranking but no fuel pressure, Intermittent stalling especially when fuel level is low, Inaccurate or erratic fuel gauge readings, Whining noise from rear seat area, Hesitation or loss of power under load
Fix: Fuel pump module assembly fails electrically or mechanically. Tank must be dropped for access. Replace entire pump/sender assembly, not just pump. 2.5-3 labor hours. Clear any rust or debris from tank before reinstalling.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Multifunction Switch (Turn Signal Stalk) Failure
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Turn signals work intermittently or not at all, High beams won't engage or stay on, Cruise control stops working, Hazard lights function but turn signals don't, Clicking noise from steering column without signal activation
Fix: Internal contacts in multifunction switch wear out. Common Chrysler issue across platforms. Steering wheel airbag must be properly disabled during replacement. 1.5-2 labor hours with proper scan tool for airbag system reset.
Estimated cost: $250-400
Alternator Premature Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Battery warning light illuminated, Dimming headlights or interior lights, Electrical accessories losing power, Whining or grinding noise from front of engine, Battery repeatedly dying or not holding charge
Fix: Alternator diodes and voltage regulators fail earlier than expected. V6 models especially tight access. Check battery cables and ground connections before replacing. 1.5-2.5 labor hours depending on engine (2.7L V6 most difficult).
Estimated cost: $350-550
Owner tips
If buying a 2.7L V6 model, demand oil analysis and borescope inspection—sludge damage often invisible until catastrophic
Change transmission fluid every 30,000 miles with Mopar ATF+4 ONLY—aftermarket fluids accelerate 41TE failure
Inspect lower ball joints annually starting at 50,000 miles—catastrophic separation causes loss of vehicle control
The 2.4L four-cylinder is significantly more reliable; seek SXT models with this engine over V6 variants
Avoid 2.7L V6 models entirely—engine replacement is nearly inevitable; 2.4L four-cylinder versions are acceptable as cheap transportation if transmission and suspension have been addressed, but budget $1,500-2,000 for deferred maintenance immediately after purchase.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 15V338000
2015-06-02
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.
Consequence: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: 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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM · 10E059000
2010-12-27
FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HOUSING RESULTING IN NOISE AND/OR SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING.
Consequence: IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SOLD AS FOUR PART NUMBERS, D10945, D10946, G10945, AND G10946. THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS, D10945 AND D10946, ARE STAMPED WITH THE FOLLOWING DATES ON THE BALL JOINTS: 134308, 135708, 100109, 102709, 104109, 105509, 107609, 108909, 110309, 113209, AND 116609. THE G10945 AND G10946 ARE THE SAME PART AS THE D10945 AND D10946 RESPECTIVELY. THEY ARE LABELED DIFFERENTLY DEPENDING ON THE AFTERMARKET CUSTOMER.
Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 09E025000
2009-05-11
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · 07E023000
2007-03-29
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 04V313000
2004-06-29
ON CERTAIN 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN LINE HOSE FITTING ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP MAY BE IMPROPERLY MOLDED.
Consequence: BREAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A LEAKAGE OF FUEL AND IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, IT COULD RESULT A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON AUGUST 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: 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.
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