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ProblemsByVinFile / 2005-DODGE-STRATUSNHTSA data synced 5 days ago
Dodge
2005 Dodge Stratus problems
The 2005 Dodge Stratus has 62 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2005 Dodge Stratus has 62 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 17 complaints, typically surfacing around 72,362 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
6
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2005 Stratus?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average
6 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2005 Dodge Stratus? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
engine — 17 owner reports
· tends to show around 72,362 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
steering — 13 owner reports
· tends to show around 108,165 mi · ~$700 to fix
suspension — 10 owner reports
· tends to show around 105,984 mi · ~$900 to fix
airbags — 6 owner reports
· tends to show around 87,606 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 72,362 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 6 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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2005 Dodge stratus sedan 4 door automatic 2.7 w less than 60k miles. Reverse went out after what I think was a clinking sound near the front. It drives normally, just does nothing in reverse. If the car is parked it will roll backwards if the car is on a incline. Transmission…
My car is pulling to right pops every time you move clickes in turning even in the slites turning shocks are bottoming out every turn cant go over a speed bump with out it hitting hard scared to drive my kids in it please help happends all time
I was at the store just left about to get on the highway to pick up speed with my kids and myself being pregnant when my right wheel folded and scared the life out of us after holding up traffic and thank god I did not get on the highway. The mechanic advised me that my lower…
Had a problem with your 2005 Dodge Stratus?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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.
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
If there is a separation of the ball stud from the housing, the driver can loose steering control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Fix: 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
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.
Fix: 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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Dodge Stratus has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2005 Dodge Stratus?
The 2005 Dodge Stratus is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average; 6 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2005 Dodge Stratus?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 17 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 72,362 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2005 Dodge Stratus a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 62 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 72,362 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2005 Dodge Stratus?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 17 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 72,362 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 72,362 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Dodge Stratus has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Dodge Stratus?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 62 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Dodge/Stratus.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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