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severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900 · see suspension across all vehicles →
Of the 18 suspension complaints filed for the 2006 Dodge Stratus, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
All 2 active suspension recalls on this vehicle land at critical or severe — none classified moderate.
Suspension accounts for 24% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
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.
If there is a separation of the ball stud from the housing, the driver can loose steering control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Owners describe a pattern of lower ball joint and control arm failure in the front suspension that can be catastrophic. The most serious complaints involve wheels completely separating from the vehicle—one owner at 75 mph had their car pulled hard into a median and totaled; another had a wheel fall off in a parking lot at low speed; a third lost steering control at 25 mph and hit a guardrail. One owner states this was the second time the ball joint sheared off on their vehicle.
Lower control arm failures happen across the mileage spectrum, from 37,000 miles to over 200,000. Owners also report upper control arm wear and excessive tire wear from suspension geometry problems.
Multiple owners specifically mention this problem was on the recall list for other 2006 Dodge Stratus vehicles but their own cars were not included, despite experiencing identical symptoms. One owner had clicking noises that required both lower and upper control arm replacement and still had residual alignment issues.
A few owners also report persistent creaking or groaning from the front suspension that continued even after dealer service, strut greasing, and control arm replacement. One notes a rattle from bump stops, described as common in Dodge/Chrysler products, that the dealer declined to address further after initial parts replacement.
Same Dodge Stratus suspension reports on nearby years: 2005
Lower ball joints shear, snap, or fail completely, causing loss of suspension support and wheel collapse or detachment. Occurs at both driver and passenger sides. Multiple complaints report wheels coming completely off the vehicle or suspension falling to the ground.
When: 37,000 to 200,000 miles reported; some owners purchased used vehicles recently
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking or clunking noise from front suspension; Wheel collapsed or fell off entirely; Tire pushed away from vehicle or fell off; Loss of steering control; Suspension sagging to ground; Noise from front end when driving
Repairs/costs cited: Lower control arm replacement at 37,000 miles and again at higher mileage for some owners; one owner replaced lower control arms from AutoZone; one owner reported loss of grease at ball joint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued for this specific vehicle per multiple owner reports; owners note similar vehicles were recalled for the same issue
Upper ball joints show excessive wear, pull away from mounting point, or require replacement. Usually diagnosed during alignment work or when lower arm is replaced. Owners report poor suspension geometry and tire wear.
When: 169,000+ miles in one documented case; varies widely
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise from both sides of front; Excessive tire wear; Front end alignment problems; Sensation that suspension will collapse outward
Repairs/costs cited: Upper control arm replacement recommended during post-repair alignment checks; one owner purchased the part themselves
Creaking or squeaking noise persists in the front end despite strut service and control arm replacement. One owner had the same issue addressed multiple times with greasing and component replacement without resolution.
When: Ongoing issue; one case had prior repair attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Creaking sound in front end; Persists after greasing struts; Persists after control arm replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Struts were greased; carried/control arm replaced; problem continued
Bump stops rattle or make noise; complaint specifically noted as common in Dodge/Chrysler products. Dealership replaced some parts but did not fully resolve the issue; dealer declined further work when diagnostic machine showed no codes.
When: Within first year of ownership under warranty
Symptoms owners cite: Bump stop noise
Repairs/costs cited: Some bump stop parts replaced by dealer; did not fully resolve issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer refused further service after parts replacement
Traction control warning light illuminated while driving at highway speed with front suspension noise. Vehicle shook and noise came from front passenger side.
When: 147,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shaking while driving at 65 mph; Noise from front passenger side; Traction control warning illuminated
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Purchased the car in june 2007 still under warranty thinking I would not have problems since any repairs should be covered under warranty. I have taken the car in 6 times for the same repairs. The first is the brakes, they squeak and rub. They have scrubbed them 3 different time and it still is happening. (they are collecting moisture to cause rust) the second is a bump stop which I understand is…
Right lower ball joint separated from the control arm. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge stratus. The contact stated that while in reverse at 5 MPH, the front driver side collapsed on the ground. The contact noticed that grease was not applied to the lower ball joint. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the front lower control arm and universal axle were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage…
Came in to knowledge that my vehicle has recall notices in reference to ball joint issues. My driver side is starting to make noise, but I own my car and do not have a dealership to go to. Can I be directed to a dealership that can do the needed replacement?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $900.
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 37,000 and 168,458 miles, with the median around 140,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,000; a quarter make it past 168,458. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover suspension issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.