Should I buy a 2006 Dodge Stratus with documented suspension problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented suspension issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2006 Dodge Stratus suspension problems

severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$900

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 09E056000 09/10/2009

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.

severe NHTSA 10E059000 27/12/2010

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.

What owners are reporting 4 most recent

suspension · filed 12/26/2007

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 …

suspension · filed 12/17/2014

RIGHT LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM THE CONTROL ARM. *TR

suspension · filed 10/27/2015

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 …

suspension · filed 09/23/2015

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?

Common questions

How serious is the suspension problem on the 2006 Dodge Stratus?

It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $900.

At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

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.

Are there any recalls related to suspension?

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.