2003 Dodge Stratus: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Dodge Stratus: 2 recalls, 75 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 4 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #03V443000 · 2003 · 5,911 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V338000 · 2015 · 443,442 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
The 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.
4 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #07E023000 · 2007 · 13,128 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: 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.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Suspension Equipment recall #09E056000 · 2009 · 5,787 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Qualis automotive will replace the ball joints free of charge. The safety recall began on November 9, 2009.
Suspension Equipment recall #10E059000 · 2010 · 22,689 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If there is a separation of the ball stud from the housing, the driver can loose steering control, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (15): the most common themes are warning light on (6).
- Suspension (15): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (4).
- Electrical (10): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7), warning light on (4), noise or vibration (3).
- Speed control / throttle (8): the most common themes are warning light on (3).
The 2003 Dodge Stratus has 75 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 14 Stratus model years for complaints (well below the 190 average). Complaints peaked in 2003 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 63,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (150 complaints, 2 recalls), 2004 (144 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Dodge Stratus.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2003 Dodge Stratus have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Dodge Stratus, plus 4 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Dodge Stratus problems?
Owners have filed 75 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (15), suspension (15), electrical (10).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Dodge Stratus get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Dodge Stratus repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.