Selling a dead or junk Dodge Stratus

If your Stratus has an engine that's leaking, overheating or simply done, you can sell it as it sits. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, and pickup is free anywhere in the US.

Two generations, two complaint patterns

Per Wikipedia, the first Stratus sedan (1995-2000) sat on the Chrysler JA platform beside the Cirrus, with a 2.0 or 2.4 four or a 2.5 Mitsubishi V6. The second (2001-2006) moved to the JR platform with a 2.4 four or a 2.7 V6. For 2001-2005 there was also a Stratus coupe, built by Mitsubishi in Normal, Illinois, which replaced the Avenger two-door. Sedans came from Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Two more complaints are filed under 2007.

1995-2000: engine, cooling and brakes

Engine and cooling top the list on the 1995 (88), the 1996 (304), the 1997 (138), the 1998 (115) and the 1999 (48). The earliest recall fits that pattern: 96V006 put an expansion plug and a bracket over a cylinder head oil galley plug that didn't seal on 1995-1996 cars, covering 40,000 vehicles.

The hydraulic brakes are second or third on every year from 1995 to 1999. 96V074 sealed ABS control units on 1995-1996 cars, where corrosion could stick the valves open. 96V075 fixed a leaking master cylinder seal on 1995-1996 cars, in a 151,800-vehicle campaign that also lists the Neon. 99V244 checked 1998-1999 cars for a right rear brake tube touching an exhaust clamp, which could wear a hole in it.

The 1999 and 2000 stand out for fire: NHTSA's file marks 59 complaints on the 1999 and 64 on the 2000 as involving a fire, out of 238 across all years. On the 2000, steering is the top component (58). Recall 06V001 replaced the high-pressure power steering hose on 1999-2000 cars with the 2.4, because it could age from heat and leak. The recall notice doesn't connect the hose to the fire complaints, and neither do we.

Several first-generation campaigns were very large. Each NHTSA count is for the full recall, so it can take in more than the Stratus. 97V201 inspected lower ball joints that could separate from lost lubrication (599,000 vehicles). 98V183 and 04V021 dealt with shifter and ignition interlocks: one could trap the key, the other could allow a shift out of Park once the key was removed (685,000 and 2,315,768 vehicles).

Wikipedia says the IIHS tested the first generation as a Chrysler Cirrus and rated it "Poor" in the frontal crash test.

2001-2006: suspension and fewer complaints

Complaints drop to 759 across six years. Engine and cooling still top the 2001 (58), 2002 (46) and 2005 (14). Suspension leads the 2004 (31) and 2006 (15). The 2001 has the most recall campaigns of any Stratus year, 10. One of them, 01V011, replaced automatic transmission cooler hoses on 2001 cars, whose inner wall could be weak from manufacturing.

Later campaigns: 04V313 replaced the fuel pump on 2004 two-door cars with a badly molded return line fitting. 04V579 replaced a right steering knuckle that might have been damaged in manufacture on 2005 sedans. 15V338 added a tether to the passenger sun visor on 2001-2005 cars, tied to an air bag inflator issue. 16V401 went back to 2001-2002 cars with beige interiors, already repaired once, to fit the correct strap. Mitsubishi filed both, and 15V338's 443,442 vehicles include the Eclipse.

Wikipedia says 1,308,123 Stratus and Chrysler Sebring sedans and convertibles were built at Sterling Heights from 2000 until production stopped in early 2006. The tooling then went to Russia's GAZ for the Volga Siber.

Stratus complaints and recalls by year

Pulled from NHTSA on October 10, 2026. Campaign counts overlap between years.

Is the Stratus worth repairing?

The newest Stratus is about 20 years old. Spending on one makes sense only when the estimate sits well below the going price for a running Stratus.

1. Engine leaking oil or overheating? That's the first-generation pattern. Read blown engine and head gasket or overheating before paying for a teardown.
2. Power steering leak on a 1999-2000 2.4? Check the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup for 06V001 and ask a dealer whether it was done.
3. Clunks from the front end? Ball joints and a steering knuckle were recalled. See broken suspension.
4. Lots of small things at once? See old or high mileage.

How to sell the Stratus whole

1. Write down the VIN, the year, the mileage and whether it's a sedan or a coupe.
2. Get an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Let us know where it's parked and whether the wheels turn. Backed into a carport or buried in snow on a side street both work. Just tell us how it looks. Pickup is free anywhere in the US.
4. No stripping needed. Wheels, battery and converter can stay put; mention anything already missing.
5. When the tow truck comes, have the title and keys out and your ID handy. Plates follow your state's rules; see after you sell.

No title? See selling with no title. Other Dodge sedans of the era: the Avenger, Spirit and Neon, or all Dodge models.