2004 Dodge Stratus
The 2004 Dodge Stratus offered a blend of affordability and practicality, appealing to drivers looking for a comfortable mid-size sedan or coupe. Engine options included a 2.4L inline-4 producing 147 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque, a 2.7L V6 producing 200 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L V6 producing 215 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options were a 4-speed automatic (42LE) and a 5-speed manual (NVT350). Owners often praised the Stratus for its spacious interior and smooth ride. However, common complaints included reliability issues, particularly with the electrical systems and certain engine components, and a somewhat dated interior design.
Engine
2.4L Inline-4
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various seals and gaskets, including the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and crankshaft seals. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, oil consumption, and a burning oil smell.
- Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets and seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Belt Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Over time the timing belt can wear and/or crack. If the timing belt breaks, it can cause severe engine damage. The timing belt can also get contaminated with oil which will degrade the material much faster.
- Solution: Replacing the timing belt.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
2.7L V6
- Sludge Buildup
- Description/Symptoms: The 2.7L engine is prone to sludge buildup in the oil passages, especially if oil changes are neglected. This can lead to oil starvation, overheating, and ultimately engine failure. Symptoms include engine knocking, poor performance, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Regular oil changes with high-quality oil, and potentially engine flushing or disassembly and cleaning in severe cases.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (flush) - $3,000+ (engine rebuild/replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Water Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The water pump is prone to failure, leading to overheating.
- Solution: Replace the water pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
3.0L V6
- Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Leaks in the intake manifold gasket can cause vacuum leaks, leading to rough idling, poor fuel economy, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacing the intake manifold gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic (42LE)
- Harsh Shifting/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: The 42LE transmission can experience harsh shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift. These issues can be caused by worn clutches, valve body problems, or low fluid levels.
- Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter change, valve body repair/replacement, or transmission rebuild/replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (flush) - $3,000+ (rebuild/replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Problems
- Description/Symptoms: The torque converter may fail, causing shuddering or stalling at low speeds.
- Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Worn Struts/Shocks
- Description/Symptoms: Worn struts and shocks can result in a bouncy ride, poor handling, and excessive tire wear.
- Solution: Replacing the struts and shocks.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (for all four)
- Recalls: None Found
- Ball Joint Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Premature wear of ball joints can cause clunking noises, steering looseness, and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacing the worn ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per side
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Faulty Window Regulators
- Description/Symptoms: Power windows may fail due to faulty window regulators, often causing the window to get stuck in the up or down position.
- Solution: Replacing the window regulator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+ per window
- Recalls: None Found
- Instrument Cluster Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster may experience intermittent failures, such as gauges not working or the display flickering.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Wiring Harness Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Chafed or damaged wiring harnesses can cause a variety of electrical issues, including intermittent lights, sensor malfunctions, and starting problems.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the affected wiring harness sections.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the extent of damage)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust
- Description/Symptoms: Rust can develop on the lower body panels, wheel wells, and undercarriage, especially in areas with harsh winters or road salt.
- Solution: Rust repair and prevention measures.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the severity)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: The dashboard can be prone to cracking, especially in vehicles exposed to prolonged sunlight and high temperatures.
- Solution: Replacement of dashboard.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Handle Breakage
- Description/Symptoms: Interior door handles are prone to breakage.
- Solution: Replacing interior door handles.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary:
The 2004 Dodge Stratus, while offering a comfortable and spacious ride, suffers from a variety of reliability issues. Engine problems, particularly with the 2.7L V6 sludge issue, can be severe and costly. Transmission issues are also common, adding to the potential repair expenses. Electrical problems and suspension wear further contribute to the overall cost of ownership. While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can lead to major repairs, making thorough inspection and preventative maintenance crucial for potential buyers. The severity and cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor issues to several thousand for major engine or transmission work.