Three problems related to front suspension control arm have been reported for the 2001 Dodge Stratus. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Dodge Stratus based on all problems reported for the 2001 Stratus.
Regarding our 2001 Dodge Stratus, lower control arm ball joint failure. Originally on October 25th of 2005 we had the left front control arm/ball joint assembly replaced because of severe squeaking during suspension movement. This was caused by lubrication failure. There is no way to re-lube this joint on this design. The assembly was replaced with the only available part at the time from Dodge. For the past couple of weeks I had noticed that during abrupt braking the vehicle would pull strongly to the left, then recover when the brakes were released. I had scheduled for inspection appointment on 11/10/2009. Then on11/2/2009 the same exact ball joint failure occurred to the left side when my 16 year old son was driving the vehicle. I had read the NHTSA campaign # 09e-056 regarding the qualis failure and wondered if it could be related somehow. Please advise.
I have had my car for a little over 3 years now. First it was the passenger side ball joint. Then a year later it was the ball joint on the driver side plus the control arm. Then it was the brakes and rotors. Then right after that I find out the ball joint I had just replaced on the passenger side needs replaced again! now my oil light comes on at idle after the engine has warmed up. Had the oil changed as always between 2000 and 3000 miles as I should. Had the oil sending unit replaced and still have a oil light on with a full engine of oil. Now my steering column just today made a cracking sound as I was backing up with the wheel turning to the left. Then the airbag light came on and wont go off. Now my steering is stiff. Talked to a mechanic and it is a safety issue.
Right rear axel broken, both rear ball joints broken and rear upper control arms broken on Dodge Stratus, 2001, with only 26,000 miles. Failure occurred while driving slowly. Both rear ball joints and upper control arms showed excessive play.