DecodedCars2005 Dodge Stratus
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 2.7L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Overview
The 2005 Dodge Stratus is a compact car offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl and 2.7L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway), 3% better than the 2005 compact car average of 23.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stratus | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +3% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Stratus 4 Door | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | +7% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Stratus | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -10% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Stratus | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -10% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Stratus | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -10% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Stratus | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -10% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Stratus 4 Door FFV | 2.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +2% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Stratus 4 Door FFV | 2.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +2% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Dodge Stratus under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Dodge Stratus (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2005 Honda Civic | 41 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Ford Focus | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jun 2, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V338000 · 443,442 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 affected vehicles, the passenger side sun visor may be folded down in such a position that, if the passenger frontal air bag deploys, the passenger side sun visor may detach.
- Risk
- If the passenger side sun visor detaches and is propelled rearward, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
- 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. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-15-005. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R30.
Not every 2005 Dodge Stratus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Dodge Stratus buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Suspension — 11 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Steering — 9 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Service Brakes — 5 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 130,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Dodge Stratus. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Stratus years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Stratus | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 25 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →