Model year guide

2006 Dodge Stratus

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2006 Dodge Stratus is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 93 on record.

2006 Dodge Stratus — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2006 Dodge Stratus at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints74
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$1,902

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2006 Dodge Stratus recalls 3

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint NHTSA Campaign #09E056000 · 09/10/2009

QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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 STAMPE…

Fix: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm NHTSA Campaign #10E059000 · 27/12/2010

FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. 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.

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder NHTSA Campaign #07E023000 · 29/03/2007

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.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2006 Dodge Stratus common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

2006 Dodge Stratus safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2006 Dodge Stratus 4-DR. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2006 Dodge Stratus MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,150

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2006 Dodge Stratus worth?

Low
$650
Typical price
$1,902
High
$3,600

From 89 comparable 2006 Dodge Stratus listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2006 Dodge Stratus costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,750
Depreciation (5 yrs)$750
Total$16,500
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,902) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,177), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2006 Dodge Stratus trims & engines on record

Trims
SXT
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 2.7L 6-cyl

2006 Dodge Stratus vehicles on record

Other Dodge Stratus model years

2006 Dodge Stratus — frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Dodge Stratus have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2006 Dodge Stratus. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Dodge Stratus?

Based on 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension, wheels, steering.

What is the 2006 Dodge Stratus safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2006 Dodge Stratus crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Dodge Stratus get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2006 Dodge Stratus at about 21 mpg combined (19 city / 26 highway).

How much is a 2006 Dodge Stratus worth?

Comparable 2006 Dodge Stratus listings run roughly $650–$3,600, typically around $1,902 (from 89 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.