2001 Dodge Stratus — 2.4L L4

The 2001 Dodge Stratus sits in the latter half of a generation that saw complaints decline steadily from a 1996 high of 639 to just 192, continuing the drop from 241 in 2000 and preceding 174 in 2002, with eight crash-related and two fire-related complaints recorded for this specific year. Despite this downward trend in consumer reporting, 2001 recorded 14 recalls—the highest total in the dataset and nearly double 2000's nine—alongside 77 technical service bulletins, suggesting extensive manufacturer intervention even with only one federal investigation. This recall spike contrasts with the 51 Engine & Engine Cooling complaints, 28 Suspension complaints, 14 Power Train complaints, and 11 Air Bags complaints that represent the year's primary trouble areas, though the data does not specify whether these issues drove the recalls. Given that the elevated recall activity indicates identified defects were formally addressed while complaints remained moderate and investigations minimal, 2001 represents a reasonable acquisition provided verification that all 14 recalls have been performed, but a risky prospect if maintenance history is unclear.