Segment:
Mid-size sedan and coupe
Competitors:
Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima
Key Selling Points:
Stylish design (especially the coupe), comfortable ride, spacious interior for its class
Trim Levels:
Base, SE, ES (may vary by body style and market)
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 2-door Coupe
Powertrain Options:
2.0L Inline-4, 2.4L Inline-4, 2.7L V6 (ES trim)
Primary Coverage:
Complete repair and service procedures for the 2002 Dodge Stratus
Secondary Coverage:
Diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting, maintenance schedules
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine performance diagnostics
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (41TE) service, repair, and diagnostics
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (ABS included), wheel alignment
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, HVAC controls, SRS (Airbag) system
Body:
Body panel repair, interior trim removal/installation, glass replacement
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex faults
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for major components and systems
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, fault code interpretation, system testing
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive; suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using scan tools and specialized equipment
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all fasteners
Clearances Tolerances:
Factory specified clearances and tolerances for engine and chassis components
Format Type:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Searchable:
Yes, text-searchable for efficient information retrieval
Printable:
Yes, designed for printing specific sections or the entire manual
Image Resolution:
High-resolution images and diagrams
Clarity:
Clear and legible text and illustrations
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Four Stars (2002)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Four Stars (2002)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Good (2002 - specific test results may vary)
ABS:
Standard on most trims, optional on base models
Traction Control:
Optional on select trims
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (standard); Optional side airbags on some trims
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (5,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles (48,000 - 160,000 km) depending on plug type (e.g., Platinum/Iridium)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 100,000 miles (48,000 - 160,000 km) or 3-5 years, depending on coolant type
Engine Oil Type 2.0L/2.4L:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Type 2.7L V6:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (API Certified, check manual for exact spec)
Transmission Fluid:
Mopar ATF+4 (Type 9602)
Coolant:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT) - Orange
Common Problems:
Transmission solenoid issues (especially with the 41TE), EGR valve clogging, rear axle bearings (wagon), suspension component wear, minor electrical gremlins
Engine Specific Issues:
2.7L V6: Potential for head gasket leaks, oil sludge buildup if not maintained properly.
Manufacturer Origin:
USA (Dodge is a division of Chrysler)
First Generation:
1993-2006 (JA/JR Platform)
Redesign Year:
Second generation launched for model year 2007 (JS platform), replacing the Stratus sedan and coupe.
Assembly Location:
Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA; Toluca, Mexico
Production Period:
1995-2006
Jdpowers Initial Quality:
The Stratus often ranked in the lower half of its segment for initial quality in J.D. Power studies during its production run, which is a common point of discussion for this model.
Consumerreports:
Consumer Reports generally gave mixed reviews, often citing reliability concerns, particularly with the transmission, and average performance.