CarComplaints.com Notes: The Dodge Intrepid, Stratus & other Chrysler sedans are infamous for oil sludge problems with the 2.7L V6 engine. If someone offers to sell you a 2.7L V6 model, it's only worth the price of the scrap metal it's going to shortly turn into.
NOTE: Only the 2.7L V6 has the oil sludge problem. Our "Avoid like the Plague" designation is ONLY for models with the 2.7L V6 engine. All other available engines are very reliable with no major problems.
Even with regular maintenance, the oil sludge defect eventually destroys the 2.7L engine typically around 80,000-100,000 miles. The only true fix we know about is to put in the larger 3.2L engine, which has a great reputation.
This issue was never deemed a safety defect by the Feds, so there was no recall. In the end, Chrysler got away with FOUR YEARS worth of defective 2.7L V6 engines in their sedans.
I have owned and do own 4 Dodges and have been happy with them overall, however all the paint jobs have not lasted over 5 years or less. The 1982 has been repainted from the original 3 times and now needs another paint job. It was bought from my dad in 1983 and needed to be repainted in 1984. The Dodge Intrepid I bought in 2000 was piecemealed out for paint jobs by the dealer here which none were of good quality but could get nothing done, the 1998 is sufficing at this time, the 1993's paint job is needing redone.
Yes all of these vehicles are over 10 years old but the paint jobs never lasted over 3 years before needing to be retouched or redone. I have always taken them for complete car maintenance and had them completely washed and waxed on a regular basis and find this paint problems with all of them to be the one deterent that would make me reconsider buying a Dodge again.. I also find this is a common complaint with other Dodge owners whom I have talked to. Please consider looking at your practices when it comes to painting your vehicles. They should last over more than 3 years.
- Roseanna S.,
Alamosa, CO, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Long list of repairs to 1999 Dodge Intrepid
Clear Coat has peeled off. 90% of Cap (top of car). 30% of Hood. 60% of Trunk. smaller spots on sides
- dncrswll, Hickory, NC, US