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.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
44,750 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 1999 Dodge Intrepid. The contact stated that while getting bags out of the trunk, the trunk lift support failed and impacted the contact's head. The contact sustained a bump on the head but did not seek medical attention. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or repaired. The manufacturer was notified about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
The contact owns a 1999 Dodge Intrepid. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and the hood was raised while she was checking the oil. During the process, the hydraulic system that held the hood up failed and the hood collapsed on her head. The contact suffered minor injuries as a result. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000. Updated 01/24/12 the consumer also stated she had the hydraulic lift replaced on the trunk several years ago. Updated 01/27/12
Driver power window motor failed twice, now the window has to be held in place for it to roll up straight and go into place. Also, plastic on driver door under black 'speaker' cracked with no impact. Passenger rear door entire interior door assembly has separated from the metal and has to be 'popped' back in repeatedly. Air conditioner system fails yearly. Multiple reasons. Trunk leaks terribly. Rear air/heat vents don't blow air anymore and the car isn't even 4 years old!
Water collects in trunk's spare wheel well when it rains. Consumer suspects this water leakage is responsible for vehicle interior/exterior lights flickering when raining.
- Chicago, IL, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Tarpon Springs, FL, USA