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 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
61,064 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.
Ac fans had to be replaced twice, rear windows won't go down, dealer replaced light switch, brakes wear unevenly and shudders when pressed, alignment goes easily, oil disappears with no leaks or no smoke, back of driver's seat collapses unexpectedly.
The front power windows fell down without using the controls. There were fuse/wiring shortages, headlight/interior light flickered without warning, the belts, main power train, A/C belt, and the compressor caught fire and the power steering had become inoperative. The doors did not close properly.
History includes blown transmission sensor, failure on the very first year inspection for brake rotors, driver's side window sticks in up position, intermittent heat control button not functioning properly, noisy when turning in front strut area, keyless remote does not function properly and now the worst of it. One month ago, took car in with oil and engine lights flashing, ticking noise from engine, stalling out. Dealer did electronic sensors repairs and tune up costing $500. One month later, car had to be towed back to dealer with loud banging in engine. Repair bill of over $6,000 to fix a car I've owned 3 years, 8 months and 60,000 miles. 2.7 L engines are blowing in these cars all the time making it next to impossible to purchase a used one to do repairs myself. One used car parts place said they have a waiting list. Recall anyone"?"!!
The vehicle stalled without warning. Vehicle stuck in second gear. Speed sensor replaced. Timing belt failed and there was sludge in the engine. Engine needed to be replaced. Window, radio and speaker inoperative.
I was driving on the interstate as car started a rattling noise and lost power, and would not start again. The car was towed to dealer, and I was told that the engine was blown at 88,000 miles. There were no working dash lights to alert of any problem. The dealer could not give explanation. The car is under full warranty and oil has been changed regularly. Estimated cost 5,000 dollars.
- Beachwood, OH, USA
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From what they say, my timing belt came off and took out the engine. I also had problems with the power locks going out at the same time, the steering was starting to go out and the cam sensor went out.
The dash lights went out intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer 10 times. A switch was replaced twice, however the dealer did not specify which switch. The problem still existed.
Consumer states lights from the instrument panel and overhead travel information center were blinking on and off rapidly, this has happened several times and dealer can not remedy problem, possible electrical system problem.
Rear passenger's side power window is dead and has failed. When electronic cooling fans for engine turn on automatically as they should during certain engine temperatures front headlights noticeably dim almost looking like they are being flashed for a second or what someone could interoperate as the driver flashing his lights. Headlights also seem to dim slightly when rolling down two windows at the same time. I purchased a professional battery and alternator tester has shown that the vehicles battery and alternator are working as normal. This makes me wonder about the vehicle's electrical system.
In and out of morlans, Inc (Dodge dealer) several times because of the electrical sytem causing the check engine light to come on with many different codes such as rough idle-transmission not shifting /down shifting-transmission control module replaced-camshaft sensor replaced-ignition coil pack replaced-these were done while still under warranty at different dates. Just recently 3/25/01 my transmission went into a limp mode again at 40,000 miles-this time it was a transmission input speed sensor (my cost $92), when I got my car back now my heater- A/C and rear defrost control / vents don't work ? diagnosed problem electrical (charged $50) again with the control head / board control module. I've made several calls to the Chrysler Corp. Without avail for assistance. Please give any help possible to correct these electrical defects. Thank you.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA