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:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
17,950 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.
On 7/30/04 while driving to work my car seemed to begin idling high. While taking off from a stop sign, my whole car jerked and made a loud "clunk" sound. My speedometer quit working, my check engine light came on and my car would not shift out of high. I made it to work and called the closest dealer and was told it was a sensor. Made it to the dealership, to have car checked and was told it was definately the sensor. I was also told that I had the best warranty and would be "no problem". also told them the passenger window in the front only worked occasionally and I had received recalls. Also explained that windshield washer bottle was broken. Ended up paying over $380 to have car repaired and declined fixing the windshield washer bottle because that would cost an additional $200+. I feel this is very dangerous, since speedometer quit working and engine was stuck in high. Dealership acted like no big deal and I am still upset at paying over $380 and having "the best warranty.
While driving my car caught fire under the hood. The brakes would not work. Me and my passanger had to jump from the passenger side of the car. Car stopped down road on its own. It was a total loss. The car is to be determined electrical fire, but is still under investigation.
I purchased this vehicle in March of 2001. I have had nothing but trouble with it ever since. I have had electrical, air conditioning, and transmission problems which has resulted in approximately $2,600 in repairs in the year that I have owned it. I have contacted the crysler Corp. And they did not help me in anyway. The car orignally had a 36,000 mile 3 year warranty on it. Now the crysler Corp. Offers a 7 year 100,000 mile warranty on all their vehicles. This the first crysler product and the last one I will ever buy. I have previously owned GM products and currently own a 1997 Ford F-150 pickup and I am very satisfied with it. Is there any help you can give me? I have all receipts for all repairs since I have owned the vehicle.
While driving excessive movements occur within steering wheel and column. Also, after vehicle is parked steering wheel does not lock up. Within first 2 months of ownership, engine light illuminated. Every hose and wire under the hood had tape on them, dealer stated that every vehicle came from the manufacturer like that. Consumer questioned why the steering wheel panel would not snap or stay in place, dealer could not answer that question.
- Lansing, MI, USA
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- Midwest City, OK, USA