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:
1 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
71,183 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.
(1) it started with the engine heating with any reason then blue smoke coming from the muffler and eventually it started to make a load noise. (2) it has a black oily sludge on the engine block, the oil pump is damaged and the valves. (3) I've replaced the oil pump, water pump and the air conditioning compresor.
Vehicle is having engine problems. Owner is driving at approximately 30 mph and hears a knocking sound. Owner took the vehicle to the dealer, where it was discovered that due to an excess engine sludge build up the engine will have to be replaced.
The vehicle was pulling out and beginning to accelerate when all of a sudden the engine froze up and stalled. The engine was no longer operable. Consumer stated engine blew.
Was driving 1999 Dodge Intrepid with 66,000 miles on !-4 in Florida about 65 mph. The engine, a 2.7, without warning blew up. I lost power steering and the brakes were hard to use. There was no Dodge dealer in the nearest town. I had to walk to the nearest exit. A Chevrolet dealer replaced the motor for $7100. After researching. I have found this is a common problem with the 2.7 engine. The car has had regular maintenace. I was lucky that there was a shoulder to pull off the road and have room to coast to a stop. Old engine was used as a core.there was no sludge in oil cap. There was no oil light warning.
Vehicle was going at 70 mph when unexpectedly the driver heard a clicking noise coming from the engine. Results showed there was metal inside which caused it to blow, and no longer operate.
- New Haven, MI, USA
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While driving, the vehicle had a loud knock. The consumer drove to the dealer the following day and on the way home the vehicle stopped. The engine was defective.
The vehicle was on the road when all of a sudden the driver heard a loud knock coming from the engine and causing it to stall. Manufacturer will be notified by consumer.
While driving 55 mph vehicle stalled due to engine sludge. The vehicle was towed. Dealership repaired the problem. The consumer stated that the vehicle engine was damaged at 50000 miles. Engine was rebuilt.
While driving vehicle was making an unexpected loud noise from the engine. Taken to the dealer for checkup because it was unable to start. Results showed that the vehicle needed a new transmission. Oil light kept coming on. Oil sending unit was replaced twice.
Consumer was driving approximately 35 mph. When coming to a stop, the engine stalled. Vehicle then would not restart. When taken to get serviced, it was determined to be due to oil fledge.
While driving approximately 65 mph, engine stalled. Was able to pull over avoiding accidents. When taken to get serviced, was told that the engine froze.
I was driving my 1999 Dodge Intrepid yesterday to work when all of the sudden I heard a small rattle. It became louder and louder until the engine oil light started flickering off/on. After that the engine light stayed on and the car died on the side of the road. Chesterfield Dodge told me I had experienced complete engine failure and could do nothing about it except replace the engine for $5500 plus install. It is sitting there now waiting to be towed and scrapped. The motor is 2.7L/V6.
While driving on the highway a ticking noise was heard from the engine. Then, vehicle lost power, and the check engine light came on. Vehicle was towed to consumer's home and inspected by a mechanic, who determined that the bearing on the crank shaft had gone bad. The entire engine needed to be replaced.
2.7 liter engine in Dodge Intrepid, failing. Have maintained vehicle, vehicle presently in garage awaiting service. I am expecting the dealership to deny warranty claim due to engine sludge which is common with this engine. Will no longer allow wife and kids to be in vehicle, fear of vehicle accident due to premature engine failure.car taken in for repair Oct. 2004, dealer replaced rod bearings. Knocking noise still present, car currently at different dealership.
Vehicle was burning and leaking oil out the engine, causing the vehicle to have no steering or brakes. Then, it stalled. Dealer will repair vehicle at consumer's expense.
The 2.7L engine was making a pinging noise while driving at any speed. Consumer did some research on the website and believed the problem was due to engine sludge build up. Dealer was notified.
Engine failure with 1999 Dodge Intrepid with 98,000 miles and oil changed reguarly. Engine is 2.7 liter which is a common problem for thousands. Vehicle is not paid off and is only way of transportation for my wife. Engine failed without warning while I was coming thru and intersection.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Ponce, PR, USA