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:
2 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
72,048 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.

1999 Dodge Intrepid engine problems

engine problem

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1999 Dodge Intrepid Owner Comments (Page 10 of 19)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #199

Nov 262004

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,072 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving 25 mph the engine stalled without warning. As a result the vehicle coasted to a stop. The cause has not been determined. Engine locked, no oil to #2 piston, heads warped. Pulled engine down to check engine knocking noise. Engine had spun bearing on rod bearing. Replaced complete engine assembly.

- Cedar Park, TX, USA

problem #198

Nov 172004

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles
A week after having the cam-sensor replaced the oil light came on. We proceeded to take it right back to the mechanic, who discovered the "sludged" engine. We had changed the oil every 3,000 miles since purchasing the vehicle. The engine now makes a sound like someone is hitting the insides with a hammer. It is no longer drivable, and we have been told the only option is to replace the engine. We cannot afford the $7,000 to make the replacement.

- Buckley, WA, USA

problem #197

Jan 212005

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The driver was driving, without warning the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to pull over and tried to restart, but was unable. The driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The mechanic informed the driver that the engine needed replacement. Please provided additional information.

- Belleville, IL, USA

problem #196

Nov 142004

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I bought my daughters a 99 Dodge Intrepid (82K). After three weeks of driving the car broke due the 2.7 engine failure. I'm a single mother of three and I only make 15,000 a year. I can't afford to fix the engine or buy another car. My kids need to drive to and from practices and work.

- Strongsville, OH, USA

problem #195

Jan 132005

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75 miles
1999 Dodge Intrepid 2.7L engine failed at 75,100 mi. Car engine started knocking and stalling while driving to work. Dealer said $5-7 thousand to fix. I took it to an independent service facility. They said there is known problem with this engine and sludge buildup and it also sounded like the timing chain. I'm still waiting on their estimate to fix this as they can't get to it for several days. In the meantime I am out of a vehicle. I've sent a customer complaint to Chrysler and have not received a response from them.

- Crestline, OH, USA

problem #194

Dec 312004

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles
Comer was driving 50 mph and heard a clicking sound, and the motor stalled, vehicle lost power steering, and all the lights in the dashboard just lit up. Consumer called a tow truck and had the vehicle taken to a service center. Mechanic indicated that the engine locked up. There was plenty of oil in the engine. Consumer was told that the engine needed to be replaced. The service engine soon (ses) light did not illuminate to warn there was a problem with the engine.

- Munfordville, KY, USA

problem #193

Jan 202003

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1.) there were no real "events" that happened. The engine on my wife's Dodge Intrepid simply seized (after an oil change). 2.) engine seizure on a Dodge Intrepid...motor locked up. 3.) Chrysler blamed it on us not changing the oil regularly and we had to roll the balance of the car into a new car.

- Carrollton, TX, USA

problem #192

Dec 252004

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles
While driving between 45-50 mph, suddenly there was a clicking/tapping noise coming from the engine, followed by the vehicle starting to lose power. The consumer immediately pulled over to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to a repair shop. The engine blew because it threw a rod bearing.

- Independence, MO, USA

problem #191

Aug 122003

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 93,000 miles
While driving to the hospital the engine (2.7)of my Dodge Intrepid seized. There was no warning signs, this car was always in for oil changes. I have not had any luck replacing the engine since the cost is just rediculous for what the car is worth. I still have the car which has been sitting in my garage for the past year.

- Gordon, PA, USA

problem #190

Dec 052004

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,285 miles
The engine in my car needs to be replaced. Cylinder 3 and 6 have rods that will eventually go through the engine. It is a 2.7 liter 6 cylinder Dodge Intrepid. I have contacted the company and they will not respond to my inquiries. I have done some research on this engine and there seems to be quite a few owners who have the same problem. I took it to ferris state university's automotive program and the instructor told us that those engines are notorious for doing that. He explained that it is a manufacturer defect because the hole that allows the oil to flow through to the cylinders is not large enough so the engine starves for oil which causes rod bearings to go bad. Chrysler needs to recall all vehicles with this type of engine because it is not right that they continue to let them stay on the road when they know there is a problem. I have a 3 year old to take care of and I still owe almost 4000$ for the car and to have the engine rebuilt will cost 4700$.

- Paris, MI, USA

problem #189

Oct 242003

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The engine failed at approximately 100,000 miles on my 1999 Dodge Intrepid (2.7L) and I had a complete overhaul done at a cost of $4,300. I've since found out this seems to be a common problem with this engine. Now I expect that my engine is failing again after being replaced about 14 months and 13,000 miles ago.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #188

Nov 092004

Intrepid 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles
While driving at 35-40 mph engine failed. There was no warning. Contacted the dealer, but problem recurred.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #187

Dec 022004

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,357 miles
Was stopping at a red light and the engine shut off after a brief damaging noise. I have been told the timing belt blew and destroyed the engine. Vehicle was left on busy roadway with occupants inside until a tow truck could arrive. Police were called to avoid a rear end collision. Every mechanic I have called has recommended replacing the engine. No action has been taken. Too expensive.

- Agawam, MA, USA

problem #186

Nov 022004

Intrepid

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer took vehicle to dealer to repair timing belt which cost consumer $800. A few weeks later the oil pump and engine failed causing the vehicle not to start.

- Southfield, MI, USA

problem #185

Nov 202004

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The consumer tried to restart the vehicle but was not able to do so. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the engine needed to be replaced.

- Homewood, IL, USA

problem #184

Sep 282004

Intrepid

  • 88,000 miles
While driving 35 mph motor blew. Vehicle was towed to dealership, but dealership did not resolve the problem.

- Woodridge, IL, USA

problem #183

Nov 082004

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 167,000 miles
1999 Dodge Intrepid 2.7L engine failure. No indication anything was wrong prior to that night. Engine started making noise - no lights. Engine failed while driving down interstate 70 with my 1 year old, 5 year old and 6 year old in the car. It costs $6000 to replace the engine and I have been unable to come with that to get it fixed. Single mother of 3.

- Frederick, MD, USA

problem #182

Nov 102004

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Ooil pressure light comes on when stopping and car at idle. It goes out when acell erating. This has been going on for three months. Have noticed sludge buildup inside oil filler cap and oil just seems to disappear at times.

- Bellevue, NE, USA

problem #181

Jan 042003

Intrepid

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles
Engine started "knocking" at 45,000 miles. Always had oil changes in timely fashio (3,000 miles/3 months). Cost $3,200 to repair engine.

- Maspeth, NY, USA

problem #180

Nov 051999

Intrepid 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,000 miles
Engine is going to fail in my 99 Dodge Intrepid 2.7.

- West Olive , MI, USA

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