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.
While driving 65 mph, a loud noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. The oil light flashed on the dashboard and remained on. The consumer was able to pull over and then the vehicle stalled. The driver tried to restart the vehicle but was unable to do so. The consumer had the vehicle towed. The mechanic informed the driver that the engine needed replacement. Please fill in additional information.
I received my 1999 Dodge Intrepid December of 2002, the car had about 23000 miles on it one day in October 2004 while on my way to work I felt something put and I no longer had control of the car. The engine never started agai. I have always changed my oil regularly and am able to produce receipts of this. The warranty company would not authorize the mechanic to diagnose the problem stating I had not produced enough receipts of oil changes. Carmaxx from whom I purchased the car states there was little oil on the dip stick then stated there was no oil on the stick.
While driving 25 mph the engine seized without warning. As a result the vehicle had to be towed. The cause has yet to be determined. Please provide additional information.
While driving 30 mph consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Suddenly the vehicle stalled. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that sludge was found inside the engine, and engine needed to be replaced.
- Rhinelander, WI, USA
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While driving vehicle stalled. Consumer was able to restart the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that computer and engine needed to be replaced.
After trying to start the vehicle, it would not start. The mechanic stated the engine needed to be replaced. The consumer stated that the vehicle had been properly maintained.
1999 Dodge Intrepid VIN#[xxx] the engine is not good my car was burning oil. I warranty company denied the claimant and jay wolfe Dodge advise that it would be $7,000 to $8,000 to replace the motor. I can't afford that when I owed $10,000 on the car. The oil was clotting up in bottom of the oil pan. I have receipts where I have always changed my oil. I believe its a problem with Dodge motor being bad. I'm out of car and making a car payment and just having a hard time making it because of this car. My payment month is $413 that alot of money. Dodge need to make it right. I will not never buy a Dodge vehicle again. Updated 07/25/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
There was nothing leading up to the failure of my 2.7L engine. As soon as I came to a stop sign (in a vacationing town). The engine just stopped. When I tried to start it again, it started to screech like metal scratching. I had to pay to get my car towed back to my home, where it now sits for at least three weeks. I have always maintained my car mechanically, so this shouldn't have happened. So basically I can't drive my car until I replace the engine which will cost at least $6000 or more, money I don't have since I'm laid off of work. I have no vehicle to even look for a job.ak
I have a 1999 Dodge Intrepid that has an oil sludge problem. Recently I have seen an investigation into these engines on the abc 7 Chicago news. I have been making $325 a month payments; while my car has been sitting in my driveway. I would like to see something done about this alarming problem. Thank you.
Our 1999 Dodge Intrepid engine failed 6-30-04 we had antifreez in the engine so sludge stoped the car I have my oil change reciepts and took very good care of this car we did not spend 7,500 to repair. This problem and now I see others have had same engine sludge issues
While driving 45 mph vehicle stalled. Consumer was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to sludge in the engine.
2.7 liter Intrepid engine failed at 115,000 miles due to oil sludge build-up, which caused a lower rod bearing failure. Engine was well maintained and oil was changed every 3000-4000mi (less than the owner's manual recommendation of 7,500).
When driving on the the expressway, my car started to make a loud noise so I slowed down to pull over to check it out. While slowing down, the car died on the expressway before I could get off. I finally got the car to start and got off immediately! while trying to find some where to pull into the car continued to make the loud noise and kept dying. I finally could not keep it running so I called to have it towed to my mechanic's. the mechanic said that the engine had gunked up and the engine would need to be replaced. I just purchased this car 2 years ago and still owe $11, 000. Now I have an estimate for $7,500 and no way to pay for this large repair. So, I now have a dead car that I have to continue to make payments on and insure. I have always taken care of my car and I feel that there may be a manufacturer's defect.
Engine locked up on 1999 Dodge interpid. Oil sludge, lost about $6000 for car. Only got $100 for trade in. Car was 1999, broke in 2003, had less than 100,000 miles.
My engine siezed at 57,963 miles with no prior warning. The car was maintained to the manufacturers specifications. I was unable to get assistance from the dealer, extended warranty company or diamler Chrysler.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Whiting, IN, USA