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 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
63,766 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 at approximately 65 mph vehicle completely shut down. There were no brakes, nor power steering, and vehicle coasted to a stop. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was told that the vehicle needed a new engine.
While driving 25 mph consumer heard a noise coming from under vehicle, and vehicle stalled. Consumer pulled vehicle over to inspect under hood, and found that timing chain cracked.
While driving vehicle stalled. Consumer tried to restart vehicle but was unable to do so. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the timing belt broke due to sludge build up inside of the engine, and the engine needed to be replaced.
While driving home my 1999 Dodge Intrepid with 80,000 mile on a 2.7 started making a rattleing noise in the engine. Engine quit in traffic shortly after and I barely avoided an accident. Had car towed to a repair shop where mechanic diagnosed timing chain tensioner failure which resulted in bent valves and major internal damage to engine. Stated engine would have to be replaced at an estimate of $4,800. Stated that so many 2.7 Dodge engines are faulty and breaking down that it is impossible to find a used 2.7 engine in a scrap yard.
- Buffalo, NY, USA
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While traveling at normal speed check engine light illuminated, and engine died. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, who replaced the timing chain, and some engine parts.
While driving at 35 mph vehicle shut down. The oil light illuminated seconds before. Vehicle had to be towed. The mechanic said the timing belt or timing chain needed to be replaced.
While driving at 40 mph consumer heard a loud bang then the vehicle lost power steering and brakes. As a result the vehicle hit a curb and came to a complete stop. The dealership indicated that the timing belt broke which caused the loss of power.
While driving 45 mph the engine failed. The vehicle was towed to an independent auto body shop. The mechanic determined that the timing belt tensioner was bad.
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 vehicle died, whe I bought the car it had 38,000 mile. All the maitenance has been completed. The mechanic states that a new engine needs to be installed. The vehicle only has 54,000 miles
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Forrest Hill, MD, USA