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.
Single mom. Purchased the car in November 2007. Has leaked oil ever since. Did not know that there were so many problems with this car. I don't have $3500 to get my car fixed and I still owe $2000 on it.
This is what I thought was part 1. Part 1 started years ago when I bought this car. Now after reading most of the complaints I want to smack the piss out of the salesman who was a friend. So now after investing literally thousands of dollars, Chrysler should "Show me the Money!!!!!!!!!"
Someone said to me years ago your car is always in the shop I like an idiot got mad and defensive, instead of getting rid of the crap then. I should say this in defense of this and any car When it is working its great but when the problems keep coming that is a warning that there is more here than can be explained. "Lucy you got some splanin to do".
I have almost replaced everything on this car once some things like the window regulator three times, I have had so many oil changes I should own an oil company, not to mention spark plugs no not the regular everyday ones but the "PLATINUM ONES"!!!!
Not just regular oil but the "SYNTHETIC HIGH MILEAGE OIL"!!! Now you need a NEW ENGINE @ 4500.00 "!!! Oh lets not forget the headlamps that have been fogged up forever. "Thanks for making me a silent partner for the Intrepid I had no idea I was an investment holder,, all the money i have put in, boy its gonna be great when i get some back".
Thanks
The unknown Investor
Mr. Intrepid Dodger
I bought my car, and 11 hours after I bought it my engine oil light came on and started with the burning oil smell. I called the dealership where I bought it, they said they just over filled the oil. I took it to my mechanic, who then told me it would be a never ending battle, with this car, boy was he right. I spend about 60 dollars a months on oil, and my mechanic has tried to fix it 6 times in the 1 year that I have owned it. and every time he thinks he fixed it, it started burning oil again within days. There should be a recall on this engine.
I must replace the 2.7l engine asap but I don't know what engine to put back in car because the 2.7 l is no good. The car is good shape and rides good . but engine is gone. Help!!!
- Maury D.,
White, GA, US
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I bought this car used with 122k miles and had it for 3 days when the oil light came on. 1 1/2 weeks later I had the oil changed and had to sign a waiver because there was no oil in it. three weeks later the engine blew (go figure) yeah - no oil. the dealer OLIVERIO'S AUTO SALES is known for this. I was told that it would not be covered under warranty if sludge was problem. I haven't had this car long enough to build up sludge and I had the oil changed within two weeks of purchase. Can't wait to see how this one plays out warranty covers it or court action against dealer.
No oil in the car out of no where and the engine stopped working. and now i got a bad case of rod knock and i can't drive the car so I'm carless. so i think we should all start a petition saying the dodge should recall this car because from my researching i found out that its not just me with this kind of problem. a lot of people with this kind of car got real screwed!
Oil leak costs me about 20 bucks a month. I don't have the money to get it fixed and the car always idles hard. I'm sick of dripping oil everywhere and I'm just waiting for oil sludge to kill the engine. I need there to be a recall before this car dies or i'm screwed. NEVER BUY A DODGE
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
USED A QUART OF OIL A WEEK. BUT AFTER SPENDING $21.00 ON NEW OIL SENSOR ,PROBLEM SOLVED. ALSO NO FLASHING OIL LIGHT.
- Dave B., Puyallup, WA, US