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.
3.2L engine began knocking and needed replacement at 33,215 miles. Dealership tried to blame failure on me for not changing the oil. After providing a receipt to prove the oil was just changed 2215 miles prior, they reluctantly reconsidered. Dealer stated that they were "unauthorized to find out what caused the failure".
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
3.2L engine began knocking and needed replacement at 33,215 miles. Dealership tried to blame failure on me for not changing the oil. After providing a receipt to prove the oil was just changed 2215 miles prior, they reluctantly reconsidered. Dealer stated that they were "unauthorized to find out what caused the failure".
- intrepidproblems, San Leandro, CA, US