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.
8.0
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,250
Average Mileage:
80,000 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
pay for sensor-cam, tensioner, timing chain and alot of labour (3 reports)
I was excited about having my first car, my dad came one day and said to me, LET'S GO TO THE DODGE DEALER, really i was looking for economy anda a pretty good look car, and i pick the dodge intrepid. The first year was working perfect, but one day the timing chain failed, so what i did? one month passed and nobody could fix the timing chain, because every time that the work was done! the timing chain failed again and again, i recomend you to get a chrysler concorde, a car perfect that i have now!! I put $4500 dollars on the dodge intrepid, and i'm assure that the intrepid is one of the badest cars that the dodge company have sale.
We just got the car back from deal for "another" problem and had it for 130 miles when check engine light comes on and it seemed to loose power and then I noticed a ticking noise like a "diesel engine". Sent it to deal and they said it was the Timing Tensioner and was cause by "not changing oil" properly. Well that's Bull! And now I see along with the other complaints that it is bull. Thank God the X-tended warranty is covering this!!!
For those of you reading this article please take my advice. Stay clear of the 2.7 L engine that is still in use today in the Interpid and Sebring. If you do have one get read of it before 50000 miles the engines are prone to premature failure. I have spoken to several Chrysler mechanics with the same answer simply that the engines are faulty. Forget about getting Chrysler to back you up as after the warranty expires you are on your on. As far as changing the oil - this is BS. I have owned a honda Civic and changed the oil every 15,000 KM and never a problem - finally got rid of it because it rusted out after 12 years.
Long story short - last year the tensioner that controls the timing went bad... after bringing the car to two Chrysler dealerships and $2,000 later it worked for 10 months. Now the Oil Pump is supposedly gone and caused the same timing problem - car basically sounds like an egg beater clicking and clacking.
STAY AWAY FROM THE 2.7 Litre engine - if you have one sell it while it is still running. As of today I have just sold the 1999 Intrepid to the local junk yard for $650 US. Unbelievable, this was the advice of the Chrysler mechanic! Last Chrysler product for me.
- gtontario,
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
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nonbody want the car after talking to the auto mechanic
- Eric R., Livonia, MI, US