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:
30,667 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.
I bought this 1999 Dodge Intrepid from cliffs used cars sales two months ago. Everything seemed good one month or less later driver seat breaks goes backwards. The exterior headlights can't see at night. Tried every type if bulb its the housing units. Now front ebr clynks over every bump and majesa thunp when hard turbubg lft or rt. Steering is out if line. Have no means of getting it repaired still paying in it. 166000 niles and owe $1500. Can anyone help me? this should fall under the recalls
I purchased my 1999 Dodge Intrepid w/28,840 miles. From there it had unreasonably been a lemon and into the "five star" Chrysler dealer at least 8 times. The vehicle had persistant steering issues and abnormalities, wandering, play, abnormal change in sensitivity while driving, noise, tire wear. Dealer could never "duplicate the problems'. the engine blew up at 33,000 miles, had to have replaced. Transmission failed shortly after, had to be rebuilt. Input/output speed sensors failed twice. ABS allowed brakes to lock up twice. Tcm and PCM needed updating due to flawed previous revisions. Power window failed, front bumper, grill paint wearing. Obviously this vehicle was a lemon. The vehicle was finally wrecked after sudden poor steering control after trying to get the dealer to do something many times. DaimlerChrysler denies any manufacturing responsibility. I do not see how they can get away with this. There are many others experiencing similar premature problems that should not be occuring as such. I have started a website against DaimlerChrysler - [xxx] - email address is [xxx] - address: [xxx] san leandro, ca [xxx] parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
While driving on road and letting go of steering vehicle will make almost a comlete turn to left. Contacted dealer, and the dealer tired to remedy problem, but problem still occurs.
- Fulson, CA, USA
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When driving through slush or snow vehicle vibrated badly. Taken to dealer who suggested to take it to car wash ! the vibration occurs at the front end. Vibration is very excessive through steering. The dealer is unable to fix it.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Spokane, WA, USA