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.
We at first were told it was just low on refrigerant, so we filled it. After the third time of refilling it at $26.00 for just the refrigerant each time, we were told we needed a new unit. With all the other problems, who can afford it?!
Air conditioner stopped working. Started blowing hot air on two occasions in two different years. Had air condition leaks repaired two years straight cost $800.00 to have problem corrected. This car is just a bad product that Chrysler has produced for this year!
Thanks to all the great, but unfortunate people who contributed to this site, i was able to get rid of my 2000 Dodge intrepid before i shared a similar horror story. I bought it used with about 35,000 miles in january of 03. after a couple months, a major gasket blew in the transmission. Fortunately that was still under warranty. But in the last year or two, one by one, 3 of the 4 door locks stopped working. Then in the past few weeks, the Air conditioner has only been blowing hot air. So i take it to the dealership, thinking its gonna be about a $500 job. I was blown away when i got hit with an estimate over $1000! The A/C condenser needs replaced, that was almost $500 then i needed 3 new door latches at almost $200 a piece. I had NEVER heard of one of these door latches going bad, let alone THREE on the same car. I denied the repairs and went to the internet to look for parts, when i found this site. Every one's own Intrepid horror story about the 2.7L engine was enough for me to get rid of the car before it dies on me. Luckily i have a brother who sells Pontiacs and he was able to help me out, knowing that DODGEs are pieces of sh*t! Its sad, because i remember when DODGE/Chrystler was a respectable name in cars. And the way they treat their customers is disgusting! I hope enough people stand up against them and boycott their vehicles.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Over all my Intrepid has been a great car, The AC has a leak that I have to recharge every 3 weeks but now winter is here!
- roberts.c, Lexington, SC, US