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.
3.2
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
42,123 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.
Engine is bad. Loud knocking. Originally thought it was main seal that went out but upon further investigation and several mechanics, the engine is gone. Second thought was the oil pump went bad, no luck there either. No known reason for engine to go out and no warning signs. No "check engine" lights or anything else. Car has less than 52,500 miles. Up to this I never had any problems with the vehicle, other than the weather stripping around all four doors keep coming off, even after it was replaced at dealership.
While driving on the freeway at approximately 70 mph, the engine seized without warning. Owner had the vehicle towed to a mechanic and was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. Updated 1/19/2006 - the oil light illuminated on the dash then the engine seized. The vehicle was sent to the salvage yard. The weather strips at the doors were leaking.
Windshield keeps breaking, air system is releasing carbon monoxide into the cabin of the vehicle. Rubber trims for all four doors shrunk. Contacted herb chambers (dealer), I got the usual run around. Contacted the manufacturer via E-mail, they advised me to go back to herb chambers and work out warranty related issues.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Los Angeles, CA, USA