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 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
20,900 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.
: the contact stated the vehicle hesitated intermittently before it finally stalled. Also, the brakes did not hold properly. The dealer determined the engine needed to be replaced due to sludge. The dealer also replaced the brake pads, rotors and calipers but indicated the ABS sensor also needed to be replaced.
(1) dashboard lights occasionally flickering. (2) ABS brakes engaged on freeway at 70 mph without stepping on brake pedal. Had battery tested. It was bad. (3) traded vehicle in for a new car two days later. Did not drive car any more at freeway speeds.
Upon hitting a deer T electrical box split open, and caused a fire, burning entire car. Airbags did not go off, and anti-lock brakes locked up for at least 6 feet.
- Boonville, NY, USA
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Brake fluid for ABS system leaked into engine. Also, when coming to a gradual or a sudden stop vehicle shook intermittently. Dealer has been contatced, but was unable to locate source of problem. While driving, consumer heard a dinging and then the brake light illuminated, consumer checked the brake fluid and found there was not any in the fluid container, consumer has had to add brake fluid every 1000 miles.
Transmission failed at seven hundred miles. Vehicle was hauled to the dealer, after inspection it was determined that pieces of transmission came apart which possibly caused additional problems with. Also, when driving brakes kick in without operator depressing brake pedal brake light illuminated on the dash.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Louisville, KY, USA