I have a 2000 Dodge Intrepid with a 2.7 engine. I bought the car brand new and have been the primary driver ever since. I have maintained the vehicle and there are only 60,000 miles on it. The car had been driving fine, til one day all of a sudden it started to make a terrible tapping sound from the engine. I managed to get home and after having a mechanic inspect it, he said the engine need to be rebuilt that the timing chain guide let go and that all the guides, gaskets, timing chain, gears, and crankshaft would need to be replaced. I can't believe that a new engine or a rebuilt one would need to be done on a car of this age and such low mileage. I've had a concern with the oil light coming on periodically, but everytime we've had it checked, the oil was full and no problem found, thought to be an electrical concern. Now, I find out after some research that this year vehicle had a defective engine that caused sludge to build up and cause this light to go on and cause engine failure. Shame on Chrysler for making this engine. I think someone at Chrysler should contact me and assist with this repair. I have been buying Chrysler for the last 12 years. My husband and I had a neon, Jeep Cherokee, and currently a grand minivan. My father in law is a proud retired Chrysler automaker. If Chrysler knows there were problems with these engines, then I should be given some consideration. I have always intended to buy Chrysler products, but after this, I don't know if I will ever buy one again, and I will tell everyone I know of this defective product.

- Clinton Twp., MI, USA

- the contact stated that on 02/05/07 the 2000 Dodge Intrepid had engine failure. While driving at 20 mph and pulling into a parking lot the vehicle lost power and smoked started coming from under the hood. There were no warning indicator lights, the engine did not have any perceptible failures. The contact had the vehicle towed to a Dodge dealership, and the service mechanic informed the contact that there was oil leaking all over, but he couldn't find the source of the leak. Then, they called and informed him that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The contact stated that after the repair was completed he was informed by the service mechanic that the cause of the engine freezing up was due to a sludge buildup.

- Bellmore, NY, USA

: the contact stated while driving 40 mph on normal road conditions, a noise was heard from the engine. There were no warning lights to alert the contact. Upon arrival at the contact's residence, the engine stalled and could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, who determined the time belt had fractured, and the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, who informed the engine warranty expired at 36000 miles. The contact was very concerned because the engine had only 97000 miles.

- Narragansett, RI, USA

: the contact stated while the vehicle was at an idle, the oil light illuminated. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who was unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was not alerted.

- Marine City, MI, USA

2.7 Chrysler motor. The timing gears and belt were replaced by marketplace Chrysler Suzuki Inc around 65000. Then the motor develops a lower knock. The same dealership then says Chrysler made a bad motor and it will cost $3200 for a new motor. Will Chrysler own up for their failure ? and put a new motor in my car free of charge.

- Rochester, NY, USA

Replaced timing belt at 80,000 miles. 13,000 miles later the timing belt went again and took out the entire engine. Daimler/Chrysler refuses to do anything about it and was only willing to give a 2% reduction in the cost of a new vehicle. Car has less than 100,000 miles and is a boat anchor that I am still paying on.

- Jackson, MI, USA

Engine fire due to plugged PCV valve. Was not properly or fully inspected by van dyn hoven prior to sale. Also in six months after purchase, replaced mode door actuator, ignition tumbler, oil sensor and then the then the air conditioning compressor failed. Total cost of repairs for 1 year $1047. This car is a perfect example of why most people buy Japanese cars.

- Appleton, WI, USA

: the contact stated while stopped to get gas, the vehicle would not restart. It was towed to an independent repair shop who determined the engine needed to be replaced. Updated 12/28/06.

- Erie, PA, USA

: the contact stated while driving 45 mph, there was a knocking noise in the front of the vehicle. This was followed by the oil light illuminating intermittently, and the check engine light illuminating constantly. The vehicle then sputtered and nearly stalled. When the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the timing chain had punched a hole through the top of the valve cover, which leaked oil over the engine and onto the exhaust, starting a small fire. The vehicle was not taken in for service. The manufacturer was notified.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

: the contact stated the vehicle's engine died due to engine sludge. The service dealer stated the vehicle did not receive regular maintenance, however the contact disputed this assessment and had receipts for the maintenance. The service dealer determined the vehicle needed a new engine.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

: the contact stated the engine had an oil flow problem that caused the engine to die. The service dealer previously replaced the oil flow sensor and now the vehicle needed a new engine.

- Glasgow, KY, USA

: the contact stated the vehicle lost oil pressure causing the oil light on the dashboard to illuminate. When the transmission was put into a gear from idle, the vehicle accelerated roughly. The contact expressed concern that the engine would fail completely.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

I have a 2000 Dodge Intrepid and over the weekend the engine blew and I was almost involved in an accident due to the engine failing. I took it to a mechanic and there was sludge inside and now they are saying the engine is no good and that I need to new one. I went to google to get more information on the engine and I came across a link that there are other people in my situation. If someone can please reply back to me with any new information about the engine. I love my Intrepid and wish the engine was made to last.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

: the contact stated while driving 70 mph on the interstate, the engine stalled and there was a loss of all vehicle power without warning. The contact managed to pull over without incident. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. Although the dealer was alerted, the vehicle was not inspected. The manufacturer was also alerted.

- Marshfield, MO, USA

: the contact stated while traveling 15 mph, the vehicle stalled and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop who determined there was sludge in the oil and the timing belt snapped. The engine needed to be replaced.

- Worcester, MA, USA

: the contact stated while driving 70 mph on a dry clear highway, the check engine oil lights illuminated and the temperature gauge rose to the maximum heat indication, just before the engine failed, and coasted to a stop. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The service dealer and manufacturer were notified.

- Marshfield, MO, USA

: the contact stated the check engine and oil lights illuminated while driving 35 mph on dry city pavement. A noise was heard prior to the incident. The vehicle was driven home and later towed to an independent repair shop who replaced the engine and transmission.

- Killeen, TX, USA

: 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.

- Louisville, KY, USA

Engine failed during operation due to poor engineering.

- Youngsville, LA, USA

: the contact stated while accelerating from a stop sign, the vehicle stalled without warning. Afterwards, the engine was restarted, but the engine continued to stall at various speeds. The vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the engine stalling.

- Odessa, TX, USA