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:
3 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
74,608 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.
Vehicle experienced sudden stalling at 60 mph, and is no longer was able to start. Manufacturer was contacted by the consumer, and was aware of the problem.
I was driving along when suddelny then check engine light came on. Then the car started screeching as I accelerated. When I got to a gas station, I cut the engine off, and the car did not want to start again. I had a mechanic look at it and he said that one of the rods had broke and that I either had to get the engine rebuilt or buy a new engine.
Vehicle stalled on the highway while traveling 65 mph. Driver was pulled over and tried to restart vehicle, but was able to restart it fifteen minutes later. Then, took it to dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced.
Was on vacation drove about 300 miles Dodge interpid made noise and my car stalled. Was told by mechanic motor blown. Took wal-mart to court because the change my oil regliously. It was found they was at no falut. I had my car was repaired cost me over $7000. I stll owe, $5000. On vehicle.
While driving to work, I noticed the engine was making rattling noise. There was no oil indicator light on or engine light on. I took the car in to 3 separate mechanics and was informed by all 3 that the car needed a new engine. They all said that there was sludge in the engine. I took this car in as recommended every 3000 miles for an oil change. This car is barely at 62000 miles and there is no way this should have happened. I was informed it would cost me a bare minimum of $4000 to get the car running. I called the corporate office of daimler Chrysler and they insisted they had not heard of a problem with these engines.
- San Antonio, TX, USA
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While driving at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle began to jerk and the exhaust smoke was very black. The timing chain became defective and the engine stalled completely. The owner had the vehicle towed to the dealer and was informed that a new engine was needed. Provide further details.
While driving 40 mph vehicle stalled, and was towed once. Consumer was able to restart vehicle. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
While driving home consumer heard a noise. Then, took the vehicle to a mechanic, who determined that engine was defective, and urged consumer not to continue driving the vehicle. Consumer tried to make it home, and the vehicle stopped. It had to be towed.
While traveling the vehicle shut down. The consumer had to have the vehicle towed, and it was discovered, the engine is defective and needs to be replaced.
I have a 2000 model Dodge Intrepid with 35,000 original miles on it and a blown engine. I have since found out that this is quite normal for the 2.7 litre V6 engine. They are very expensive and very hard to find used because there are so many incidents. You can look on ebay motors right now at the Dodge Intrepids and there are three with bad motors. Please help me.
The check light remained on while the engine tended to freeze up, could not start the vehicle. Manufacturer was contacted by consumer, and was aware of the problem.
The motor is making extreme noises and I am sure it is ready to fail. I have always changed the oil in the recommended mileages. I am afraid it will lock up on me, and the majority of my driving is highway.
The vehicle stalled unexpectedly on the road and the consumer was unable to restart it. The cause was undetermined at this time and manufacturer will be notified by consumer.
The vehicle was being driven when all of sudden the water pump bearings shot into the oil pan causing the engine not to operate. Owner will notify manufacturer.
While sitting at an intersection vehicle stalled. Driver was able to restart vehicle, and drove it to a mechanic, who determined that the problem could not be duplicated. Later that day the problem recurred and mechanic indicated that the engine needed to be replaced.
The vehicle stopped on its own. Driver tried to restart vehicle, but was unable to do so. Had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced.
Vehicle 2.7L engine seized while driving 50 mph. Consumer was able to coast the vehicle over to the side of the road. Vehicle was towed to the consumer home. The tow truck mechanic informed consumer that the engine needed top replaced. The dealer was not notified at this time.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Staten Island, NY, USA