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.
I was driving along when the engine oil light came on, I checked the oill, it was full. Had the the car towed to don jordan Chrysler dealership and was told by the man in the service dept that I would need to replace the engine at a cost of 7.000 plus tax. I still owe 11.000 on a car that is now sitting in my driveway, while I have to rent a car to take my son to and from school and shopping.
Complaint received via E-mail. The engine failed while driving. The oil light came on, and the motor locked up before I could get of the road. I changed the oil between 2500/3000 miles all the time since I have had the car.
Consumer was driving at 30 mph when he heard a noise. Vehicle suddenly stopped while coming to a traffic light. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the engine was found to be defective.
While driving 45 mph the engine failed without warning. The dealer states the engine needs to be replaced. The cause has yet to be determined. Please provide additional information.
- Irving, TX, USA
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While driving to work I heard a knocking sound in the vehicle. I drove the vehcile home on my lunch hour for my husband to look at it. I turned the car off and it would not restart. We had it towed to the dealership and the mechanic initially stated that it may have been the timing chain. After he further inspected the vehicle, we were told that there was sludge in the engine. This vehicle has regular oil changes so this didn't make sense to us. Also, there were no oil lights or engine problem warning lights to indicate a problem. The manufacturer refused any assistance with the repair that was to cost $6700.
Engine began making a clicking sound while driving on the highway at 55mph. Ase certified master technician looked at the vehicle and said that I need a new engine as it is about to cease up due to oil sludge build-up which is common in this particular engine. I maitained my vehicle with routine oil changes and services through my father, who is an ase certified master technician for over 35 years. I feel that DaimlerChrysler corporation should be held accountable for these deffective engines.
While driving 35 mph consumer heard a knocking noises coming from the engine. Then, vehicle stalled. Consumer pulled over, and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
There was a loud knocking coming from the engine. Consumer proceeded to the shoulder of the road, turned the vehicle off and on and the noise was still there. Vehicle was towed, and the engine was found to be defective.
While driving at unknown speed engine seized and the vehicle stalled. Consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. Dealership repaired the problem.
I own a 2000 Dodge Intrepid.I just got it back after having the "sludge" cleaned from the motor.my dealer did cover this under my extended warrenty but how long until it happens again?? there should be a recall on thie engine.
My 2000 Dodge Intrepid engine failed with no warning. I had the car 6 months prior to this incident. The warranty company states that it was due to lack of lubrication and there was engine sludge. I have had 2 oil changes prior to the engine failure. I paid $4428 to have my car repaired.
The check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. A rattling noise was heard coming from the rear. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced because a rod sheared off the engine, and poor lubrication.
My Dodge Intrepid with a 2.7L engine started knocking then locked up while driving so I took to dealer and they said it was neglect and I told them I follow maintence scedule to a T with 3000 mile oil changes and all they told me it was sludged up and will not fix this. This is a defective design when a well maintained car dies at 60,000 miles.
Second engine replacement due to the well known 2.7 L engine problems "oil sludge" ---- how can this continue to happen to so many with no class action suit taking place"?"
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Kellogg, IA, USA