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:
2 / 7
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
65,827 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.
While driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The driver tried to restart the vehicle and was not able to do so. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the engine needed to be replaced.
Defective 2.7 liter Dodge Intrepid (2000) engine. Engine sludge builds up with proper maintenance. Time chain broken 1st time at 62837 miles, sensors problems because of sludging at 64694 miles. Timing chain broke again 12/04. Car in not running at this time.
Air came from the brake pedal, upon starting the vehicle and depressing the pedal. Consumer tapped the pedal and it felt frozen. Mechanic upon inspection indicated that the brake booster had gone out. Vehicle was flat bedded to the dealership. Dealership kept the vehicle for 7 days, ran 3 diagnostic test, before replacing the brake booster. Within 10 miles of picking up and driving the vehicle from the dealership the engine light came on. The consumer pulled over add 3 quarts of oil and proceeding on. Suddenly the transmission made a clung noise, flowed by the engine stalling. The vehicle coasted to the side of the highway. The mechanic found metal filing in the oil.
While driving 40 mph, the vehicle stalled. The driver tried to restart the vehicle and was not able to do so. The vehicle was towed home. The consumer was informed by the dealer the that the engine needed to be replaced.
While driving 37 mph, the vehicle stall without warning. The driver tried to restart the vehicle and was not able to do so. The vehicle was towed to a body shop for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the engine needed to be replaced.
- Painted Post, NY, USA
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Engine was replaced because of a sludge build up. Vehicle was making a noise. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and the engine had a sludge build up.
Consumer heard a loud noise coming from the engine before it eventually stalled. Took vehicle to dealer for check up, and results showed that the vehicle needed a new engine.....
While driving 55 mph the vehicle lost all power and steering. None of the dash light illuminated to indicate a problem. The vehicle was towed and it was later determined that the engine had blown. The consumer stated that no engine light came on. The engine had 84000 miles on it.
While driving 40 mph, the consumer heard a loud squeaking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Suddenly, the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably and stalled. The consumer tried to restart the vehicle and was not able to do so. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the engine needed to be replaced.
While driving, the engine started making a loud knocking noise and then vehicle began to vibrate. The engine stopped running and had to be towed. A rep. From the dealership came out to inspect the vehicle and indicated the engine failure was due to oil sludge build up which is a common failure with this size engine.
The vehicle stalled while driving, the consumer noticed that the check engine light flashed on then off. The consumer tried to restart the vehicle but was unable to do so. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The mechanic informed the consumer that the engine needed to be replaced due to sludge build up.
While driving, the consumer heard a rattling sound. The consumer took the vehicle into the mechanic and was told the engine was defective. The consumer proceeded to drive the vehicle home at 15 mph and the engine shut down.
While applying the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled. The consumer was able to restart the vehicle, and took it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced.
2000 Dodge Intrepid with 57,000 miles that has oil changed like clock work. Car has thrown a rod and is needing a new engine. My extended warranty company is refusing to pay due to saying my engine had sludge on it.
While driving 30 mph, the consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle, suddenly the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to a garage for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the engine needed to be replaced.
I heard a knocking in my engine. The next day I got my oil changed. After my oil was changed the knocking started get worse and louder. Later on that day, while at a busy intersection my car died. Lucky I got to the other side of the road. Got my mechanic to come get my car, but he suggested I not try to fix it because of the problem with this type of engine.
Engine unexpectedly will not start. Consumer contacted manufacturer, and was informed that this vehicle was no longer under warranty, and needed a new engine in order to repair.
Vehicle has a 2.7L engine which stalled. Vehicle was towed to an engine repair shop. Consumer also contacted the manufacturer, who claimed that there wasno problem with the 2.7L engine. Mechanic informed consumer that the engine would need to be replaced.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Sunrise, FL, USA