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:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
56,810 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 traveling at about 30 mph engine sensor light started to flash. Consumer started to exit highway when vehicle completely died. Consumer states this was a very dangerous situation because of oncoming vehiclesthat were speeding in that direction. Vehicle was towed to dealer. Dealer stated that motor was locked and engine exploded. But, consumer heard no explosion. Dealer said engine needed replacement.
When driving at any speed or at any given time vehicle will cut off without prior warning which caused loss of all power. Engine checklight illuminated on the dash. Dealer believed problem was linked to battery terminal or transmission.
After driving consumer parked vehicle inside of a garage and went inside the house. Then she noticed that smoke was coming from garage, and saw vehicle on fire. Consumer believed that fire had started in the engine.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Peoria, IL, USA