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.
3.1
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
45,550 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 to work, low oil pressure light came on. Car stopped working had and extended warranty, took it to a mechanic. Mechanic found that the timing chain had broke causing the motor to go out. Per tech sludge cause the timing chain and motor to go out. Not covered under warranty due to lack of maintenance. Have only had car less than 4 months. I know their is alot of class act lawsuits on Dodge Intrepid for motor failing. Pls help!! per tech stated that their was lots of sludge in the car. I have read all the complaints on this car and they all state about the same failures. Sludge making motors and timing chains go bad.
On christmas day, I was driving on interstate 5 in California on my way to disneyland with my family and very quickly my engine overheated and stalled in the fast lane, thank goodness it was christmas day and there were'nt very many vehicles on the highway. We made it to the shoulder and had a tow truck pick up the vehicle for $120. My vehicle arrived at my mechanic and after a day of reviewing my vehicle he called me and told me that the timing belt failed and I broke 2 piston valves. I needed a new engine. The cost of the engine in $3,000 this is not a cost that is reasonable for a well maintained vehicle repair.
: the contact stated there was a noise coming from the engine. It sounded as though valves were clanking. The noise occurred one day prior to the vehicle not starting. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The dealership determined the timing chain broke causing the valves to fall into the pistons. The engine needs to be rebuilt as a result.
- Lorain, OH, USA
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The contact stated while driving vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a local dealership. They replaced the timing chain, intake manifold, coolant tube, and serpentine belt. The vehicle was driven home. The vehicle drove fine for awhile. The vehicle then experienced the same problem. It was taken back to the dealership, and they replaced the chain tensioner. The vehicle drove fine again for awhile. Then it started experiencing the same problem. It was taken to an independent repair shop. They found that when the previous dealership had replaced the chain tensioner they had not tightened the bolts properly. This caused the valves and the head to be warped. No repairs were made.
The contact stated while driving heard a clanking noise underneath the hood. He immediately drove the vehicle to the service dealership for inspection. The service dealer determined that the timing chain stretched and released metal shavings into the engine, resulting in a complete engine failure. The engine was disassembled to estimate the damages. The final diagnosis concluded that the engine would have to be replaced. No repairs have been performed.
The contact stated the timing chain tensioner was replaced three times. It was replaced 500 miles ago, and is currently working correctly. Updated 12/27/2005 - each time it failed it caused the engine to seize and result in loss of power steering and power brakes. The timing chain has been replaced at 64306 miles, 72687 miles and 80982 miles.
Contact states when she starting the vehicle there was a loud noise. The dealership said it was the oil gasket, alternator idler pulley, and the air conditioner idler pulley. She has not contacted the manufacturer. She contacted dealer about the extended warranty. They stated the parts for her vehicle was not covered by her warranty. The dealership will repair the vehicle at contact's expense.
On August 18, 2005 the engine stalled while the consumer was stopping at a stop light. She was able to get safely off the road. When she took vehicle to dealer for repairs they told her that the timing chain failed and would need a new motor. There had been no previous problems with the vehicle. There were no accidents.
My engine failed on my 2000 Dodge Intrepid. The problem started with my timing chain coming apart in the engine with the engine since quitting completely. This is the same type of problem many others have listed on the internet with the timing chain and a huge engine repair cost. I do not have the money to fix a car that is so old, and I'm left paying for a car that doesn't run. Please add my name and information to the other lists of complaints for this Dodge Intrepid problem.
While driving at 35 mph, suddenly a loud tapping noise was heard from engine compartment. Then, the vehicle stalled. Vehicle was towed to the dealership. The timing chain broke. This was a common problem with these my vehicles.
While driving approximately 40 mph engine inadvertently stalled. When taken to get it serviced it was determined that stalling was due to the timing chain.
2000 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 L V6 - timing chain failed while in traffic making the car inoperable. Time cover exploded. Valves are bent.cannot be repaired. Will require entire new motor.
Rattling was heard coming from the engine motor upon starting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic, who indicated that the noise was due to an interference motor. The timing chain came off of the engine. This engine was in high demand due to the high failure rate which would cost $45000-$65000 to replace.
While driving 15 mph vehicle stalled. Consumer was unable to restart the vehicle, and had it towed to a garage for inspection. Mechanic determined that the steering power assist pump and timing belt needed to be replaced.
We begain experiencing an engine knock. Dealer diagnosis "rattle noise in the engine area -- noise found to be timing chain hitting front cover. Motor slightly sludged -- replaced timing chain, tensioners and guides, flused motor and changed oir and filer" total repair cost $1355.55.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Odessa, TX, USA