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 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
37,732 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.
On 2 separate occasions vehicle experienced input and output sensor failure. The sensor controls and communicates with the rpms and transmission, per consumer. When this failure occurs vehicle immediately drops into second gear and accelerates from 30 - 60 mph, without accelerator pedal being depressed. The dealership and manufacturer are aware of the failure and are replacing sensor with a newer model.
I have a 2000 Dodge Intrepid and had a sudden engine failure on June 12, 2003 it caused rapid acceleration/ deceleration and there could have been serious injury to other parties and myself, had in it occurred in a populated area instead of the country road I was on. The engine failed and had to be replaced.
When pressing on the brakes at approximately 25mph for a red light, the car began to accelerate and would not stop, causing a crash into another car in the intersection.
Would wait at stop sign/light & take foot off brakes slightly, vehicle would jump & accelerate forward. Have taken vehicle to dealership for repairs. Wheels were rubbing against hub assembly. Problem of acceleration was found & mechanic replaced valve. The hub assembly had problem and was replaced. The acceleration problem was not solved and resulted in three vehicle accident.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Irving, TX, USA