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.
I guess you can say that I'm lucky because of the mileage on my vehicle. I don't think so. I have been very consistent with preventive maintenance on this vehicle, but repairs and part replacements have been more consistent. I am at my wits end! I drove my vehicle approximately 5 miles from my home, turned the engine off and five minutes later, it wouldn't start. I tried repeatedly, but no success. I had to call for assistance. It was suggested that the car may need a fuel filter or fuel pump! I've looked for a fuel filter on this vehicle and of course, it's part of another part. After waiting about 30 minutes, it started as if nothing had ever happened. I'll take it to the mechanics tomorrow, if it starts.
Well sometimes when you'd drive the car it would take at least 2-3 times to get the car started. The mechanic of course said it was the fuel pump and it would cost 475.00 to fix it. So there we went and had it fixed. Since then its been about 2-3 weeks and the car is worse than ever. But the car has been back to the mechanic 3 times and its there know. But the car has only acted up on them once. It won't do it again and they don't have a clue why its still doing this. But we are leaving for fla in about a week and we are afraid that it might not start at all. Does anyone think that this is a oil sludge problem?Like all those other people where having?Well we are going to pick it up tomorrow and hope for the best.
- Krista M.,
Vonore, TN, US
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I guess you can say that I'm lucky because of the mileage on my vehicle. I don't think so. I have been very consistent with preventive maintenance on this vehicle, but repairs and part replacements have been more consistent. I am at my wits end! I drove my vehicle approximately 5 miles from my home, turned the engine off and five minutes later, it wouldn't start. I tried repeatedly, but no success. I had to call for assistance. It was suggested that the car may need a fuel filter or fuel pump! I've looked for a fuel filter on this vehicle and of course, it's part of another part. After waiting about 30 minutes, it started as if nothing had ever happened. I'll take it to the mechanics tomorrow, if it starts.
- H P., Birmingham, AL, US