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 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
79,812 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.

2000 Dodge Intrepid lights problems

lights problem

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2000 Dodge Intrepid Owner Comments

problem #5

Feb 242015

Intrepid

  • 135,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Intrepid. While driving at 55 mph, there was a burning odor. In addition, the steering wheel made an abnormal noise when turning in both directions and all lights, meters, and gauges on the instrument panel failed to function. The contact also stated that the rear lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.

- Reeds Spring, MO, USA

problem #4

Aug 252003

Intrepid

  • miles
The headlights have maintained a yellowish tint to them and driving at night is very hard as the lighting is impaired. This has gone on for about 6 years now. The local dealership where purchased has offered to buff and clean them at $100. There are cracks in the plastic covers. The car has not been in a crash. Although when we took car for 6000 mile oil change an employee parked the car behind a Dodge truck. The owner of the truck chose to leave and backed over the front end of the car. We finally worked out the details and had to replace the hood and fenders at a local body shop and was paid for use of a rental vehicle. The interior and exterior lights have been blinking off and on for about 5 years now. I have taken the car to the dealership on several different occasions to check the wiring, switches, connections, etc, but they are unable to find problem. It doesn't matter if the lights are turned on or turned off-the blinking occurs randomly during the day or night when driving. It's scary at night as other drivers may feel I am flashing my lights at them. Originally when the car was made the rubber covering the door windows was for the stratus so I had to have them replaced. They have not remained in place since them. They are constantly coming off. The dealership wants to charge me for fixing the problem so I have just dealt with it. While car was still under warranty the drivers seat mechanism to adjust for your back failed and would cost me over $800 to fix. So I have just let it go. It seems like the extended warranty I purchased rarely covered anything. I would like to have the headlight covers replaced and the entire lighting repaired to prevent a serious accident or death.

- Kernersville, NC, USA

problem #3

Jun 202008

Intrepid

  • 122,541 miles
Had mild tapping sound from engine a few months ago, took vehicle to the mechanic and that is where I learned the reputation of the 2.7 liter engine. He advised that we should look for another vehicle before we became the latest victim. Unfortunately, on the way home from work one afternoon the engine started developing an even more pronounced clattering, knock and vibration; as if it were about to tear itself apart. Pulled over to avoid subjecting engine to even more damage. Had to have it towed home. Will not spend another dollar on this vehicle until Chrysler hands me a check from a lawsuit settlement.

- Suwanee, GA, USA

problem #2

Jul 152003

Intrepid

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,017 miles
Engine in 2000 Chrysler Intrepid started tapping noise at 58017km brought to dealer with complaint, told they would not take engine apart to check noise. I told them I had been told that the 2.7 engine had problems with sludge that prevented the oil from circulating properly. They still refused to check engine. At just over 62000 km engine became noisy. Brought it back to dealer who kept the car for two weeks, then told me engine needed to be replaced at a cost of $6500 and there would be no warranty coverage or goodwill. I gave them a complete history of maintenance records showing that proper maintenance was done with in the required mileage and time. They have told me that the invoices do not clearly identify my 2000 black Intrepid and that it could of been another car. I only own one 2000 Intrepid. The invoice shows the work the mileage and my name and date. Next me they told me the invoice numbers were too close together. The work was done at four different garages. Then they told me there was sludge that showed the vehicle was not properly maintained. Then they asked me the brand of oil the garages used as it may have been faulty. End result is that they refuse to change their position in regards to warranty coverage or goodwill repairs and I will have to replace an engine that was bought brand new in May 2001. I am frustrated and do not know where to turn. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

- Barrie, UN, USA

problem #1

Jun 152003

Intrepid

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,500 miles
I have also replaced front passenger side door lock actuator. Now the driver side back lock actuator is going out. I have not fixed the radio, dash lights or dome lights. I am out of money for the time being. I had to refinance and add $4900. To get most of the repairs done. My engine blew due to sludge and I now have a used rebuilt one that will probably do the same thing.

- Warner Robins, GA, USA

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