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.
6.5
fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$530
Average Mileage:
51,250 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
new lights are overpriced, not replaced at this time (3 reports)
My car stays under the car garage. The lights are always shielded from the sun. This is a defect in the headlight. I had to pay $300 a piece to replace them. This was just the beginning of my problems with this car.
I've removed the seal and tried to try them out but it does no good. The seals on these lights are horrid. Replacement is 500.00 per light. WAY to much money to put into a light. I installed brighter bulbs to some what get around it. Sooner or later I will replace them but not right now.
Another problem with seals. Headlights are constantly fogged up. Dealer will not replaced or correct. They told me it would cost $570 each to replaced the headlight units. I will not pay that kind of money for something that was obviously installed incorrectly at the factory. Another problem has just started, while driving (daytime or night) the interior lights just come on. Sometimes after I get home, I have to go out and try to turn the interior lights off. They just come on while the car is sitting (locked up) in the parking lot. I have always purchased American cars, usually Chrysler products, but I will never, never buy another American car. My next car will be a Honda, Toyota, or Nissan. I have friends who have all the above cars and all they have to do is change the oil, put on new tires, and change the wiper blades. Oh, also the air conditioning went up on the Intrepid. Thankfully, that was covered by the extended warranty. I have owned two Dynasty's and each had over 100,000 miles when traded and I never had the problems that I have had with this Intrepid. I am fed up with Chrysler.
- Linda S.,
Nottingham, MD, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
My car stays under the car garage. The lights are always shielded from the sun. This is a defect in the headlight. I had to pay $300 a piece to replace them. This was just the beginning of my problems with this car.
- ldogle, Rockmart, GA, US