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:
45,025 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.
The problem started with the steering wheel sticking and making loud clunking noises when attempting to make turns. I took my car to my mechanic who couldn't identify the problem. Needless to say, the problem got progressively worse. The steering was so loose, I could turn the steering wheel from the 10 O'clock to the 2 O'clock position and the wheels would not even move. On November the 19th, I took my car to a Dodge dealership who identified the problem as the rack and pinion.... a problem that would cost me over a $1000 to repair. I had no choice but to come up the money or risk killing myself or some one else due to steering failure. My car is less than 3 years old and has approximately 68000 miles. After much research, I have discovered that there are many people who are experiencing the same problem. This is a serious safety issue that needs to be properly addressed. Undoubtedly a recall is in order and a reimbursement for those who have already had to pay for these repairs.
Consumer stated while driving on the highway, the steering became more difficult while being driven. Before total loss of steering, there was a loud squealing noise that came from the engine compartment.
The rack and pinion was replaced at 24,000 miles and was covered by warranty. The rack and pinion failed again at 39000 miles and had to pay a $300 deductible. Also the valve cover gaskets leaked.
While traveling on the highway, the consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle, causing rack and pinion to go out.. the consumer noticed slack in the steering and rattling in the front at around 75000 miles. The steering became stuck during left and right turns.. the tie rods were replaced and also the rack and pinion needed to be replaced, however the consumer declined the repairs.
I bought my 2000 Dodge Intrepid in Feb. 2003 with 37,295 miles on it. Started to notice the car pulling to the right and a lot of play in the steering wheel. I took the car to keystone Chrysler to be serviced on May 15, 2003. Steve haller(rep.) said it sounds like an alignment problem. When I called Mr. Haller to check how things were going, he said they were having some trouble trying to align the car, but they will get it done. I dropped the car off at 7 a.M. and the car was not finished until 2:30 that afternoon. That seems like a long time for an alignment. When I picked the car up, I still noticed a lot of play in the steering wheel and the drifting to the right. It was as if I had no control over which direction the car was going. I then took the car back to the dealership and they said they would correct the problem. Mr. Doolittle(another rep.) then called me at home that afternoon to tell me that there is no alignment problem, but there is a problem with the rack and pinion. He said it needs to be replaced soon, but will cost $1200. He also told me that the car is unsafe to drive and he recommend that I do not drive it home. Well, I had no other choice but to go pick up the car and drive it home. I did not have $1200 to fix the rack and pinion. On June 14, 2003, my car lost control. It pulled to the left and would not budge. It now sits in my driveway collecting dust. I recently been investigating into this rack and pinion problem with Intrepid's and I realize I am not the only one with this problem. Yet the problem is so common that the part is on back order because of high demand. Doesn't that say anything to the Chrysler corporation? the steering problems with the Dodge Intrepid is so serious, it is taking lives and injuring many people. I feel the rack and pinion should be recalled and fixed before it injures or kills anyone else.
- Kansas City, KS, USA
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Consumer requesting refund for work done on vehicle. The steering was loose due to internal play in the rack and pinion. The rack and pinion was replaced. Scc
My Dodge Intrepid has 73000 highway miles. I am having severe steering problems that will require me to replace my rack and pinion steering to correct. The cost of this replacement will be $1500. I feel the rack and pinion steering problem should be considered a safety failure subject to recall.
The shocks and cooling fan had to be replaced. The vehicle continued in a straight path although the steering wheel was turned left. The rack and pinion was replaced.
I have only made 4 payments on this car, and I am scheduled for my 7th repair attempt on 12/3/02. To date, I have had 2 steering pump replacements, 1 rack & pinion replacement, a complete steering fluid change with fluid supposedly specified by Dodge, 1 appointment that ended up being a test drive only-was advised to take car home pending response from Dodge on how to proceed with repairs..(was told response "didnt really pertain to my car.."), 1 vent wire and oil sender unit replaced, and in August 02, I had a 1 month auto check up. These repairs, while not all in sequence, took place between 9/17/02-11/20/02.my steering problem returned in full force 11/25/02. The steering is loud and does not quiet when driving. I am terrified to drive this car for fear of causing an accident. This car, in my opinion, is very dangerous! of late, Dodge is covering it's inability to repair this car with arrogance, and I'm frightened enough of this car that I intend to start a lemon law arbitration. As you may notice, I was unable to answer some of the mechanical questions on this form, so I left them as they were.
I purchased my 2000 Dodge Intrepid with only 26,000 miles in Nov. 2001. Since then I have replaced my input/out transmission sensors, and have been told that I must now replace my rack and pinion assembly due to steering problems. After doing some research I have found that this premature failure is very common and an on going problem with Dodge Intrepids. The manufacture should be held accoutable and forced to recall all vehicles having these and other common problems with defective parts. The problem with the steering defect on this vehicle is a very dangerous and will cost lives if not address by NHTSA.
Steering very loose. My mechanic identified problem. I took vehicle to a Chrysler dealership, where they confirmed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. Vehicle 2 yrs. Old. Problem started before 45,000 miles. Spoke to dealership, who consulted with Chrysler. Will not even provide partial compensation. Mechanic deems vehicle unsafe. Steering could go completely.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Martinsburg, WV, USA