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.
As bad as the situation was, I have some advice, if you're not too far from home like I was (5 miles) you can still make it back and save the money for a tow. Just put on the flashers and go slow, important- watch the temp gauge. If it goes a little above normal you're going too fast. You'll need this extra money for the repair.
In 2 years, I have had almost every problem with this car that you will find mentioned all over the internet. My oil sludge issue didn't kill the engine though, $1,300 for oil pump, timing chain and guide. Also, crank sensor, cam sensor and catalytic converters. Power steering went out 6.5 months ago and then the speedometer, odometer and shifting failed about 6 months ago. I've been limping along on side roads as I save up to replace this giant heap of regret and embarrassment.
Both input and output transmission senors went out with a month. Last one I was on a trip up North. Lucky I was a few miles from a dealer and not on a weekend. Was lucky! Replaced both but lost a lot of time and aggravation....
last month my car would not shift itself past first gear. i thought the transmission was blown . the speedometer and odometer stopped working also. it turned out to be some sort of microchip or switch that ties all of that together. it was 135 dollars and a lot of inconvenience.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
As bad as the situation was, I have some advice, if you're not too far from home like I was (5 miles) you can still make it back and save the money for a tow. Just put on the flashers and go slow, important- watch the temp gauge. If it goes a little above normal you're going too fast. You'll need this extra money for the repair.
- jim a., Mercedes, TX, US