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 started my car one day while at a local shop. There was a loud squeal and a lot of smoke from the hood followed by a loud bang. Discovered the AC belt had broken. Took the car to the dealership as it was under extended warranty where I discovered my Ac compressor had seized and the whole AC system had to be replaced. Most of the work was under warranty. I had a $500 out of pocket for the repair. Was without my car for several days.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I started my car one day while at a local shop. There was a loud squeal and a lot of smoke from the hood followed by a loud bang. Discovered the AC belt had broken. Took the car to the dealership as it was under extended warranty where I discovered my Ac compressor had seized and the whole AC system had to be replaced. Most of the work was under warranty. I had a $500 out of pocket for the repair. Was without my car for several days.
I should have know worse was yet to come.
- Cherie C., Hendersonville, PA, US