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 purchased a 2001 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 liter from a dealer as-is i test drove the car and besides it fish tailing the engine was fine. I took it to pep boys and to my amazement found out all my tire rods in the front end were broken and it would be a 600 dollar fix. I had it fixed and drove the car for a week and then one day i was sitting in the car with the heat on and it cut off for no apparent reason then it refuse to start back up. Since then i have had a fuel pump put in and several other things and the car still wont start my mechanic is stumped and he is determined to find out what the problem is cause he has never seen anything like this. After doing research i have found out that this year intrepid has a multitude of problems that Dodge knew about but did nothing to rectify. I am disappointed at myself that i didn't research this car more before i purchased it.
after replacing transmission in january of this year have made several trips back to place of services because of vehicle shifting stalling ratting noise also knocking noise check engine light still remain on only to be told that the wrong gasoline is being used in vehicle and advise to take vehicle to another repair shop for help however this is the third repair shop that did not won't to deal with this vehicle now the current problem is that the battery keeps dying
sometimes when I turn the key, i hear a click only and nothing else. it takes a second or third try to engage. this is the second intrepid i have owned and it happened on the old one too, at about 100,000 miles. I traded the car before i found out what the problem was the first time. not sure what i will do this time, i guess i will wait until it gets really bad and then decide
- Anne R.,
Croswell, MI, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I purchased a 2001 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 liter from a dealer as-is i test drove the car and besides it fish tailing the engine was fine. I took it to pep boys and to my amazement found out all my tire rods in the front end were broken and it would be a 600 dollar fix. I had it fixed and drove the car for a week and then one day i was sitting in the car with the heat on and it cut off for no apparent reason then it refuse to start back up. Since then i have had a fuel pump put in and several other things and the car still wont start my mechanic is stumped and he is determined to find out what the problem is cause he has never seen anything like this. After doing research i have found out that this year intrepid has a multitude of problems that Dodge knew about but did nothing to rectify. I am disappointed at myself that i didn't research this car more before i purchased it.
- jbstone55, Louisville, KY, US