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.
9.6
really awful- Typical Repair Cost:
- $4,500
- Average Mileage:
- 89,750 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 149 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
- never buy a Chrysler again (63 reports)
- replaced with a used/rebuilt engine (30 reports)
- not sure (20 reports)
- bought a new car that's not a Dodge (13 reports)
- replace engine (9 reports)
- replace with a 3.2L or 3.5L engine (6 reports)
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engine problem
Helpful websites
- Oil Sudge - Helpful info
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I purchased the car it had 65,000 miles. It now has 106,000.00 I change the oil on a regular bases. The car started to overheat about a month ago but when I turned on the heater it would cool off so I am thinking I need someone to check the air condishing. I was told that Dodge had a problem with the cooling system and sometimes air pockets got in the engine. I had the oil changed and the air pocket was fixed. 3 weeks later a hear a tick. 3 days after the tick the engine freezes up. Come to find out I have sludge in the engine cause from a problem with the cooling system. I know have a car that is not paid for I owe $800.00 plus $275.00 to tow it and find out it will take a rebuilt motor $3800.00 or a new motor$5800.00 to fix. I do not have that money. My Mechanic told me that when he went to price a new engine he was asked a lot of questions about what was wrong with the engine almost as if Dodge knows something is wrong and want to cover them selfs.
We all deserve help with this problem
- Bella B., Aurora, IL, US