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.
Engine stalled suddenly. Timing chain is broken with possible extensive damage to the engine. The mechanics say they won't now the extent of any damage until they get into the engine.
I took it to the dealer, who had it checked then called to tell me that the tensioner was bad and that it would only cost $800.00 to fix. I had it fixed. This was 10/3/06. Today's date is 11/16/06 and it is back at the dealer and they call to tell me that the guides on the timing chain are bad and that they are made of plastic and that these guides broke, falling into the oil drip pan which needs to be taken off and cleaned out. They offered me a packet which has guides, tensioner and all. I asked why these guides weren't replaced when the tensioner was replaced and the guy told me that the guides weren't bad. Come on!!!!!! They're PLASTIC. I'm a WOMAN and I'm not that stupid!!!!! My car is 5 yrs. old. I bought it new. It has 32,000 miles on it. I've kept every maintenance appointment to keep it in great running order. This is costing me an additional $900.00. It's only been a month. The Lemon Law???????? It should should be adjusted to protect problems such as these as well. I realize it's a problem to tear engines down but these days, everything is made of plastic. The part may cost you $50.00 but the labor could be $600.00. Back in horse and buggy days, if there was a problem, they just shot the horse and bought a new one. This is just plain crazy.
I am seeing a lot of other people with the same problem - appears the Dodge engines have oil problems - oil pump just went out 3000 miles after the timing chain / water pump disaster
first timing chain apparently broke while driving, then come to find out the sludge build-up on the engine. Thankfully mechanic told me this before ripping me off, and charging me an arm and a leg to fix (or rather not fix) the problem, since the only solution is for Dodge to replace all the engines.
Car went dead in Feb. of 2006 had it towed to D&D in Hobart Indiana. Then the nightmare began. It finally was finished ready to drive in mid April. but not before a ton of parts had to be replaced. Timing chain, tensioner, assorted gaskets, sensors, bolts, a valve job and assorted rods and more gaskets. Of course all of this was done at my expense of $4000. Am in the process of getting some info. from Black Rose 322 about a possible class action law suit to help recover some or all of these costs. If anyone has any more info. on any action against Chrysler/Dodge Please Please contact me. Thanks
- oldbowler,
Lake Station, IN, US
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Had a knocking sound from the enigne. Took it to Landmark Dodge in Atlanta. They said the timing chain is gone and there might be oil sludge. They gave a estimate of $3000 - $5000 for all the work. I checked on the internet and found a AC Delco shop close to home. Gave them a call. Final cost $1250. They replaced the guides, tensioners, gasket and the timing chain. Going to pick the car this Friday.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Engine stalled suddenly. Timing chain is broken with possible extensive damage to the engine. The mechanics say they won't now the extent of any damage until they get into the engine.
- David W., Indianapolis, IN, US