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.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
73,167 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Intrepid. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, the air bags warning light illuminated as well as the horn failed when depressed. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph the cruise control failed to engage as he had to increase his speed to avoid being rear-ended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that he researched the failure online and found NHTSA action number: PE03010 (vehicle speed control) and believes the failure was related. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. The VIN was not available.
Takata recall, the car had a safety bulletin for the air bag switch. The dealership confirmed a faulty airbag switch. They said the part would be ordered, no one got to me. The airbag is partially inflated.
Air bag light came on, then no cruise control, no horn, air bag light stays on. Was told that there might be a recall on this particular vehicle. Called dealership in bloomington, in. And was told that they didn't know and that they don't handle recalls.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Pittsburg, KS, USA