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.
8.8
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,690
Average Mileage:
106,050 miles
Total Complaints:
23 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
not sure (7 reports)
rebuilt whole transmission (5 reports)
replaced transmission control module (5 reports)
replace shifter cable (2 reports)
replace transmission; redesign new transmissions (2 reports)
transmission had to be completely rebuilt (2 reports)
i bought this 2001 Dodge Intrepid,2.7L engine for my son about 14 months ago, and a week after i bought it, the transmission went out and that was $2200 to rebuild the whole transmission... now the water pump goes out, and ruins the whole engine because dodge puts the water pump INSIDE the engine... i have just learned how these engines are nothing but junk so am undecided on fixing it... if Dodge cant honor their screw-ups, i wouldnt buy a car from them ever again!!!... lets show Dodge how word of mouth can go far and that the CONSUMER can control their sales!!!... lets put Dodge out of business!!!
My car began running roughly at low speeds of 15-35 mph, like in stop and go traffic. this lasted for about 200 miles (3weeks) I live close to work. and then i was going 40 mph and it kicked into neutral. i had it towed. then they called me the next day and said it was fine, and then the next day the garage took it for a drive and towed it back... stupid piece of crap. the car only has 57000 miles on it and i have treated it well. now i am told i have to replace my transmission. the one i am getting from the salvage yard has 20000 miles on it so i figure it will last me about 3 years if it does as well as this one. that one will only cost 850. one from chrysler will cost 2325. now looking at this i see the 2.7 engines have sludge problems. I can hardly wait. the only reason i bought this car was because my 95 treated me so well. and i just saw it the other day so its treating someone else well now. and to think i bought this car because i thought the 95 was getting too risky. boy was i ever wrong............................
Even the extended 75,000 mile warranty did not cover the transmission control module. This is a pretty expensive item not to be covered by Dodge. My last Dodge or Chrysler product.
- Charles C.,
Goose Creek, SC, US
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i bought this 2001 Dodge Intrepid,2.7L engine for my son about 14 months ago, and a week after i bought it, the transmission went out and that was $2200 to rebuild the whole transmission... now the water pump goes out, and ruins the whole engine because dodge puts the water pump INSIDE the engine... i have just learned how these engines are nothing but junk so am undecided on fixing it... if Dodge cant honor their screw-ups, i wouldnt buy a car from them ever again!!!... lets show Dodge how word of mouth can go far and that the CONSUMER can control their sales!!!... lets put Dodge out of business!!!
- Cheryl G., Independence, MO, US