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.
Ignition system wouldn't sense that key was removed and kept all lights on even though the car was turned off. Killed the battery overnight so badly that I had to get a jumpstart from a tow truck. Because of the long weekend, it took my mechanic 4 days to fix my car, and had to pony up another $250 to rent a car while mine was in the shop.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Ignition system wouldn't sense that key was removed and kept all lights on even though the car was turned off. Killed the battery overnight so badly that I had to get a jumpstart from a tow truck. Because of the long weekend, it took my mechanic 4 days to fix my car, and had to pony up another $250 to rent a car while mine was in the shop.
- colinlinton, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada