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.
I have owned several vehicles in my lifetime and was really excited that this would be the newest model that I had ever had (2002 bought in 2003). Unfortunately this is the worst piece of junk I have ever had. We have replaced the brakes and rotors 3 times on front. I have looked for recalls under the Dodge website but of course there was nothing.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Rotors or the reason the rotors keep failing should be RECALLED!!!!
- Lisa F., Cedar Springs, MI, US