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.
7.3
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$730
Average Mileage:
60,350 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
replace rotors and brake pads (2 reports)
replace rotors and pads every six months (1 reports)
I have a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. The front break rotors wear out prematurely and cause the steering wheel to vibrate and shake. I have Had rotors, break pads and calipers replaced 4 times and am getting ready to put another set of rotors no now. Thety tell me the rotors get hot and when i come to a stop light if i hold the break pedal down in the same spot i will create a hot spot and warp the rotor. They said to let the car roll a little at stop light to take heat off of the same spot on rotor. I never heard of this with any car i ever had.
Have had nothing but problems with this car. Transmission went out at 80,000 miles. Rotors/brakes replaced three times and currently in shop for 4th. Drivers window motor went out and had to have that replaced. Engine sensors replaced three times and light is on again.
I took my car to a dodge dealer and they said all four brakes were bad. They had to replace the rotors and pads. I have never had this problem with any other car I have owned and I am ticked.
- Lauren S.,
Emporium, PA, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I have a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. The front break rotors wear out prematurely and cause the steering wheel to vibrate and shake. I have Had rotors, break pads and calipers replaced 4 times and am getting ready to put another set of rotors no now. Thety tell me the rotors get hot and when i come to a stop light if i hold the break pedal down in the same spot i will create a hot spot and warp the rotor. They said to let the car roll a little at stop light to take heat off of the same spot on rotor. I never heard of this with any car i ever had.
- mbelter2, St Charles, MO, US