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
Typical Repair Cost:
$430
Average Mileage:
140,000 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
replaced the plastic housing and gasket (1 reports)
The coolant housing at top of engine is made of plastic. This cracked. For awhile it was a slight seep of coolant coming from the bolt threads. But then later it cracked more and fluid spewed from the housing all over engine causing a loss of fluid and risk to engine health. It was necessary for the mechanic to replace the housing and gasket. I was without my car for 1 day. It was a dealer only part, and the dealer had it in stock. If they had to order, it would have been longer with no car.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The coolant housing at top of engine is made of plastic. This cracked. For awhile it was a slight seep of coolant coming from the bolt threads. But then later it cracked more and fluid spewed from the housing all over engine causing a loss of fluid and risk to engine health. It was necessary for the mechanic to replace the housing and gasket. I was without my car for 1 day. It was a dealer only part, and the dealer had it in stock. If they had to order, it would have been longer with no car.
- Coni T., Pearl, MS, US