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.
Normally replacing a battery on a vehicle six years old is no problem. The battery had a good life. A new battery only cost about $70.00. I usually do it myself, and I'm a klutz. NOT ON THIS CAR. To replace the battery on the Dodge Intrepid you need to pull the wheel well and get deep inside the engine, and unless you are very mechanically inclined with the right tools, only a shop can do it. Two hours labor minimum. I think the job was actually closer to 240.00 now that I think about it. And that didn't include the battery.
STAY AWAY FROM THIS PIECE OF CRAP FOR A CAR! Dodge has been selling a known inferior design for years now, and seems to have absolutely no morals or business ethics. This car is designed to be expensive to maintain, and to break down early and often. It looks nice. It won't last.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Normally replacing a battery on a vehicle six years old is no problem. The battery had a good life. A new battery only cost about $70.00. I usually do it myself, and I'm a klutz. NOT ON THIS CAR. To replace the battery on the Dodge Intrepid you need to pull the wheel well and get deep inside the engine, and unless you are very mechanically inclined with the right tools, only a shop can do it. Two hours labor minimum. I think the job was actually closer to 240.00 now that I think about it. And that didn't include the battery.
STAY AWAY FROM THIS PIECE OF CRAP FOR A CAR! Dodge has been selling a known inferior design for years now, and seems to have absolutely no morals or business ethics. This car is designed to be expensive to maintain, and to break down early and often. It looks nice. It won't last.
- ogolly, Boise, ID, US