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.
We bought our 2002 Dodge Intrepid with 68K miles in Feb of 2010 from a used car dealer. After we purchased it, the car had an oil leak and bad battery, so we brought it back and they "fixed" the issue. THEN 3 months later we had to have the Head Gaskets changed and multiple other engine pieces because of numerous oil leaks inside the engine($2500 out of our pocket). THEN, the car needed the WHOLE timing chain replaced because of the grips that keep the chain on track was worn down(i forgot the name of the part needing to be replaced). That was another $650 out of our pocket. We have replaced the fuel pump, the fuel line, the O2 sensors and the engine is STILL not running right.
Our mechanic has told us to sell it because we will be needing to replace the engine soon. There is a knocking in the engine that doesn't sound good. The car takes ALOT of work to accelerate and is REALLY loud! I know we have replaced a few more engine parts as well, but I can't remember them right now. All of this work between 68K-89K miles. I will NEVER own another Dodge AGAIN!!! They make such CRAPPY cars! Only Hondas and nissans from now on!
I've had this car for awhile now and it's given me nothing but problem after problem!!! Out of nowhere my lights start flickering off and on at night while I'm driving, these being the inside lights. Then it starts during the day and out of nowhere my car decides not to turn on anymore. I had AAA come out and check the battery and the alternator. The guy said that the alternator tested good, so I took my car to get the battery checked out. I was told that the battery was fine. It was fully charged up and I drove it home from the shop the next day. Luckily I decided to go with my girlfriend to the store in her car because when I came home and got in my car to go to work, guess what!!!!???? The damn car sat in silence. I called the shop pissed!!! They told me that the battery was fine...If the battery and alternator are ok then what the hell is the problem?? I jumped the car a few times and as soon as I turn the lights on the car is off! The last two times I jumped it I moved the seat forward and it shut off. Just today I jumped it and let it charge for 20 mins. Then I stepped away from the car for two mins. and she sits in silence again until I can get enough money to figure out whats wrong, now I'm sh*t out of luck without a car!!
- elanderos,
Fresno, CA, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
We bought our 2002 Dodge Intrepid with 68K miles in Feb of 2010 from a used car dealer. After we purchased it, the car had an oil leak and bad battery, so we brought it back and they "fixed" the issue. THEN 3 months later we had to have the Head Gaskets changed and multiple other engine pieces because of numerous oil leaks inside the engine($2500 out of our pocket). THEN, the car needed the WHOLE timing chain replaced because of the grips that keep the chain on track was worn down(i forgot the name of the part needing to be replaced). That was another $650 out of our pocket. We have replaced the fuel pump, the fuel line, the O2 sensors and the engine is STILL not running right.
Our mechanic has told us to sell it because we will be needing to replace the engine soon. There is a knocking in the engine that doesn't sound good. The car takes ALOT of work to accelerate and is REALLY loud! I know we have replaced a few more engine parts as well, but I can't remember them right now. All of this work between 68K-89K miles. I will NEVER own another Dodge AGAIN!!! They make such CRAPPY cars! Only Hondas and nissans from now on!
- katbat, Buckeye, AZ, US