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
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
78,927 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
: the contact stated the timing belt snapped on the vehicle while driving 2 mph. The contact stated the belts were often checked for wear and tear. The service dealer determined the vehicle should have had a new timing belt.
The engine oil pressure light on my 2002 Dodge Intrepid comes on when the car is fully warm and idles below 700 RPM. I took it to the dealer today and learned that the 2.7 liter engine contains sludge. This sludge will cause the engine to fail within 10000 miles. The car has been properly maintained. Many many people have experienced this same problem. He engine will have to be replaced.
: the contact stated the check engine light illuminated and there was a knocking noise heard in the engine. The vehicle continually would not start. Eventually, the engine failed to start. The dealership determined the engine was bad due to oil sludge build-up and would need to be replaced.
It all started with what I thought was just a broken water connector on the top of the Chrysler 2.7 liter engine in our 2002 Dodge Intrepid. I replaced the part myself and thought that it was just a simple issue. But the very next day my wife went to work and got stranded when the car overheated again but there was leak this time just an extremely hot engine. After the engine cooled down and I was able to start it again it was clear to me that the engine had cratered and that it was all due to an internal oil problem from the beginning. As I have researched this issue it has become very clear that this is an ongoing problem with this engine and when we took it to a Dodge dealer they were not aware of the problem until I told them about it. After tearing the engine down the dealership said the problem was the same as them others described in the websites, oil sludge causing the internal lubrication to fail. The dealer gave us $800 trade in for a car worth $4000 which we had work very had to pay off early. The only other recourse was to have a used or rebuild installed at a cost of $5500 to $8500 with no guarantee that it would not happen again. So now we have a new used car and a monthly payment again for something that Chrysler knows is a problem but refuses to do anything about.
: the contact stated the engine light illuminated, and one minute later smoke started coming out of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who determine a seal on the disconnected emitting fluid which caused the smoke.
- Carrollton, GA, USA
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While driving a 2002 Dodge Intrepid, the engine seized up. No warning lights. Oil was checked and proper level was determined just prior to incident. Mileage was just under 75,000.
I bought a 2002 Dodge Intrepid SE in March 2003 with about 20K miles on it. Had it checked by a mechanic and was told all was good. $1,420 to repair the water pump" the engine made a sound, shook slightly which made me look at the gauges to see what was up. The only thing I saw was that the temperature was a little tiny bit over the halfway mark. Usually, this gauge sits without changing once the car is warmed up between the 1/4 and 1/2 mark. Recommend: Any service shop that changes the oil in a car should input that service into a national computer system so that anywhere people drive, move, visit, that record is permanent. That is my first suggestions. Then she asked me if the car had overheated. Answer: No. she said the estimate to repair the car was $1,300 and if the heads were cracked that could cost another $700. I was like, "what?" say that again. The way the 2.7L engine is built, the repairs are expensive. I asked if it was worth replacing and she said it was..she couldn't advise me...but you know how it is. This is not a problem confined to my car - it has affected a fleet of them...same type..same engine. After I drove off the lot, I heard a ticking noise. I asked about the notes on the mechanic's ticket that said, "* engine has sludge". no one ever mentioned that to me and I didn't know what it was, either, so I asked. What's that? she said, "that's just the mechanic's notes for when you bring it back." I said, "...yes...but what is it?" then a mechanic appeared and started talking about using synthetic or regular oil (how am I, a lay person, supposed to know what") to reduce engine sludge and yes, "all these 2.7L Intrepid engines have this problem." I said, "so...what does it do?" Chrysler needs to fix the 2.7L engine problems, find a fix for the sludge problem even if it means replacing the engine with another type. It is not fair to cost us unnecessary repairs.
While driving on president george bush turnpike (West) the oil light flashed on and immediately afterwards the engine locked up. The failure of the motor required that my wife, 1 year old son and I sit in the dallas heat for nearly 45 minutes while waiting for a cab to take my wife and son to the airport ($50 expense) and I waited on the tow truck to take the vehicle back to our house ($125 tow bill). Not to mention I will be expected to incur a $7000 bill in order to fix the defective engine.
I have a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. In 2003 I had the torque converter replaced. Now in 2006 I've had transmission problems again. I took it to daytona Dodge and they said it was under warranty. Then they told me I needed a new torque converter again. Then they called me about 4 days later and said I needed a engine block too because the ear that lines up the transmission was broke. They also said I needed to call my car ins. Because it was due to a impact. To make a long story short both Chrysler and allstate have denied me twice I don't know what to do. I fell they messed up when I had the work done the first time by not lining it up right. The car has been there since Jan. 26. I've had to rent cars for about $2000 (25.00 a day) till I couldn't afford it any more I bought a $600 car and the Dodge is still there I hope you can help me.
My wife was driving to work when the car quickly overheated. She immediately pulled vehicle off the road and turned it off. She was left stranded over 25 miles from our home on foot. Later that day after it had cooled down I added coolant and drove it about 2 miles to a small repair shop. They advised me that either the head gasket was blown or the block was cracked. I had it towed to the dealership where I purchased it. They advised me my motor was blown as a result of oil sludge build up. They concluded this after removing only the valve cover on one side. Before asking me for either a maintenance log or oil change receipts I was informed the failure was due to owner neglect. When I protested to the service manager I was asked to produce receipts. Upon seeing that there was a 4000 mile lapse between oil changes warranty coverage was denied. I was even charged $225 to examine my car to deny warranty coverage. I have repeatedly request that the Chrysler zone manager be put in touch with me to no avail. My car sits parked in front of my house still completely disabled as I continue to make payments.
The contact stated the timing chain came loose and damaged the top valve cover of the engine. While driving, the vehicle stalled, and had to be towed. He contacted the manufacturer. There were no recalls on this problem. The vehicle will be inspected by a mechanic. Depending on what the mechanic will report the vehicle will either be repaired or salvaged.
Hello I own a 2002 Dodge Intrepid, this vehicle has been giving me serious problems since it reached 60,000 miles. It all started with the oil light flickering on and off and the engine light would also do the same thing. Then the water pump and thermostat went out. Next the water outlet housing started leaking. Now the transmission is acting up and the car makes big jerking motions when driving and the RPM rises up. My wife has been in the car with our children and the car would just stall, while driving. Finally I had enough the safety of my family is number one priority. It seems Dodge owners around this country are having similar problems at such low mileage. My neighbors, friends and family members are telling the same story. These vehicles need to be recalled, due to engine defects. I have spent hundreds of dollars already in repairs. Every family deserves a vehicle that is safe for their family, friends, and neighbors. The Dodge Intrepid's need to be recalled, because they are very unsafe to drive. It shouldn't have to take a death to recall these vehicles. Put an end to this engine failures and demand a recall. We need your help to solve this safety hazard, with these engines. I have parked the vehicle even though I still owe 4,900 dollars because I didn't want to trade the car in and put another family, in danger. My wife and I purchased another vehicle, has over 70,000 miles and runs really well. Please recall the Dodge Intrepids, help keep are streets and highways safe, from defected engines. Went out and the water outlet housing leaks.
The problem began two or three days ago. While driving vehicle shut off and stopped. The check engine light came on. Vehicle was taken to a mechanic, and was unable to determine what the code meant. Vehicle was taken to a second mechanic, who again was unable to determine the cause of the problem. This mechanic changed the rotors, but also was unable to tell what the code meant. The vehicle shut down on a main road, a 4 lane highway, while traveling about 50 mph. There was no other warning besides the check engine light to indicate that the car was going to shut down. Vehicle coasted to a stop and rested in the turning lane. There was a little braking, but no steering ability. Electrical system was still functioning. The police came, and the vehicle was towed to a shop. Then a couple days later the vehicle started back up with a clutter in the engine.
Dodge Intrepid 2002 1), weesk prior oil loight came on and it was cold out and then it ent out. Never thought much about it. 2) failure of engine (siezed engine) 2 blokcs from my house going about 40 miles per hour and I attempted to go home and my car died straddling 3 lanes of traffic. 3) nothing yet, suspect I need a new engine.
Without warning the vehicle stalled. Driver pulled over and restarted the vehicle. Then, towed vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the coolant bleeder housing blew out, and the engine needed to be replaced.
While driving 25 mph consumer heard a clicking noise, then, the engine blew out. Consumer had the vehicle towed. Dealership was aware of the problem, but did not resolve it.
While driving, the vehicle stalled the driver tried to restart, but was unable to do so. The driver had the vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the engine needed replacement.
Vehicle cut off. Mechanic stated that vehicle was two quarts of oil low. Consumer drove the vehicle for approximately six months and then vehicle would not start.
I get oil change as directed and have never had problems. All of a sudden, I'm driving and nearly had a fatal accident as my car engine just started running terrible. The dealer states that my engine has failed and that I must pay $3200. There was a news special report on the same night regarding my vehicle and it appears that this problem is common. The dealer states that they've heard numerous complaints as well as other mechanics but Chrysler refuses to recall. This is very dangerous and I am terribly dissatisfied. Please help!!
I have a 2002 Chrysler Intrepids with a sludges build up problem. I 'm covered under a warranty that I purchased with Chrysler at time time of sell. I have been told that my car is not covered for the sludge problem by the insrance company that my car is under. The mechanic at the Dodge dealership showed me about four other engine with the same problem that my car have and they all were rejected to be repaired under the warrant. The mechanic told me this is a on going problem with the Intrepids and the oil should be changed every other month to stop the build up and Chrysler is not telling the the owners of this need to change the oil everyother month to prevent the sludge build up.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Denver, CO, USA