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.
2.7
hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
55,167 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 owns a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. The contact noticed that the engine warning indicator would consistently illuminate on the instrument panel. In addition, he observed smoke underneath the hood of the vehicle. He took the vehicle to the dealer on numerous occasions and they replaced the water pump, vacuum lines, and hoses. None of the repairs have corrected the failure. The manufacturer did not assist. The failure mileage was 67,000 and current mileage was 77,000. Updated 4/23/09 the consumer stated the vehicle would start to smoke and at times it would stall. The tie rods were replace. Updated 04/27/09.
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Intrepid. While driving approximately 10 mph around a tight curve, the vehicle jerked to the right without warning. Sludge was removed from the vehicle on three occasions. The contact heard a ticking sound coming from the steering. He stated that the passenger side front tie rod is bent, but the bolt is still attached. The tire has excessive wear and had to be changed three times. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 62,000 and failure mileage was 30,000.
I took my 2002 Dodge Intrepid to dealership to check out a vibration in the front end of the vehicle and to have some other service performed. I told them the front end (wheels, steering) vibrated at certain speeds and when braking. Service was performed and I was told that the vibration was a "tire problem". as I drove the vehicle home the vibration proceded to get worse. When I checked the vehicle it took all of 5 minutes to find that the right inner tie rod end was worn out and the source of the vibration. I have subsequntly found that this problem is endemic of the Intrepid, and as such should have been readily visible to a Dodge mechanic
- Bradenton, FL, USA
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- Copperas Cove, TX, USA