CarComplaints.com Notes: The Dodge Stratus, Intrepid & 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:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
91,500 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 1999 Dodge Stratus. The aftermarket floormats rise underneath the brake pedal and catch onto the steering column. While driving between 2-5 mph, the steering wheel locked due to the floormat and the contact could not turn the wheel. The vehicle crashed into his other parked vehicle. The front bumper was damaged. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer. The contact feels that the vehicle should have a hook installed to prevent the floormat from moving. He did not have any product information regarding the floormats. The failure mileage was 100,000 and current mileage was 160,000. Updated 03-04-08
I have had my Dodge Stratus ES for approximately 3 years and the back safety shoulder harness has quit working now 2 times. The first time I had it fixed under warranty and this last time the dealership refused to repair it without it costing a small fortune. I think there should there should be some kind of automatic repair of safety parts, such as, seat belts, etc without a small fortune having to be paid.
- Mesquite, TX, USA
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- North Massapequa, NY, USA