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:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 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.
While driving vehicle, and when applying brakes consumer smelt brakes burning. When consumer stopped and looked brakes were on fire.also, steering column locked. Please add VIN.
Vehicle has had a continuous brake problem that still has not been corrected. While applying brakes, brake pedal feels firm or catches like it is slowing down to stop vehicle. Brake pedal gets soft, goes to the floor, and causes vehicle to roll. Mechanic has changed front and rear pads, but problem seemed to have gotten worse. It was recommend that consumer go to a Dodge dealer to see if problem could be rectified.
The problem with the brakes is that they do not stop the car. It feels like when you hit the brakes that the transmission won't disengage. It may not really be a disengagement problem but the brakes have never been good at stopping the car. When you hit the brakes the car nosedives but feels like it won't stop. It is like you have to get out of the seat and stand on the brakes. The feel is like the old brakes that had heat build up. You would get that outgassing that would resist pedal pressure. This has resulted in many near accidents and finally an accident. I also drive a pick up truck and those brakes work much better. I beleive there is an inherent defect with the brakes. It is also possible there is a frame problem. I don't see how a less than 10 mph accident could crush the hood and the front end to over 2600 bucks of damage. No damage to the car I hit except for a couple of chips in the paint on the bumper.
While traveling at 30 mph consumer noticed ABS indication light flashing. When depressing brakes vehicle continued to travel, causing poor stopping distance. Please provide further informaton.
- Live Oak, FL, USA
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When applying the brakes the pedal did not move which causesd total brake failure. ABS brake warning light did not illuminate, indicating a malfunction within the system.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Las Vegas, NV, USA