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.
2.0
hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
79,000 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 contact stated that the power steering failed. The vehicle began smoking underneath the hood, and the mechanic replaced the power steering pump and hose. Also, the contact stated that the transmission failed and caused the indicators on the instrument panel to malfunction. This failure prevented her from determining how fast she was driving. In addition, the gears failed to shift from second gear. The mechanic stated that a sensor in the transmission and the air conditioning system failed. Also, the cooling system failed, and the water pump and timing belt were replaced twice. The failure began when the vehicle ran hot. She will collect the work reports and receipts from the dealer regarding the other failures that occurred. The current mileage is 105,000, and failure mileage was 79,000.
- Cameron, TX, USA
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- Cameron, TX, USA