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.
some how the wire harness behind my engine has melted together. I'm told that pretty pricey to fix. & I don't have the money to be blowing on my car, so all that money I put into it is gone. i guess to the junk yard the car goes. That was the worst mistake ever - to buy that car
I have had 4 batteries this year. I was told it was a bad battery. The second time I was told the problem was a blower motor on the air conditioner but if it happened again (somehow!) bring it back. The third time was a rousing We don't know. Then one day I am in the car with my preschooler and infant and I get smoke from the hood when I start it. Later, after being told it was safe to drive, the battery light came on and stayed on until it died. Yet another new battery and an alternator later, it dies completely again. The dealership I had it towed to said the wiring harness on the power distribution center had melted and had to be completely rewired. You try to convince me that this was a sudden occurence and my car just happened to have Other problems all year causing the same symptoms. Coincidence or a problem they never found until the car needed $500 to $1000 estimated work.
- lapplegate,
Lexington, KY, US
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some how the wire harness behind my engine has melted together. I'm told that pretty pricey to fix. & I don't have the money to be blowing on my car, so all that money I put into it is gone. i guess to the junk yard the car goes. That was the worst mistake ever - to buy that car
- deannag, Clarksville, TN, US