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:
44,632 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 traveling on interstate I85 in SC. The sunroof glass dislodged and flew off of the roof of my vehicle. The glass shattered on the roadway and fortunately no other vehicles were struck. After further inspection and investigation it was clear that the glass had separated from the frame of the sunroof assembly. According to the manufacturers label, it was manufactured by vermeulen - hollandia serial number 399915. Apparently there is an open voluntary recall on sunroofs manufactured by this company for separation issues. The model numbers reference in this voluntary recall is model number 60000000 and above and apparently does not include the 3000000 series. Since the issues are the same, I.e. separation of glass and frame, there are clearly other safety issues still out there. Hollandia's voluntary recall is alleged to be for non factory installed products, however, my 1999 Dodge Stratus was purchased new from the dealer with this sunroof installed.
1999 Dodge Stratus, unit 1 was traveling westbound in the right lane. Unit 2 was disabled on the right berm westbound. Unit 3 was entering 180 from the westbound acceleration ramp at interchange 180. Unit 3 failed to yield entering I80. Unit 1 rear trailer duels were struck by unit 3 in the right lane. Unit 3 separated from the trailer of unit 1, ran off the right side of the road, and struck unit 2. unit # 3 failed to yield which resulted in the collision. Ohio traffic report (10-0041-91) updated 03/21/11
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
1999 Dodge Stratus is making an extremly loud squealing & grinding sound which is coming from the front driver's side. The mechanics are unable to identify the problem. They have checked the brakes, rotors & steering column to no avail. The problem started when turning the vehicle to the right & now is continually making the loud noise when going straight & turning right. It also makes the noise when braking at any speed, slow or 55mph. It does not make the noise when turning left. Any assistance and/or suggestions as to what it might be will be greatly appreciated. It does not feel safe to drive this car & I need it to get to work. Thank you.
1998 Dodge Stratus. While driving, a tire recap came off of another vehicle and struck the left side mirror of the consumers vehicle. (Ohio traffic crash report)
- Deptford, NJ, USA
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Compressor blew out-car shakes hard now. Self adjusting brakes don't feel right, they feel weak. Rolling windows down takes away power to the car, or ac. Brakes make unusual noises but Dodge said there was nothing wrong with them, my mechanic said they needed to be adjusted but Dodge said the brakes adjust themselves
Five incidences where the car will not shift out of 2nd gear. This happens when the car is placed in drive. It lunges forward because it is already in 2nd gear. Will not shift into 1st or 3rd gear from there. Auto stick is stuck in 2nd also. This causes the "check engine" light to be displayed. Three different dealers replaced shifting sensors, soleonoids in transmission, replaced seals. After last repair, car made it one block before problem arose again, and this time the speedometer did not move from 0. the car was obviously not test driven before we were called to pick it up. This problem has cost me lost wages with no way to get to work.
My sensors went bad in July 2001. I have reviewed several recalls on the car and none have been replaced. I have warranty on my car, but they are making me pay half (1000.00) and I shouldn't because there have recalls on fuel line fittings, stearing gear assembly, power train, engine: Pulley:crankshaft, brakes. I take my car to get service. The warranty company says, I did not maintain it and they are not responsible. I never received any letters concerning the recalls. I have a lemon and I am not responsible for this. The recalls began 9/23/2001. Jim burke should have never sold me the car. I am highly frustrated. The oil had been leaking out of my car and no light came on. The warranty says I am responsible. I am not.
My sensors went bad in July 2001. I have reviewed several recalls on the car and none have been replaced. I have warranty on my car, but they are making me pay half (1000.00) and I shouldn't because there have recalls on fuel line fittings, stearing gear assembly, power train, engine: Pulley:crankshaft, brakes. I take my car to get service. The warranty company says, I did not maintain it and they are not responsible. I never received any letters concerning the recalls. I have a lemon and I am not responsible for this. The recalls began 9/23/2001. Jim burke should have never sold me the car. I am highly frustrated. The oil had been leaking out of my car and no light came on. The warranty says I am responsible. I am not.
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Boiling Springs, SC, USA