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:
8 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
9 / 2
Average Mileage:
10,175 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.
Nar 1/29/2003. The consumer was involved in a head on collision which caused $6000 in damages and the air bags did not deploy. The consumer received injuries which required extensive medical treatment.
Vehicle was involved in a head on collision while driving at 65 mph. Upon impact, the air bags failed to deploy. Driver and passenger were both killed, and vehicle burned. According to the police report seatbelt usage was not determined. Most likely the driver was not belted because he was pulled from the vehicle prior to the fire. Impact speed was approximately 60-65 mph.
Rear ended a truck where the front end of the Stratus went under the truck's bumper. Point of impact was just under where the hood latches causing the hood to buckle up, doing damage to both front quarter panels, broke radiator and pushed it back into the engine, broke air compressor, both head lights, and caused 'cracking' in the windshield. Not sure of speed at time of impact but speed of car before impact was around 45 mph, driver hit brakes hard but not enough distance to stop - there were skid marks about 2 feet in length. Air bags did not deploy!
While coming to a stop, and then proceeding to take off at about 25 mph another car came from around the corner, and consumer's vehicle hit the other vehicle. Upon impact, none of front airbags deployed. Please provide any further infomation.
- Detroit, MI, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
While driving at approximately 20 mph driver rearended a truck, dual airbags did not deploy, causing serious injuries. Manufacturer claimed airbags were not deective.
While driving 50mph noticed cow in road, slammed on brakes to avoid hitting cow, but hit the cow. Upon impact with the cow, neither air bag deployed. Entire right front was damaged. The windshield was broken. Vehicle was declared totalled by insurance company. Five individuals received emergency room treatment due to accident.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Haw River, NC, USA