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.
7.3
pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
7,500 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. When it rains, the instrument panel gauges, windshield wipers, and air conditioner become inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle was a lemon because it has been included in two recalls and the windows did not work at the time of purchase. The contact believes that Chrysler should repair the vehicle since the failures have been occurring since the day it was purchased. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown. The current mileage was 5,000.
Consumer bought car in 1999. Two years later transmission failed, and consumer paid $2,500 to replace it. Consumer said that when she got into vehicle and sometimes when she left vehicle the doors did not lock, and sometimes the passenger side window will not roll down. Consumer thought she had all this fixed, but problem recurred. Dashboard shut down/gauges did not work, and tdashboard illumination malfunctioned. When consumer drove dashboard ca me on at once/gauges will began working, and light came on. Consumer had to replace wiring and sensors, but problem recurred.
Multiple failures, continually steering problems. Engine leaked oil, no A/C or heated, ect. The consumer stated that the steering wheel was loose. The consumer attempted to make a left turn and hit the curb due to the loose steering wheel. The consumer stated that there might be a problem with the right side axle.
Consumer experienced head gasket failure. Other failures included rear seat belt problems, no power on the back windows, egr valve failure, transmission shifting problems and speed sensor failure.
- Kawkawlin, MI, USA
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- St. Petersburg, FL, USA