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:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 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.
Washer jets and hoses for windshield wipers are clogging and result in system failure to operate. This took three service calls to resolve and should be covered as a manufacture defect. I was forced to replace motor that operates the sprayers last year and the problem continued. Per dealership, this problem is known and has not been published which means owners are being forced to pay for defective parts.
While traveling, transmission would not shift into next gear correctly. Would suddenly slam into gear, and cause vehicle to jerk forward. Rear brakes make noise. Consumer states steering wheel lock up. Windshield washer is not working. Rear bumper is coming loose. The vehicle also has noisy a suspension.
- Cleveland, OH, USA
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- St. Petersburg, FL, USA