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. Also the 2.4L engine doesn't have the oil sludge problem.
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.
Of course it only goes wrong when the winter hits, but it had to get fixed I tried everything thermostat, heater core , flushing the radiator, but nothing fixed it so I had too empty my wallet on this one part.
The center knob on the dash that regulates the inside the car temp broke. This resulted in not being able to control the inside temp of the car. The blend door went to the blue (cool) side resulting in no heat at all for the winter driving season. The estimater said that the "wire assembly" is good but the plastic it attaches to broke off. To fix this problem the dash and heater core assembly must be removed and a new assembly installed. The problem occurred after the warranty had lapsed (time). The car still has only 34000 miles. It was suggested that I trade the car if i thought the repair was too much and that there was nothing else they could do.
- Rich M.,
Gary, IN, US
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Of course it only goes wrong when the winter hits, but it had to get fixed I tried everything thermostat, heater core , flushing the radiator, but nothing fixed it so I had too empty my wallet on this one part.
- Joel H., Milton, PA, US