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.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,375 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 driving 65 mph, the driver applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. A loud squeaking noise was heard coming from the driver's side wheel. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic replaced both rotors and other brake parts. The tie rods failed.
Consumer stated stopping distance is increased, and brakes pulsate when they are applied, dealer has replaced pads and turned rotors, problem was corrected for a short time and reoccurred. When trying to stop the vehicle, the brakes squeal and growl taking a longer distance to stop. The consumer believes the brakes are defective.
After being in an accident head on there was not much damage to vehicle, soon after consumer got out of vehicle, it caught on fire. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything. Consumer stated ABS failed.
I had tried several times to contact the additional insurance and the dealers and no one ever responded to me.. I replaced the brakes also before I had the accident.
Brakes make a horrible sound each time applied, sometimes seems I have no brakes. I have had the dealership to check out every 3 months. They say, they look like new and they will always have the bad sound because they can't use asbestos in brakes anymore.
- Concord, NC, USA
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The brakes on my car were squeaking about every other time I braked from the time I got the car, and the dealer could never duplicate the problem, until I had brought my car in for the six time and the brakes were squeaking as I pulled into the shop. The dealer replace my brakes at around about 5000 miles. I informed the dealer that when ever I drove my car and parked it, not only was the brakes still squeeking, but I also would get burning smell coming from the rear left wheel. I took the car back over 5 to 6 times and they still could not smell or dulicate the problem. I contacted daimler Chrysler and inform them of the problems I was having with my brakes and the dealer not being able to find a problem, their suggestion was to take my car to another dealer since it is still under warranty. I was told by this dealer that my brakes were going to squeek, because they had to switch materials, that it road salt, it dirt from the road. I was given so many bogus excuses, that I decided to try another way. I need help. I afraid to drive my car because my brakes has already failed to stop my car once.
Brakes do not operate properly, do not stop vehicle. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that they were aware of this issue and were unable to locate problem. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.
Braking system malfunctions when roads are wet, causing vehicle to skid which may cause a crash. Also, braking system experienced extended stopping distance which may result in a crash. The customer says the sticker on the vehicle's window indicate that the vehicle does not have ABS.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- East Watertown, MA, USA