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:
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.
Experience numerious incidents with front disc brakes squealing since purchase of vehicle over two years ago. Normally occurs on first few instances brakes are applied after starting vehicle. Have had it inspected by dealer and independence brake shop (midas). Both dealer and midas could not determine the problem. Dealer suggested turning rotors and replacing pads but this would not be covered under warranty since it was over 5000 miles. Midas informed that turning rotors and replacing pads could correct problem but stated it wasn't necessary because there was no evidence of the situation being a hazard.
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.
We have experienced problems with the transmission slipping out of gear, extremely hard down shift from 3 to 2, hunting for gears & hard shifting in general. Vehicle has been in 5 times for repair attempt. At last attemp we were told that the manufacturer is aware of the problem, does not know how to rememdy and to keep driving the vehicle. Additionally, we had to have the rotors replaced at 14,000 miles and are experiencing intermitent grinding as well as loud squealing from the back brakes daily. We have also had trouble with the power steering, hard starting in cold weather and a grinding noise when starting the vehicle.
Brake drums and rotors keep getting warped causing vibration, pulling and loss of pedal. Transmission erratic - drops out of gear at 45mph at least once a week.
- Bradford, MA, USA
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- Columbia, MD, USA