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:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,600 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.
When turning steering wheel there is a constant cracking sound, vehicle taken to dealer 8 times, steering column was replaced, but did not remedy the problem. Consumer stated that there was clicking noise on all turns and grinding type noise, dealer found rear inboard brake pad rattling, lubricated sliders and put anti squeal on inboard brake pad backing, consumer was also hearing noise over bumps, dealer found rear sway bar misaligned.
Brakes seem to pump while braking in the speed range of 20mph and below. Problem does not always happen and dealers service center could not duplicate problem.
The brakes locked up and did not stop the vehicle properly resulting in vehicle collision, no deployment of the air bags during collision resulted in injuries.
While stopping abruptly the brakes locked up and did not slow the vehicle causing consumer to rear end the vehicle in front of him, the air bags did not deploy, driver and occupants suffered head and neck injuries. Nlm
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- East Watertown, MA, USA