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.
3.6
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
35,635 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.
Starting March I had problems with turning the wheel and I took car to get oil and ask mechanic to check power steering fluid. Im told it is full and that they do not why I have turn the wheel as if I have no power steering. Each month I get someone check power steering and told it is full. I have to turn thee opposite way when getting out of a park. Sometimes I back in park in order to get out. Then I start having problems with car making noise and car sound wheel going to break. Electrical problems..I have no horn, inside lights, air and radio due to I took fuse out because horn blowing, lights and locks going up and down.
Driving at 35 mph and stopping at a light a loud noise (clunk) was heard from the transmission area. "check engine" light eliminated. Returned to residence and vehicle would not shift out of first gear. Vehicle towed to dealer. Dealer informed me that one of the speed sensors had failed. Dealer recommended that both input and output speed sensors be replaced, drop transmission pan for inspection, and perform transmission flush. Authorized the repair. Contacted Chrysler Corp to inquire about power train warranty. Was advised that the speed sensor was not part of the power train and the vehicle only had a 3yr/36,000 warranty on the power train. Believe this is incorrect due to warranty book received with vehicle indicates that the power train module is 7yr/70,000. Investigating further. Believe that this sensor should be covered by the power train since it provides control to that component.
- Columbia, MD, USA
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- Florence, SC, USA