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.
After putting the car in drive the auto lock keeps trying to lock the doors, the interior light comes on and the car dings relentlessly. After 100,000 miles everything starts to break or malfunction on this car. I rate this car as a "throw away" car. I haven't found a solution to this problem anywhere online and I'm not about to pay a dealer a repair bill. If anyone knows how to fix this problem please tell me.
After I get in the car and head down the street, my car will ding with the Door Ajar warning. The locks will engage & disengage and the interior lights will stay on as if the door were open. This is freaking annoying!! Often I drive to work with my interior lights on because I can't figure out what is causing this. No matter how many times I slam the driver side door shut, it will keep up.
- hoosierxheart,
Springville, IN, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
After putting the car in drive the auto lock keeps trying to lock the doors, the interior light comes on and the car dings relentlessly. After 100,000 miles everything starts to break or malfunction on this car. I rate this car as a "throw away" car. I haven't found a solution to this problem anywhere online and I'm not about to pay a dealer a repair bill. If anyone knows how to fix this problem please tell me.
- Tim B., Cumming, GA, US