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 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
147,500 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.
Drove car approximately 10 miles to store. Was in parking lot, pulling into a parking space, noticed smoke from under hood. Woman in lot stopped and told me my car was on fire. Backed out of parking spot to center of aisle. Car fully engulfed in flames within minutes. Cause of fire not yet determined.
The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning as the driver began traveling 65 mph. The driver turned the vehicle off on the emergency lane for a few minutes and was able to restart it. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop and the mechanic stated the fuel filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated the crank shaft sensor and the can sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified but they stated that the warranty expired. The failure mileage was 100,000.
- Acoor, GA, USA
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- Mays Landing , NJ, USA